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)

 

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.

 

Needle-nose pliers and vinegar.

 

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?

 

WD40 surgically applied.

 

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.

 

Maybe a pic of what we are working with here?

 

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.

 

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

 

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?

 

@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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

edit: Ok, I realize one will be bent

 

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

 

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

 

Yeah! As long as the problem is a nail