Introduction
Changing a watch strap is a great way to customise and refresh your watch - whether you’ve had it for a while or if you just want to personalise it!
It can also be useful if you are wearing your watch in different settings, with some straps being better suited to certain activities more than others. But how easy is it to do this? And do you need any special tools to do so? The simple answer is yes, it is very easy to change your own watch strap especially if you have a spring bar removal tool but whilst tools are helpful for some watch straps, you may not need it for others.
And with that little spoiler, read on to find out more.
When You Might Need a Tool
Traditional Spring Bar Mechanisms
Traditional watch straps use removable spring bars to attach the strap to the watch lugs, and a spring bar tool is specifically designed to compress these bars inwards so you can remove and install them. Watch straps with traditional spring bars can be tricky to handle (remove and install) without a tool, so using them here is definitely a good idea.
Watch Designs with Tight Lugs
Some watches don’t have a lot of space between the strap and the case, making it hard to remove the straps without a tool. When there is limited space, use of a spring bar tool also reduces the risk of scratching the watch face or back or damaging the spring bars.
Leather, Rubber and Metal Straps
Straps of these materials sometimes need more precisely aligning, and a tool can help this. Also consider trying to install a leather or rubber strap without a specialist tool could lead to slippage and you run the risk of damaging the strap itself.
When You Don’t Need a Tool
Quick release straps come with a built-in lever mechanism that means you can easily attach and remove them without a tool.
Additionally, NATO straps, Zulu straps and Perlon straps are single-piece, meaning they are generally able to slide through the watch lugs without the need to remove the spring bars, and therefore no tool is necessary.
Finally, although changing a watch strap is something most people can do with a bit of help/greater understanding of the process, if you were to get your watch strap changed professionally, you also don’t need any tools.
Types of Tools for Changing Watch Straps
Spring Bar Removal Tool
The spring bar tool is the most common, with a forked end to compress the bars for removal. If you're looking to replace your watch strap, this is definitely our recommendation as it is the fit-for-purpose tool.
Tweezers
Tweezers can also be used to remove the spring bars but make sure if you do decide to go this way, you do so delicately.
Screwdrivers
A small screwdriver may be needed for watches with screw-in lugs. Additionally if you are looking to adjust the length of a Milanese strap to fit your wrist size, a small screwdriver is also the most helpful tool.
Multipurpose Kits
Some watch repair kits come with spring bar tools, screwdrivers and tweezers all included.
Benefits of Using a Tool
There are lots of benefits of using a tool, including:
- Precision/ease: tools make handling small objects like spring bars easier
- Reduces the risk of damage: you minimise the risk of damaging your watch when using proper tools
- Efficiency: tools save time and make the process easier.
Alternatives to Tools
You can use other things as tools, such as:
Household Items
Items such as toothpicks or small flathead screwdrivers can be used to assist changing a watch strap, but they may not be as effective and there is a higher chance of damage.
Pre-Assembled Straps
Pre-assembled straps come with pre-installed spring bars (quick release spring bars) that make changing straps easier.
Recommendations for Beginners
Starting with quick-release or NATO straps is a good way to learn how to change watch straps with an easier process.
You can also consider investing in a basic spring bar tool whilst you get to grips with how to use them when changing a watch strap. Also, make sure to read up on the process of how to change a watch strap beforehand and keep it to hand during the removal and install process. Here at The Thrifty Gentleman, learn more here about How To Change Your Watch Strap in 4 Easy Steps.
Conclusion
As we have discussed in this article, a tool is not always necessary when changing a watch strap. It very much depends on the type of watch/strap and how skilled you are at making the change.
Tools can be useful for ease, precision and comfort, but there are also tool-free options, such as different styles of straps (e.g. Quick Release watch straps or NATO straps) or having your strap changed professionally. If you are considering changing your watch strap, check out The Thrifty Gentlemen’s range of straps for a broad range of materials, colours and styles and personalise your watch today.