How to Remove Watch Band

by Lucas Lee

You might think it is a very complicated task to remove the band from your watch. However, that is not really the case. Even though removing a watch band might be a work that requires precision and a steady hand, but you can also get it done by yourself easily.

Are you someone who finds it a hassle to go to a store to get the band removed? I know it can be time-consuming as well. That is why this article is going to help you learn how to remove watch band so that you can get the process done whenever you want without having to go to a professional or a store.

What Is Watch Band

Watch Band is basically the general given to the band that holds the watchonto your wrist. People tend to call it by this name. There is a range of watchbands made up of different materials.

How To Remove Watch Band
How To Remove Watch Band

To specify, there are two types of watch band; one is called a bracelet, and the other is known as the strap. Straps are usually bands made up of leather, nylon, cloth, plastic, or mesh. On the other hand, bracelets are referred to watch bands that are mainly made up of different types of metal or steel.

How to Remove Watch Band

How to Remove Watch Band
How to Remove Watch Band

Removing a watchband may require different processes as all watch bands aren't built the same way. You need to know that you might need different tools as well for the removal process, depending on the type of band.

1. Removing a Leather Watch Band

  • Step 1: Place the Watch on a Flat Surface

Firstly, put your watch on a flat surface, making sure that it faces downwards. Ensure to keep a soft cloth beneath the watch for further safety of the watch. It will help the glassavoid getting scratches or face any damages.

Leather Watch Band Replacement
Leather Watch Band Replacement
  • Step 2: Detect the Spring Bar

Most watches pass through the loop of the watch band. It fits through the shoulder of the watch and is connected with the help of a spring bar. Focus on the area where the watch is connected to the watch band.

Watch Band Replacement
Watch Band Replacement

The spring bar can be found on each end and is a small metal bar. This bar is extended on each end when there is a release of pressure. Upon full extension, the bar snaps into place inside of the lugs of the watch. It ensures to hold the strap in place.

  • Step 3: Removing the Spring Bar

By removing the spring bar from the connecting point of the watch and band, you will be able to separate the two parts. You need a specific tool known as the spring bar tool in order to do this process.

If you don't have the tool, then you can use a flat-head screwdriver instead. You can also use the hand, but that can be very hard and tricky to do so. Using the tool, put pressure by inserting the fork end between the connecting point of the shoulder and band.

Watch Band Replacement Tool
Watch Band Replacement Tool

It is okay to apply pressure from either side of the end. Push the bar lightly away, and the band will get separated. If you face problems using the tool, use a small paper clip, but be extremely careful as you might scratch and damage the band.

  • Step 4: Remove the Spring Bar from the Other Side

After removing the spring bar from one side, gently detach the other spring bar from the other side. Once you have them out, safely keep them aside as you will need them if you are deciding to attach another strap. Thus, you mustn't lose them.

2. Removing a Metal Watch Band

  • Step 1: Find the Fitting

It is important for you to find out what type of metal fitting your watch has in the first place. Find the point where the watch band is fitted to the watch and look carefully at the lugs of the watch on both sides.

You will know that there are small screws attached to the band if there are small holes situated outside of the lugs. If there aren't any holes, it means the band is connected with the help of the spring bars.

Removing A Metal Watch Band
Removing A Metal Watch Band

Another vital thing to look for is the end caps that are the parts at the ending of the bands. The watch might have end caps if the watchband doesn't have a flat end. These caps tend to stick out like wings.

  • Step 2: Removing the Screws

With the help of a small screwdriver, remove the screws from the lugs. You may also use a watchmaker's screwdriver for the detaching process. Ensure to keep a steady hand while using the tool to create an anti-clockwise movement to loosen the screws.

After removing the screw, make sure to gently remove the spring bar that usually holds the band in place. You can also use non-magnetic tweezers to help remove it easily. Once the parts are removed, make sure to keep all the pieces safely without losing them.

How To Change Watch Band
How To Change Watch Band

If your metal watch doesn't have screws and end caps but only spring bars, then you can remove it the same way you detach it from a leather band. By inserting the tool into the connection point, carefully remove the spring bar free when it gets completely loose.

3. Removing a Velcro/Nylon Watchband

  • Step 1: Holding the Watching onto Place

Removing a Velcro/Nylon watch band can be done similarly to that of a leather watchband.

Firstly, hold the watch and make sure the back is facing you. Upon doing so, you will be able to see one spring bar on the edge of the band. It doesn't matter which side you choose to detach first; you can choose to work first on either.

  • Step 2: Detach the Spring Bar

With the help of a spring bar tool, put the forked end in the space where the donut ring is holding the band to its place. Push down gently, making sure the band collapses on itself. Afterward, push the spring bar out of the lugs.

Removing A Velcro Or Nylon Watchband
Removing A Velcro Or Nylon Watchband
  • Step 3: Repeat on the Other Side of the Watchband

Turn the watch and repeat the step on the other side. You will now have the watchbands separated from the watch. Ensure to keep the spring bars safe and aside once you disconnect them from the watch and the straps.

4. Removing NATO Straps

NATO straps are different to detach, comparing to the other ones. It is because the spring bar is fixed to the watch and cannot be removed with a spring bar tool or any tool in general. They were made for soldiers to have a fixed watchband. However, the band can still be detached without having to remove the spring bar.

  • Step 1: Slip the Bottom Keeper

Firstly, go for the back of the watch strap and slip the bottom keeper off of the bottom half of the band. After that, you will have a long part of the nylon strap through one of the spring bars and the smaller part loosely hanged.

How To Remove NATO Straps
How To Remove NATO Straps
  • Step 2: Pull from Beneath the Spring Bar

Then carefully pull the band through the bottom of the watch's spring bar. Make sure to be gentle, or else you might damage the item. After pulling the NATO through the bar you will have it removed from the watch. With this method, you won't need any tool but have to be cautious while using your hands.

How To Remove Watch Band
How To Remove Watch Band

Verdict

You might need to change your watchband to get a better fit, size, design, etc. Knowing how to do so might help you big time as you won't be relying on somebody else to fix it for you. Even in emergencies, you can just grab the tool and get it fixed yourself.

We hope this article has helped you with the necessary information about how to remove watch band. Make sure to be gentle and take your time while doing the process in order to get the work done successfully.

About Lucas Lee

Lucas Lee was raised outside the city of Livermore, in the legendary Bay Area of North California. Lucas considers his family and researches to be most important to him. If he isn’t hanging out with his loved ones, you can almost always find him around his sweet little garden of fruits right in the backyard of his lovely home.

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