ND Sub 14060 noob strap questions

[kaplunk]

I've been hanging around the "vintage" section as I've been wanting to go for the vintage look. I'm however overwhelmed as there's so much to learn! All the minor differences that only the truly dedicated can see/notice. My hats off to you guys!

So instead, I picked up a 14060 sub to tie me over until I can learn more about the 5512/13s.

I ordered some NATO straps last night and hopefully they'll get here soon. I ordered 20mm straps so hopefully that was the right size (based on my reading it looks to be the correct size)

So now a couple of questions:
The lugs on the 14060 has the holes in it, so can I just use a toothpick to pop out the spring bars for strap/bracelet changes. Is this ill advised and should I get the "proper" tool? If so, any recommendations for tools? (I saw a youtube video where a guy demonstrates how to pop out the springbars with a toothpick.)

Do I need to get newer springbars? Or a heavy duty set? If so, what are the specific recommendations?

[CostaLudus]

Toothpick is the perfect tool to swap out straps as a spring bar tool would have no shoulder to grasp. 20mm is the correct NATO strap width.

[Johny]

rolex sell a little screwdriver which has an end which is used to push the springbars. it is part no. ref. 2100. try your local ads for one or go to the nearest rsc. its not essential but it is a nice little tool to have.

[Clay]

The 14060 is the perfect choice…

Here's mine on a Woven or Tropical NATO…

A Paper Clip works very well also...

[Time Exposure]

Strong wooden toothpick is the way to go, won't scratch!
I think a proper size springbar should be sufficient (no 18-19 mm bars!)

[SlimJim16v]

If you've not done it before, be very careful as you can scratch the lugs when the spring bars pop out.
Maybe put some tape on the lugs the first time.

[kaplunk]

Originally Posted by Time Exposure

Strong wooden toothpick is the way to go, won't scratch!
I think a proper size springbar should be sufficient (no 18-19 mm bars!)

That's what I was thinking! A wooden toothpick shouldn't scratch the lugs if I slip.

Originally Posted by SlimJim16v

If you've not done it before, be very careful as you can scratch the lugs when the spring bars pop out.
Maybe put some tape on the lugs the first time.

You're talking about the inside of the lugs? I'm assuming the inside since once the spring bar is compressed it's offset from the hole and pushing against the inside lug. (Or do you mean the outside lug when using a metallic tool?) Actually on 2nd thought it can't be the inside since the existing bracelet would block access to it.