Best spring bar & link removal tools

[japenney]

Just looking for confirmation for the best tools for these tasks. The options I am considering are below. Tools to be used on modern sports models.

Spring bar removal

Option 1: Spend a significant amount on the Bergeon 7825.

Option 2: Save money and get the Bergeon 6767-F / S. Anyone know if F or S is better?

Link removal

It seems that a 1.6mm micro screw driver is the best option. Any recommendations as to which brand?

Thanks,

Josh

[antrolexsub]

Get the 6767 Fine.

For link removal the best screwdriver available is the Rolex Ref.2100 that comes with the Seadweller kit. Have not found anything better. The blade tip is shaped perfectly for the screws. Pricey but worth it. They can be picked up on eBay.

[stylinleems]

Hey Josh,

I would say spend the extra for the Bergeon 7825 removal tool. I have the 6767 (forget which model - I think F) and used it once, made me nervous but didn't feel really comfortable with it.

I am trying to source the Rolex E3200 (spring bar tool) but if I can't I will pick up the Bergeon 7825.

For the micro screwdriver I use the one that came with my Panerai; fits perfect. (it is 1.6mm)

[japenney]

Originally Posted by leems

Hey Josh,

I would say spend the extra for the Bergeon 7825 removal tool. I have the 6767 (forget which model - I think F) and used it once, made me nervous but didn't feel really comfortable with it.

I am trying to source the Rolex E3200 (spring bar tool) but if I can't I will pick up the Bergeon 7825.

For the micro screwdriver I use the one that came with my Panerai; fits perfect. (it is 1.6mm)

Thanks guys. So I guess any 1.6mm screw driver will do if it is of decent build quality. I know the 7825 is good but I do not think I will change straps frequently enough to justify spending $250 on a tool. Perhaps I will just get the 6767F ($30) or ask a professional to make the swap for me when the time comes.

[mtgjr]

The 7825 is $150 on ofrei.com....worth every penny (no pun intended). By the way, I must be spending too much time here. I'm beginning to find your posts exasperating.

http://www.ofrei.com/page252.html

[rollee1]

Bite the bullet 7825, think long term, all your future babies and those delightful straps.
Unless you are a loyal one watch fellow, then I'll visit an AD and smile. It's a free service.

[Cryten]

If the watch has solid end links get the bracelet pliers. You'll get the bracelet off with a 6767F after a frustrating fight, but you'll never get it back on without mangling the lugs.

The tolerances on solid end links are tight and although $250 might seem expensive, the first time the spring bar slips and takes a chunk off the edge of your lug, you'll wish you'd ponied up for the proper tool.

The screw driver needs to be hollow ground so you don't mess up your screws. A straight blade will work, but it's deform your screw heads.

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by Cryten

The tolerances on solid end links are tight and although $250 might seem expensive, the first time the spring bar slips and takes a chunk off the edge of your lug, you'll wish you'd ponied up for the proper tool.

The 7825 is $150. Why do people keep saying it's $250?? Good grief.

[japenney]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

The 7825 is $150 on ofrei.com....worth every penny (no pun intended). By the way, I must be spending too much time here. I'm beginning to find your posts exasperating.

http://www.ofrei.com/page252.html

Thanks for all the help guys I think I have my answer. They are $250CAD on Amazon that's why I said $250 initially. Sorry for confusion.

Sorry if you find my posts exasperating? If you find people asking sincere questions exasperating I think you may need to increase your tolerances.

[spooner1]

Have both....
If you wear natos then 6767 a better option to place your springbars. If not...then 7825 is the best choice.

[Shakey]

I'd go for the Bergeon 7825 tweezers and the Horotec screwdriver with the hollow-ground blade.

[Juantxo]

I have every darn tool in the book and the best so far for me is the pin remover from my Wenger watchmakers' pocket knife. I just work carefully and that's it.

[KrismanX]

I say spring for the tweezers if you're really paranoid about scratching. The tweezer style makes gripping much more secure IMO. From other threads I've gathered the S is the more Rolex-friendly, as some have had to alter the F tips on some products for the best fit.

I've also heard abouyt great success with kabob skewers and a little masking tape..

[doubleinfive]

I use toothpicks, paperclips and a screwdriver that came with my eyeglass repair kit...all for under $2...

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by Shakey

I'd go for the Bergeon 7825 tweezers and the Horotec screwdriver with the hollow-ground blade.

^This. The best two tools for the job. None others needed. I've expressed that opinion several times in the last few months here. No one wants to believe me for some reason. I'm done answering the same question over and over.

