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Best tape to protect lugs when changing out straps?

ducatiti
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I tend to change my bracelets and straps very often. I've been using blue masking tape for years but they slip and slide a lot. What do you guys use? I've seen jeweler's tape being used but can't seem to find the thread.

Tips or Link to the type of tape would be greatly appreciated.
 
Evitzee
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I use a heavy, clear packing tape I bought at Walmart, on a plastic dispenser. Often the brand is 'Duck Tape'. Clean the lugs with alcohol, cut a small piece and stick it on.
 
Bizcut1
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I've always used this. Take my time and make exact cuts to precisely cover the lugs.

Good luck with it...

81fhsbobUKL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
 
Bizcut1
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Evitzee Evitzee
. Clean the lugs with alcohol, cut a small piece and stick it on.

Yes - forgot that very good tip - clean the lugs!
 
arno
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I don’t protect the lugs. Those small scratches are now parts of my watches life.
 
Alpha
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Never taped a lug and never scratched one, I just don't see the point as long as you are careful.
 
Dan S
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I have never bothered to tape lugs, but if I were going to do it, I might use gaffers tape. It will adhere much better than masking tape, but can also be removed easily and will not leave any residue.
 
ducatiti
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speedytoronto speedytoronto
Polyimide hi-temp tape. Buy it on Amazon, no residue after peeling away works great. I believe it’s what watchmakers use to mask a watch bracelet when they’re polishing it to protect brushed surfaces.
https://www.amazon.ca/ELEGOO-Temperature-Multi-Sized-Sublimation-Insulating/dp/B073113CD2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=polyimide tape&qid=1629580651&sprefix=polyi&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVUdZMTgxWkk4TTZWJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzgxNTAwMVhWV1RVSkM0OEZRWiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzg2Nzc0MVNINEcwOEhCNlU3NSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

I think this is what I saw in the past as well.. This is the cheapest one I saw.

https://www.amazon.ca/Polyimide-Tap...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
 
Evitzee
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I'm not OCD, but I don't like to see buggered up and scratched parts on any watch, that includes lugs and bracelet screws. In the old days watch repairers would scratch the date and their ID on the inside case back, but that is unacceptable today even if it is not visible. Same with screw heads on the movement, they shold not show any marks. Surprised owners are so cavalier.
 
wsfarrell
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Donn Chambers
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Evitzee Evitzee
I'm not OCD, but I don't like to see buggered up and scratched parts on any watch, that includes lugs and bracelet screws. In the old days watch repairers would scratch the date and their ID on the inside case back, but that is unacceptable today even if it is not visible. Same with screw heads on the movement, they shold not show any marks. Surprised owners are so cavalier.

count me as cavalier, then. i can’t be bothered to take any extra time when I change a strap. I look at the front of the watch, not the bottom of the lugs, so a few minor scratches from when I change straps is no big deal. Frankly, I have worse scratches on my clasp — guess I should cover it with tape to avoid them.

😉
 
Bizcut1
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Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
count me as cavalier, then. i can’t be bothered to take any extra time when I change a strap. I look at the front of the watch, not the bottom of the lugs, so a few minor scratches from when I change straps is no big deal. Frankly, I have worse scratches on my clasp — guess I should cover it with tape to avoid them.

😉

As long as it's a fairly cheap watch, then okay. If you're scratching up a $5K> watch, then....maybe
not but you'll certainly pay some price if you want to sell it someday...
 
avidmark
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I used to be concerned about that but not anymore. I just try to be careful and use either watch pliers for bracelets and a standard spring bar tool for everything else.
 
ducatiti
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Bizcut1 Bizcut1
As long as it's a fairly cheap watch, then okay. If you're scratching up a $5K> watch, then....maybe
not but you'll certainly pay some price if you want to sell it someday...
But then again, someone else’s $5k watch can be other’s $100k watch in terms of value to them. No matter what I take care of my watches.
 
Donn Chambers
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Bizcut1 Bizcut1
As long as it's a fairly cheap watch, then okay. If you're scratching up a $5K> watch, then....maybe
not but you'll certainly pay some price if you want to sell it someday...

I don’t buy watches to make money, I buy them to enjoy. And that means scratches and dings come with the territory because I wear them and don’t don’t keep them in a safe. I’m sorry, but you can’t wear a watch and not get scratches on it somewhere. And if it’s on the back of the lugs where no one buy you can see it, that’s better than on the bracelet or clasp.

I have the same philosophy with my cars. Just sold a 2007 Mustang — mechanically perfect because I made sure of that, but lots of scratches and dings because it was never garaged. Bought it for $20k new, sold it for $6k and loved every minute of the $14k in depreciation. Replaced it with a 2004 Lexus SC 430 with 183,000 miles and even more scratches/dings. Drives like a dream, and I love it.

Lots of things to worry about in life, but scratches on the back of your lugs is not one of them.
 
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