Stuck Quick Release Springbar

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ikanbilisclub

·Feb 13, 2021

Hi OF,

Soliciting any best practices for removing a stuck quick release springbar!

One of the quick release springbars on a vintage UG I recently got can't come out out of the lugs despite compression of the mini-lever on the springbar.

I'm wondering whether its because despite pulling the lever back there isn't enough clearance to come out of the lug.

Wondering if any one has had a similar issue and methods for solving this? (conservative and non-radical ones would be appreciated haha)

 

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Braindrain

·Feb 13, 2021

Have you tried using a springbar tool?

 

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ikanbilisclub

·Feb 13, 2021

Braindrain

Have you tried using a springbar tool?

Unfortunately the springbar sides are flush with the lugs so there isn't any room to access it even with my bergeon and don't want to risk damaging the lugs.

 

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Darlinboy

·Feb 13, 2021

Needle-nose pliers and vinegar. 👍

 

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nicks

·Feb 13, 2021

Try a small cut of the slot in the strap holding the QR so that you can push it further away from the lug.

if that doesn’t work, tape the lugs with duct tape and twist it out with pliers.

Is the spring bar old and corroded? Do you really have a vintage UG with no marks at all from strap changes?

 

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Larry S

·Feb 13, 2021·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

WD40 surgically applied.

 

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JwRosenthal

·Feb 13, 2021

I’ve had shoulderless spring bars get stuck with bracelets (no shoulder to grab with a tool) and have always have luck using a razor blade- right up against the lug edge and down on the pin between the bar and the lug- creep it back with the razor and they pop out.

 

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redpcar

·Feb 13, 2021

Maybe a pic of what we are working with here?

 

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mzzleather

·Feb 13, 2021

mini wire cutter to cut the spring bar could do the trick depending on spring bar thickness. watch strap likely has to be sacrificed but small price to pay imo

1.8mm and above not advisable but much care lest u scratch caseback / lug area.

 

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thelinendial

·Feb 13, 2021

Try using dental floss. At least when I find things too flush it works,
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=removing+spring+bar+with+floss

 

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M'Bob

·Feb 13, 2021

ikanbilisclub

Soliciting any best practices for removing a stuck quick release springbar!

 

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ikanbilisclub

·Feb 14, 2021

redpcar

Maybe a pic of what we are working with here?

Thanks all for the inputs!
Here's the 'problem'
I tried the dental floss but to no avail. It seems there isn't even enough room for the dental floss to get in between the lug and the springbar.

The springbar isn't that old and the lever actually retracts back fully but seems the underlying pin doesn't seem to move/move enough to come out.

Might have to give the razor a try but it seems like a real squeeze.

@Larry S where would you apply the WD40?

 

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Larry S

·Feb 14, 2021·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

@ikanbilisclub ... I’d lubricate the slot with a penetrating oil where the lever travels and where the pin meets the watch case. To me this is another indictment of quick release bars. I don’t trust them. I fear however that since it is new, your strap is a goner. You may have to cut it off to get the pos out.

 

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redpcar

·Feb 14, 2021

We were all imagining some level of corrosion would be present. That pin sleeve looks to be tight against the lug. Is there any gap present if you pull on the pin? Since you have good access to the lever, try slipping a popsicle stick into the gap and pull back / down on it.

edit: the floss trick might work on this one only wrap it around the lever and pull down 😀

 

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JwRosenthal

·Feb 14, 2021

You have enough room in that pic to get a wire cutter in there and snip that spring bar off. Just do it closest to the leather part as you can (the hollow tube) and wear safety glasses or look away when you do it

 

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ikanbilisclub

·Feb 14, 2021

Thanks all!

Ok I just went with radical and pulled wire cutters out from my tool box.

Funny enough the lever does work quite well and retracts the pin fully. 😕

Was hoping this would be truly a last resort and got really tired of wearing out my fingers compressing the lever and nudging.

Everyone is alive and watch + strap is unscathed. Its a happy ending for this one.

Really appreciate everyone's advice!

Yeah, looks like quick release may also mean painful release sigh

Edited: Feb 14, 2021

 

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redpcar

·Feb 14, 2021

Did you get the other side off without a problem? Are they identical?

edit: Ok, I realize one will be bent 🙄

 

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JwRosenthal

·Feb 14, 2021

Glad you got it. Sometimes the hammer is the best tool for the job.

 

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ikanbilisclub

·Feb 14, 2021

redpcar

Did you get the other side off without a problem? Are they identical?

edit: Ok, I realize one will be bent 🙄

Yeah the other comes off just like any 'quick release bar' should and they do look the same.

 

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ikanbilisclub

·Feb 14, 2021

JwRosenthal

Glad you got it. Sometimes the hammer is the best tool for the job.

Yeah! As long as the problem is a nail 😀