The Essential Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Spring Bar Tool
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Time to read 7 min
Introduction
Changing your watch strap can instantly transform the look and feel of your timepiece. Whether you're refreshing an old favourite or customising a new acquisition, the right tools make all the difference. At the heart of this process is the spring bar tool, a small but mighty instrument that allows for safe and efficient strap changes.
Table of Contents
Introduction Understanding Watch Strap Changes: The Fundamentals Exploring Different Spring Bar Tool Styles WatchObsession Travel Spring Bar Tool Bergeon Spring Bar Tool 6767-F JPM Spring Bar Tool with Brown Leather Pouch WatchObsession Spring Bar Tool with Ruler Bergeon 6825 Watch Strap Spring Bar Pliers Essential Additions to Your Watch Tool Kit Conclusion
Best Spring Bar Tools: Expert Tips for Changing Watch Straps at Home.
Our Top Spring Bar Tools
Understanding Watch Strap Changes: The Fundamentals
What is a Spring Bar Tool?
A spring bar tool is a specialised instrument designed to facilitate the removal and installation of watch straps. Watch straps are typically held in place by spring bars—tiny, spring-loaded pins that fit into lug holes on the watch case.
A spring bar tool features a small fork or pin-like end that compresses these spring bars, allowing you to release or secure the strap without scratching your watch. The other end of a spring bar tool often features a pin end, this is for spring bar removal through drilled lugs it you watch features this.
Can All Watch Straps Be Changed?
While most watch straps are designed to be interchangeable, there are exceptions. The vast majority of straps that attach to the watch case with spring bars can be changed using a spring bar tool. However, some watches feature integrated bracelets or proprietary attachment systems that may require specialised tools or professional assistance. Always check your watch's specifications or consult a watchmaker if you're unsure.
Exploring Different Spring Bar Tool Styles
Spring Bar tools come in various forms, each offering unique advantages depending on your needs and the type of watch you're working with. Understanding these variations will help you choose the best tool for your collection. Here's a closer look at some popular spring bar tools, highlighting their features, and what makes them stand out:
WatchObsession Travel Spring Bar Tool
This compact tool from the WatchObsession Tool Collection is designed for convenience and portability.
Pros: Robust and well-constructed, offering good value. Its compact size (approx. 125mm length) makes it easy to carry without risk of injury. Features two screw-off ends with a forked tip for spring bar removal and a plain tip for pin removal, with removable tips.
Cons: Although the forked end is small at 2mm, perfect for changing most watch straps. This may not be narrow enough for the removal of all watch bracelets, as they often have a smaller gap, this is more notable on Rolex watches in particular.
Bergeon Spring Bar Tool 6767-F
The Bergeon 6767-F is widely regarded as an industry standard, favored by watchmakers for its precision and reliability.
Pros: High quality and well-made, offering precision for delicate work. Features easily replaceable fine point (0.8mm) and fine fork (1.2mm) tips. Excellent for both leather and metal attachments, making strap changes simple and effective.
Cons: At over double the price our own spring bar tool at £22.95, the Bergeon tools are not as affordable as other options. This is to be expected from such a highly regarded brand.
JPM Spring Bar Tool with Brown Leather Pouch
An ergonomic and stylish option, perfect for changing straps on the go.
Pros: Features a high-quality stainless steel construction with rubber grip rings for comfortable handling. Comes with a stylish brown Italian calf leather pouch for excellent portability. Pin and fork attachments are neatly concealed within the tool.
Cons: Being inherently designed for travel, this is smaller compared to the others, making it less ergonomic in the hand.
WatchObsession Spring Bar Tool with Ruler
Part of the WatchObsession Tool Collection, this tool combines functionality with an added utility.
Pros: Well-made and effective for changing watch straps or buckles. Features removable forked and pin ends, offering versatility. The integrated 60mm ruler is a convenient addition for quick measurements, making it ideal for a workshop or office.
Cons: Having a 3mm pin tip, this is another tool that may not be ideal when working with watches with bracelets.
Bergeon 6825 Watch Strap Spring Bar Pliers
These pliers are a professional-grade tool designed for efficiency and ease, especially with bracelets.
