Switching Breitling deployant between straps

[jms_w]

I have a new Navitimer coming in this week (the wait is killing me!!) and I ordered it with an OEM deployant strap as I already have a spare OEM strap and deployant (no holes). I borrowed a spring bar tool from my friend (one end with fork) but I'm afraid to use it. To remove the buckle(?) is pretty easy as the spring bar ends are exposed. However, there doesn't seem to be much room, if any, to remove the strap from the other end (clasp?). Is there a way to do this without ruining the leather around the ends and the clasp? I think I should at least put Scotch tape around the clasp.