Bending spring bars

[happyscrappyheropup]

I saw a Polaris on WUS on an MN strap and I liked the look. It made it much more daily wear vs the bracelet, which is very nice, but a little flashy. The problem with the Polaris is straight spring bars almost touch the case when installed with no strap. I needed some curved bars but past DIY attempts have either broken the bars or left them creased instead of a gentle bend.

I did some searching and found a thread on WUS that suggested using 2 spoons to bend the spring bars. Lay the bar across the spoon, lay the other on top and gently squeeze. Perfection!



I have a cheap nato on the watch until I can get more 21mm straps (21mm, why JLC?!?) but the fit is perfect with the curved bars.



Maybe others already knew this but figured I'd pass on something I learned today.

[tribe125]

Clever. I hadn’t heard of that.

[chuckmiller]

That is a clever way to bend spring bars!

So, a question on curved spring bars. On a watch that comes with a straight spring bars the hole in the lug is also cut straight. When you bend that bar does that cause the spring tip to be shallow and misaligned in the lug??

[Raza]

Why not just buy some curved bars? I wouldn’t feel comfortable stressing what is already the most likely failure point on a watch, personally.

These are a bit pricey, but they’re quick release. I think they have regular ones at 21mm as well: https://www.strapcode.com/collection...39524210311252

EDIT:

Here you go, 10 pair for $13: https://www.strapcode.com/collection...39694040399956

[happyscrappyheropup]

Why not just buy some curved bars? I wouldn’t feel comfortable stressing what is already the most likely failure point on a watch, personally.

These are a bit pricey, but they’re quick release. I think they have regular ones at 21mm as well: https://www.strapcode.com/collection...39524210311252

EDIT:

Here you go, 10 pair for $13: https://www.strapcode.com/collection...39694040399956

I have a bunch of quality spring bars I purchased in 16-22mm from Esslinger several years ago (I probably posted about it here). I don't think my method of bending is going to stress them more than the ones that you are suggesting, but everyone has a different comfort level with this stuff.

[happyscrappyheropup]

That is a clever way to bend spring bars!

So, a question on curved spring bars. On a watch that comes with a straight spring bars the hole in the lug is also cut straight. When you bend that bar does that cause the spring tip to be shallow and misaligned in the lug??

My only test was pulling on the strap to get them to bend or pop out. It passed

[OrangeSport]

That is a clever way to bend spring bars!

So, a question on curved spring bars. On a watch that comes with a straight spring bars the hole in the lug is also cut straight. When you bend that bar does that cause the spring tip to be shallow and misaligned in the lug??

That would be my concern. If they are curved, do you need a longer bar? Say 21mm in 20mm lugs?

[tribe125]

As a side point, spring bars are measured compressed, and the springy bits vary a little in length, so spring bars of the same length can vary in length.

[Mediocre]

Thanks for sharing. All my attempts have resulted in catastrophic failure lol. Will try this next time

[chuckmiller]

That looks solid.

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