Pros: Made specifically for spring bar pins, aiding in efficient installation and removal of watch bracelets and bands. The width adjusts from 10mm to 30mm and can be locked with a screw. Features two reversible stainless steel forks that can be angled from 0 to 45 degrees, making it suitable for curved end bracelets. Available with standard (1.30mm wide, 0.33mm point) or fine tips (1.10mm wide, 0.23mm point).
Cons: Can be more expensive than traditional stick-style tools. There is also a learning curve when using this style of spring bar tool, it's best to practice on less expensive watches as mistakes can be costly when scratches are involed.
Essential Additions to Your Watch Tool Kit
Beyond spring bar tools, other specialised instruments can greatly enhance your ability to maintain and customise your watches. These tools are crucial for tasks like adjusting bracelet links or working with screw-in components.
Bracelet Link Removal Tool
This tool is specifically designed to help you resize metal watch bracelets by removing or adding links with pin-style attachments.
An excellent and cost-effective way to adjust watch bracelets at home, saving you a trip to a jeweller. It includes two spare pins and can adjust bracelets up to 24mm wide, capable of removing even stubborn pins.
Beco Technic 7 Piece Watch Screwdriver Box Set
A high-quality set of precision screwdrivers, essential for watches with screw-in spring bars or bracelet links, as well as general watch maintenance.
Manufactured to high standards by Beco Technic in Europe, offering dependable quality superior to many cheaper alternatives. Highly regarded for working on metal bracelets and watch cases. The set includes 7 precision screwdrivers (0.6mm to 2.0mm), each with a spare tip, and comes in a compact plastic storage box.
Conclusion
Choosing the right spring bar tool can significantly enhance your watch ownership experience, making strap changes a breeze. Each tool offers distinct advantages, from the precision of the Bergeon 6767-F to the portability of the Travel Spring Bar Tool and the specialised functionality of the Bergeon 6825 pliers. Additionally, tools like the Bracelet Link Removal Tool and a quality screwdriver set are invaluable additions for comprehensive watch care.
Precision: For meticulous work and delicate watches, tools like the Bergeon 6767-F are ideal.
Portability: If you need a tool on the go, compact options such as the Travel Spring Bar Tool or the JPM Spring Bar Tool with Pouch are excellent choices.
Versatility: Tools with multiple tips or integrated features, like the Spring Bar Tool with Ruler, offer added convenience.
Specialized Use: For frequent bracelet changes or challenging lug designs, the Bergeon 6825 pliers can be a worthwhile investment.
Bracelet Adjustment: A dedicated Bracelet Link Removal Tool is crucial for resizing metal bracelets.
Screw-in Components: A quality set of screwdrivers, like the Beco Technic set, is essential for screw-in spring bars and links.
Consider your watch collection, how frequently you change straps, and your budget when making your selection. With the right tools, you'll be able to customise and maintain your watches with confidence and ease.
The Author: Will Parker
Will Parker is the Head of Media at WatchObsession and has been with the company since 2020. As our dedicated photographer, videographer and content creator, he has changed more buckles, straps and clasps than we can count and his own personal watch collection grows every year, although his strap collection is growing faster.
Other Essential Watch Tools and Kits
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use household tools to change my watch strap?
It is strongly recommended to use a dedicated spring bar tool. Using household items like screwdrivers or knives can easily scratch your watch case, damage the spring bars, or even cause injury.
How often should I change my watch straps?
This depends on your personal preference and the type of strap. Some enthusiasts change straps to match outfits or occasions, while others only change them when a strap is worn out.
Are replacement tips available for spring bar tools?
Many high-quality spring bar tools, especially those from reputable brands like Bergeon, offer replaceable tips, extending the life of your tool.
What is the benefit of a plier-style spring bar tool?
Plier-style tools, like the Bergeon 6825, allow you to compress both ends of the spring bar simultaneously, which can be particularly useful for changing metal bracelets or straps with tight tolerances, reducing the risk of scratching the lugs.
How do I measure my watch for a new strap?
You'll need to measure the lug width, which is the distance between the lugs where the strap attaches to the watch case. This measurement is typically in millimeters. Some spring bar tools even come with a ruler to assist with this.
