Will have to check that.

Not doubting Al could do this easily, but his picture shows an inexpensive Speidel band end. This is a number 6, way more at stake here if someone screws it up.

 

I would try these first.

https://smile.amazon.com/trueCABLE-Precision-Cutting-Hardened-Construction/

 

Power tools in that small space way exceeds my confidence level. Would be willing to try the jewelers saw or flat head screw file, if I could figure out out to minimize the abrasion damage to both the inner lugs and outer end-link.

 

Well, not only would the jaws be too big to fit in there (this is a very small space) there's this:

"STRONG FLUSH CUTTING. Suitable for copper and soft wire up to 16 AWG (∅1.29mm). Not for use on steel wire."

If they won't cut steel wire, I'm not sure they would hold up to cutting a spring bar...

Yes, and clearly I wasn't concerned about the link in that photo when I took it off, but these links can be bent open - again just enough to free the bar - without doing any damage.

You could try Kapton tape, but it eats up space that you need. Trying to saw off a spring bar without causing any effect on the lugs or end links is not easy in the gap as you show it...

 

Darn it. Thought those might do it. Only has to work once for ten bucks.

But remember I first recommended a watchmaker.

 

This all makes sense, thanks. My last hope is that there lurks the little lever under there somewhere. Any tips for getting enough purchase on the spring bar to rotate in either direction to check?

 

Persistence...

 

You need better tools.....

 

Thanks. Checked my parts and tools distributer for “spring bar rotator” and came up empty.

 

Swing over, I’ll fix it right up for ya. Had the dremel out today.

 

I might try a dentist’s fine pick. Maybe after dremeling a tiny hole or just an indentation into the spring bar.

What he says (a couple of entries below...)

 

A microscopic drop of Sulfuric acid, daily, till it has eaten through that dastardly springbar?


Just spit-ballin' ideas here........

 

You could do something like this, but will have to deal with the nub in the lug once you're done:

https://www.amazon.com/Xacto-X215-Blades-15-Pkg/dp/B000BREQDO

 

I had the same problem the other day.

I slightly bent open the last link of the bracelet, the one that holds the bracelet to the spring bar, so I could remove the bracelet.

Once the bracelet was removed I had easy access the the spring bar and used nippers to cut it.

 

Great idea. I’ve seen this, but sometimes it’s hard to put back that link to its original-looking configuration. Yours looks good, though.

It turns out, after careful inspection, that I do have that little level spring bar noted above. So despite what I originally wanted, something is going to get bent...