Maya Ellison
Plastic watch bands are notoriously difficult to repair, as the oils milled into the plastic prevent glue from sticking to it. Therefore, if your watch band is broken, it is best to replace the strap. This can be done either with a factory-made or homemade replacement. Most watches have a spring pin, which can be used to attach a new strap. If your watch has holes instead of a spring pin, you may have to use the same brand as the watch or make your own strap. To replace the strap, you will need to remove the old one by taking out the spring bars and then attach the new strap using the spring bars.
How to Patch a Plastic Watch Band
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of repair | Difficult to glue plastic watch bands together due to oils milled into the plastic |
| Tools | Spring bar tool, flat-head screwdriver, dental floss, razor blade, paperclip |
| Steps | 1. Place watch face down on a soft, flat surface 2. Remove spring bars from each strap using a tool 3. Release the old band from the watch case 4. Measure the old band to find the right size replacement 5. Thread spring bars through the ends of the new band 6. Insert the bottom end of one spring bar into the watch lug indent 7. Place the spring bar back into its original place |
| Alternatives | Fabric, leather, or knotted replacement straps |
| Prevention | Rubber watch bands offer tear, rip, water, and weather resistance |
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What You'll Learn
Using a spring bar tool
Step 1: Prepare your workspace
Before you begin, it's important to prepare your workspace. Place the watch face down on a soft, clear surface to protect your watch from damage. Ensure that the straps are unbuckled to facilitate easy removal.
Step 2: Remove the old watch band
To remove the old watch band, start by locating the spring bar. The spring bar is a tiny bar with springs inside it, and it connects the watch band to the watch case. Insert the forked end of the spring bar tool between the band and where the spring bar connects with the watch lug. Gently push the spring bar down and release it from the lug. You may need to wiggle the strap slightly to help release the spring bar. Be careful not to lose the spring bar, especially if it's spring-loaded. Repeat this process for the other piece of the strap.
Step 3: Install the new watch band
To install the new watch band, thread the spring bars through the holes in the new strap until they are visible on both sides of the strap. Ensure that the spring bars are securely in place and well-aligned. Place one end of the spring bar into one of the lug holes and position the other end to sit over the other lug. Using the spring bar tool, compress the spring bar and lower it into the other lug hole. Repeat the process for the other piece of the strap, then gently tug on each strap to ensure the spring bars are secured in place.
Tips and Tricks
- If you don't have a spring bar tool, you can use alternative tools such as a flat-head screwdriver, dental floss, a razor blade, a credit card, or a small knife. However, be cautious as some of these alternatives may scratch your watch.
- If you're having difficulty using a spring bar tool, consider seeking assistance from a local watch professional.
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Using a flat-head screwdriver
To patch a plastic watch band, you will need to replace the entire band, as the flexible plastic used in wristwatch bands is impossible to glue together. To do this, you can use a flat-head screwdriver.
First, place your watch on a sturdy, level surface, ensuring that the surface is clear and covered with a soft cloth or towel to protect your watch from damage. Place the watch facing down, with the straps unbuckled.
Next, pick up a small flat-head screwdriver with your dominant hand, holding it as you would a pencil. Insert the screwdriver into the lug hole at the 12 o'clock side of the watch until you feel it catch on one end of the set screw, which is the small screw that secures the end of the screw pin. Turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise until the set screw is loose.
Now, flip the watch over and repeat the process for the 6 o'clock side. Once both set screws are loose, you can remove the long screw pins. Loosen the screw pins with the screwdriver and then pull them out of the lugs. Be cautious during this step, as the small size of the pins makes them easy to lose.
At this point, you can remove the old band from the watch case. Take out the new band and work on attaching one side at a time. Insert the spring bars into the new straps, and then install them into the lug holes.
Finally, use your screwdriver to push the spring bar towards the rear of the watch, ensuring it is aligned correctly to avoid slipping. This will help secure the new band in place and prevent scratches or damage to your watch.
