In order to change a watch strap, it is important to know how to properly remove the old strap. A simple scratch or cut can ruin the strap. First, remove the old strap, then measure the distance between the lugs, and install the new one. Be sure to read the case back first to ensure that the strap will fit correctly.

Brown leather watch band on wooden table

How to remove a leather or nylon strap

  1. First, turn the watch face down so that you can easily access the underside of the straps. You can then use a spring bar tool to remove the strap from its lugs. The tool fits into the notch on the spring bar, which is located between the strap piece and the lug. Then, carefully remove the spring bar by pulling it out from the lugs.

  2. Once you have loosened the strap, place the new one in the lug hole. You may need to push the spring bar toward the lug hole with your screwdriver. Once it is seated, you can then push the blade of the new strap into place. When the new watch strap is in place, snap it into place. Then, you can wipe the face of the watch clean with a microfiber cloth.

  3. Most watches come with a metal bracelet or spring bar, but some are fitted with leather or rubber straps. Depending on the type of connection, you may need to remove the original strap. To remove the original strap, you will need a spring bar tool, which has a forked end. Use this tool to pry out the old strap.

  4. To remove a leather or nylon watch strap, first remove the spring bar. A spring bar is a metal rod that is spring-loaded. The ends have double-flanges that fit into the small holes in the lugs of the watch case. This tool is long and thin and forked, which makes it easier to push out the spring bar.

  5. While it is possible to remove the strap without removing the watch, it is important to know how to clean the watch case. Leather and nylon watch cases are more difficult to clean than other types. Make sure that you keep the watch case clean by periodically cleaning it. This will ensure that it stays fresh and clean for longer.

  6. If you've removed the strap, you should now pull the spring bar from the watch's lug. Make sure to apply gentle downward pressure, but be careful not to bend or break the spring bar.

How to remove spring bars from the watch

  1. To change the strap on your watch, you will need a tool to remove the spring bar from the watch. The tool is usually made up of two parts: the fine end and the bottom end. The fine end goes into the indent in the case lug and the bottom part goes into the other indent. While removing the spring bar, you should be gentle to avoid scratching the watch or damaging the watch.

  2. Using a spring bar tool to remove a watch strap is very simple. First, you need to remove the buckle. Using a screwdriver or other tool, push the spring bar tool inwards against the strap. When the tool is in place, the spring bar should snap into place with a click. Using a spring bar tool can scratch the lugs, so be careful.

  3. The spring bar tool can be purchased separately or as part of a watch repair kit. It comes with a v-shaped point to push the spring bar and free the end link. Then, you can remove the lugs with a jeweler's screwdriver. You can loosen the screws by turning the screwdriver counterclockwise, but watchmakers usually reinforce the screws with glue so that you must be careful.

  4. You can also use a spring bar tool to remove a watch that doesn't have drilled lugs. This type of spring bar tool has a rounded tip that engages a small ridge on the spring bar. Once you have freed the spring bar from the lug, push the strap forward and pull it free of the spring bar.

  5. If you don't have a spring bar tool, you'll need a small screwdriver and a flat head watchmaker's screwdriver. You need to use a steady hand to remove the screws and remove the spring bar piece from the watch.

  6. Another tool you may need to remove the spring bar is a paperclip. The tool can compress the spring bar and lever the band out. A non-magnetic tweezer can be useful for this task.


How to measure the distance between the lugs

You can use a caliper or ruler to measure the distance between the lugs on your watch strap. The lug width refers to the distance between the two inside lugs on the watch. You can also use thread or a soft measuring tape. Be sure to measure in the exact spot where you will wear the watch.

Some straps are imprinted with the width of the lugs, but straps made of other materials are unlikely to have this information. Fortunately, calculating the distance between the lugs of a watch strap is a simple process. The first step is removing the strap. If you have a modern leather strap, it may come with quick-release tabs that make the strap easy to remove. If not, simply insert the spring bar tool into the ridged shoulder and apply pressure to the forked end of the spring bar. The strap should come off with little effort.

Once you have measured the width of the lugs, you can determine what the width replacement straps should be. The width of a strap will vary depending on the timepiece but typically ranges between 18mm and 26mm. This information will help you choose a strap that is the right length. In addition, if you're using a leather strap, you may be able to find an imprinted stamp on the strap with the lug width.

Another way to measure the width of a watch strap is to use a ruler or caliper. The distance between the lugs is measured in millimeters. This number is a more accurate measure than the width of a strap. If your strap is 20mm wide, you'll need a two-millimeter taper.


You can use a ruler or soft tape measure to measure the width of the lugs on a watch strap. The width of the strap is proportional to the size of the case. If your wrist is thin, you should select a narrower strap while those with thicker wrists may prefer a wider strap.

How to install a new strap

The first step in installing a new watch strap is to remove the old strap. To do this, you can either use a spring bar tool, or you can use a small flathead screwdriver. After removing the old band, unclasp the new one and slide it into the lug hole.

Removing the old strap

The first step in installing a new watch strap is to remove the old strap. To do this, you can either use a spring bar tool, or you can use a small flathead screwdriver. After removing the old band, unclasp the new one and slide it into the lug hole.

Spring bars

Once you have removed the old strap, you must remove the spring bar tool from the watch. If you're using a Nato strap, you'll need to slide it through the gap between the spring bar and the watch lug. Afterward, reinstall the strap using the same procedure for the other piece.

You can reuse the spring bars on the new strap, or you can install new ones. Make sure the spring bars are secure, as they can get damaged and loosen with regular use. Make sure the spring bars are visible on both sides of the new strap. Once done, you're ready to wear your new watch.

Final check

If you're new to watches and are unsure of how to install a new strap, you should attach the short end to the top of the watch. If you fail to do so, it will make the watch look weird. Also, you should ensure that the strap is fitted correctly on the watch.

Conclusion

You've now learned how to change a watch strap. Be sure to remove the old strap, measure the distance between the lugs, and install the new one. 

Make sure the spring bars are secure, as they can get damaged and loosen with regular use. Use a small piece of folded paper or another wide-flat desktop object as a barrier when removing the old strap. You should also attach the short end of the new strap to the top of the watch.

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