Related
Options

Not Quickfit Stainless Steel Band issue

erhancetin
over 4 years ago

Hello Guys,

I was a big stupid. I attached a non-Quickfit steel watchband to my Fenix 6 pro watch. I was using this band for fenix 5 before. I was removing it with the help of screws. Unfortunately fenix6 pro has no screws. I noticed this after wearing the band. Now I need to pull the spring to take it out. But there is no gap. Is there anyone have an idea?

Top Replies

All Replies

  • +1 over 4 years ago
    erhancetin said:
    Is there anyone have an idea?

    Yes, same idea as in the linked thread...make a notch in the bracelet so you can get to the spring bar. Or take the watch to a jeweler, or contact Garmin support.

    I do not see any other options.

    forums.garmin.com/.../938476

  • +1 over 4 years ago

    Search the web for "watch spring bar replacement" and you get tons of informations and videos  to remove the spring bar and change a wrist band.

  • +1 over 4 years ago in reply to subra

    thanks but garmin’s spring bar unique

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to erhancetin

    A smart solution may be, if you carefully drill a very small hole from outwards the hinge only on one side. So you can push the spring bar with a needle. But this needs some precise working, like a jeweller.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I made this mistake with a hook and loop strap from my 3HR on my 6X. The attachment to the bars was with plastic/nylon mouldings. The design was not suited to the spring bars of the 6X as there was no way to release the bars. My solution to removal was destruction of the strap with side cutter pliers.

    I could have tried to craft an access slot in the nylon, but it did not seem worth the effort or danger to the watch. With a steel bracelet all I can do is to feel your pain. Cutting a notch is the answer, but very tricky/risky once fitted. Good luck

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    That was my only concern when Garmin went for the cheaper option of spring bars from machined bespoke nuts and bolts... All my Titanium bracelets would become obsolete for my 6x...So I went and bought some quick release versions for an extra £100 all in for four...It was a good deal.

    Titanium bracelets are down to about £25 these days from China so its not so bad.

    I think I'd ether take it to a watch repairer as already suggested .... Or if I was confident and had the tools.... I'd cut a slot or drill a hole into the case link... then tap the spring bar to bend it out or go through it with the drill... Then get replacement spring bars from Garmin... for about £2 I think..... (I've bought 5 extra sets from Garmin.) 

    I'd take it to a watch repair shop myself to see their opinion ... Still a good idea to buy extra spring bars from Garmin as they're so cheap. 

    All the best... and good luck : -) 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to subra

    But keep in mind that you lose the warranty of the watch.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to subra
    subra said:
    A smart solution may be, if you carefully drill a very small hole from outwards the hinge

    Astonished 

    subra said:
    keep in mind that you lose the warranty of the watch.

    ...And possibly the whole watch itself.

    This would certainly not be a wise solution, since you do not know how either during drilling itself, or even afterwards, the stability of the hinge will be negatively affected. It would certainly not be a wise solution to be able to remove the bracelet in this way, but then later lose the entire watch with a new bracelet due to a break in the plastic. No matter how small you make the hole, you will inevitably create a predetermined breaking point.

    I STRONGLY advise against this solution!

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to bluefish
    bluefish said:
    This would certainly not be a wise solution, since you do not know how either during drilling itself, or even afterwards, the stability of the hinge will be negatively affected.

    Yes, I'm aware of this and there is some risk for cracking the hinge. Therefore I've mentioned it should be made precisily and carefully drilling a very small hole (e.g. <0.5mm), i.e. professional. And it needs some precise tools, not homework on a kitchen table. It's only an idea from me. OK, it seems better to forget my idea with the hole.

    OTOH, former watches like F5 have continuous holes in the hinges (2mm ?). And yes, because of the notch effect, a small hole may initiate a crack in the hinge more likely, than a bigger hole.

    If you want to cut a notch in a stainless steel bracelet, there is also some risk to damage the directly beside fiber-reinforced polymer hinge. And if you try to remove the spring bar forcible, it may also be to break the hinge. And neither a juweller, nor Garmin can do magic, if the gap is not wide enough to release the spring bar.

    From my POV there is no easy way and without any risk to remove the bracelet. So I've now the best advice ever to OP: let the bracelet at the watch, if it's not strictly necessary to remove it.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I would suggest trying two old style razor blades used in between the lug of the watch and the bracelet. One blade from the top, to keep pressure on the pin, and one blade from the bottom carefully working the tip of the pin to the side, using the other blade to keep it from sliding back (by increasing pressure)

    It may work. It may not work. But if it does, nothing other than the blades will be destroyed. Put a piece of tape on the top of the blades to protect the fingers.