[Boaters]

There are a lot of tools the Bergeon 1.6mm would be the best driver except for the Rolex 2100 tool driver one end pin punch on the other. I was told that the driver on the 2100 was the best fit and after trying it I agree. The Bergeon spring bar tool is nice you want the 6767-F (For Fine). Then there is Spring Bar Pliers I have the Horofix which are the same as the Bergeon just cheaper. The Bergeon 7825 are the best they are basically the same as the Rolex 3200 but cheaper the 7825 is what I use but the rest will work just fine .. Just not as good IMPO.

[tvad]

Originally Posted by doubleinfive

I use toothpicks, paperclips and a screwdriver that came with my eyeglass repair kit...all for under $2...

^This. Not only do they get the job done, but they often work better than the specific tools marketed for the job.

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by KrismanX

From other threads I've gathered the S is the more Rolex-friendly, as some have had to alter the F tips on some products for the best fit.

You've got this backwards. You want the 6767-F if you want to use that tool on a Rolex with SEL.

[handsfull]

Option #1. No question.

Buy both a Horotec driver and Horotec 1.8mm HOLLOW ground blade.
File both sides to make it a 1.7mm...you'll have a near perfect match to the ever popular Rolex SD tool.

Do NOT use a flat ground blade on link screws, you'll regret it.

[japenney]

Originally Posted by handsfull

Option #1. No question.

Buy both a Horotec driver and Horotec 1.8mm HOLLOW ground blade.
File both sides to make it a 1.7mm...you'll have a near perfect match to the ever popular Rolex SD tool.

Do NOT use a flat ground blade on link screws, you'll regret it.

Not sure what you mean between hollow and flat ground. Going to give this guy a go when watch arrives tomorrow.

Master Craft 1.5mm is the closest I could find locally.

[mtgjr]

You should really try using the search function. There has been about a thread a week for the last few weeks on which screwdriver is best, and explaining what is meant by hollow ground blades. Horotec actually calls them curvature blades. For the last time, this is the one you want....the 160 (1.6mm) size.

http://www.ofrei.com/page1701.html#34354

See the picture at the top of the page for what is meant by hollow ground/curvature blade. It has a straight rather than tapered tip, so it more precisely fills the screw slot, preventing slippage and marring.

[stylinleems]

I wouldn't suggest using that driver set above. Even though the 1.5mm tip will fit, it will surely scratch the screw heads up. If you can get a Panerai screwdriver 1.6mm that will work or the one listed above that is $20 US but shipping to Canada is $50 US so really not worth it.

I can check if I have a Panerai driver at home, that I could sell to you. It will surely be better than the above set. Let me know via PM

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by japenney

Not sure what you mean between hollow and flat ground. Going to give this guy a go when watch arrives tomorrow.

Master Craft 1.5mm is the closest I could find locally.

Bad idea. Really bad. If your concerned about deforming the screw head of the link screws....don't do it. But....it is your watch.

[japenney]

Originally Posted by leems

I wouldn't suggest using that driver set above. Even though the 1.5mm tip will fit, it will surely scratch the screw heads up. If you can get a Panerai screwdriver 1.6mm that will work or the one listed above that is $20 US but shipping to Canada is $50 US so really not worth it.

I can check if I have a Panerai driver at home, that I could sell to you. It will surely be better than the above set. Let me know via PM

Originally Posted by handsfull

Bad idea. Really bad. If your concerned about deforming the screw head of the link screws....don't do it. But....it is your watch.

Thanks guys, I am just going to order a bergeon 1.6mm off ebay from france. I did use the driver above for my incoming today but I heated up the links and was very careful. There was no damage visible to the naked eye.

[Kneecough]

7285 and OEM Panerai Screwdriver (which is hollow ground)

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by japenney

Thanks guys, I am just going to order a bergeon 1.6mm off ebay from france. I did use the driver above for my incoming today but I heated up the links and was very careful. There was no damage visible to the naked eye.

The Bergeon from eBay will be no better than the one you already have, unless you specifically get the t shaped, hollow ground tip. The Bergeon does not come standard with that tip. It'll have a standard tapered tip, which is what you already have.

[japenney]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

The Bergeon from eBay will be no better than the one you already have, unless you specifically get the t shaped, hollow ground tip. The Bergeon does not come standard with that tip. It'll have a standard tapered tip, which is what you already have.

Ok sounds good. Perhaps I'll get the one off ofrei you suggested along with the 7825 if they ship to Canada.

Sent by my pet Gekko

[Boaters]

Originally Posted by Kneecough

7285 and OEM Panerai Screwdriver (which is hollow ground)

I have also heard on the blogs that the Panerai Screwdriver works well.

[tifosi]

Sorry to hijack...but at least on topic:

Can I put a Horotec hollow ground 1.6 blade in my Bergeon 1.6?

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by tifosi

Sorry to hijack...but at least on topic:

Can I put a Horotec hollow ground 1.6 blade in my Bergeon 1.6?

Yes