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Using dental floss
First, set up your workspace on a sturdy, clean, and clear surface. Unclasp the watch and place it flat on the surface, with the watch face down and the bands lying on either side. Cut a piece of dental floss about 12 inches long.
Now, slip the dental floss through the gap between the lugs and the watch strap. You can start with the short strap attached to the buckle. Run the floss twice at one end of the spring to create a loop, holding the spring bar inside, then pull it taut. You can also wrap the floss around the lug two or three times and pull down.
To remove the spring bar, yank the floss away from the lug hole. Be careful as the spring bar might fly off. When replacing the watch band, insert the spring bar into the new strap, then flip it to the side of the watch.
If your watch strap is cracking or splitting, it may be better to cut off the damaged parts and replace them with a fabric, leather, or knotted strap. You can attach the new strap by drilling holes in the end and sewing it to the watch.
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Using a razor blade
Next, identify the different parts of the watch, including the band, lugs, and spring bar. The spring bar is a small bar with springs inside it, which attaches to the inside of the lug holes and holds the straps in place. To remove the watch band, you will need to carefully release the spring bars.
Slip the razor blade precisely into the space between the watch band and the lug, ensuring that it only touches the spring bar. Apply a small amount of downward pressure and push the blade away from you. This will release the spring bar, allowing you to detach the watch strap from the watch case.
To attach a new watch band, first insert the spring bars into the new straps. Then, compress the spring bars by pushing them inward and snapping them into place. Gently pull and twist the strap to ensure it is secure. Repeat this process for the second half of the replacement strap.
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Removing the spring bars
Prepare Your Workspace:
Clear a flat and sturdy surface, such as a table or countertop. Cover the surface with a soft cloth or towel to protect your watch from scratches or damage during the process.
Position the Watch:
Place the watch face down on the prepared surface, ensuring it is parallel to your body. Unbuckle the watch straps and work on one strap at a time. Hold the watch case firmly with your non-dominant hand. Position the watch so that the back is facing you, exposing one side of the watch band.
Identify the Spring Bar:
Look at the point where the watch band meets the watch case. You should be able to see the edges of the spring bar on either side of the watch band. The spring bar is a small component with springs inside it, and its ends attach inside the lug holes, securing the straps in place.
Use a Spring Bar Tool:
If you have access to a spring bar tool, this is the recommended method for removing the spring bars. The spring bar tool has a forked end that you will insert into one of the openings where the spring bar is visible, typically above the donut ring on the bar. Position the forked end above the spring bar and gently push down, compressing the spring bar and allowing you to remove it from the lug hole. Be cautious, as the spring bars are small and can easily fly off or get lost.
Alternative Method with a Screwdriver:
If you do not have a spring bar tool, you can use a flat-head screwdriver as an alternative. Hold the screwdriver like a pencil, with the flat end positioned between one side of the strap and the lug. Gently push the screwdriver outward to exert pressure and release one end of the spring bar from the lug hole. Then, carefully pull out the spring bar and set it aside.
Complete the Process:
Repeat the above steps for the other side of the watch band. Once both spring bars are removed, you can release the watch strap from the watch case. Remember to keep the spring bars in a safe place, as you may be able to reuse them if they are in good condition.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic that flexible watch bands are made from is essentially impossible to glue together. The best solution is to replace the strap with a factory-made or homemade replacement.
First, place the watch face down on a soft cloth or towel on a flat surface. Then, use a spring bar tool to remove the spring bars from each strap, thereby releasing the old band from the watch case. If you don't have a spring bar tool, you can use a flat-head screwdriver, dental floss, or a razor blade.
Thread the spring bars through the ends of the new band. Then, insert the bottom end of one spring bar into the watch lug indent. Place the spring bar back into the place where it was before you took off the old band.
If you don't have access to a spring bar tool, you can use a flat-head screwdriver, dental floss, or a razor blade to remove the old watch band. To attach the new watch band, you can use a paperclip to compress one end of the spring bar and then carefully lever out the band.
