Springbar failure?

[mjclark32]

After reading the post about the Nato's and their "safety" feature in case of a springbar failure. I started wondering how many people have actually experienced a springbar failure.

I've searched google and the forum and have found a few stories but not much which leads me to beleive the likelihood of a failure is pretty low.

Any experiences?

[STEELINOX]

I've not had a springbar fx, but have had the, "link screw wriggle and wow - look at me 'I'm free' (of my link threads) ~ !"

One day I was glancing down at it and noticed a link screw totally peeking out of its link; clearly it was un-seated and all its threads looking at me menacingly horrifying.

I guess I forgot to torque it down or forgot to use loctite on the threads.

A sinking feeling, prolly just like a spring bar fx

[77T]

YMMV as they say. The failure rate amongst sedentary desk bound, or couch potato owners is prolly very slight.

As you increase your activity level, the stresses rise - but if the consequences of loss are also slight, then not too much of a worry.

If you get into great levels of activity with high G force or impact potential, and dire consequences of loss - then the Zulu/NATO option is the best route.

After-all you have airbags in your car, right?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

After reading the post about the Nato's and their "safety" feature in case of a springbar failure. I started wondering how many people have actually experienced a springbar failure.

I've searched google and the forum and have found a few stories but not much which leads me to beleive the likelihood of a failure is pretty low.

Any experiences?

In general they are almost bullet proof but I had a spring-bar clasp or a lug-pin fail but in fairness they are not designed to have almost 15 stone dangling suspended, over the side of a boat.It was around 2000 trying to get back into the pick up boat after a dive in the Red Sea.I started to take my BC off when the Egyptian deck hand just pulled up my BC and left me suspended by my SD bracelet.Good job the spring-bar failed one SD lost to the abyss but I still have my wrist.

[Grumpy Badger]

I was kicked in the chest by a horse but reacted quickly enough and managed to get my left arm up to defend myself.
My arm was broken about half way between my wrist and elbow and the shock was enough to break a spring bar.
I had the watch on a bracelet at the time but fortunately it didn't fall, just slipped of as I crumpled with the wind knocked out of me. Fortunately, despite having a broken arm, four broken ribs, mild shock and being unable to breathe I got my priorities right and picked up the watch and put it in my pocket.
Pretty extreme, I know, but proves it can happen!

[JEC]

As a rule I replace my springbars once a year. Often they start to get deformed by that time (more on strap or hollow end link models than solid end link bracelets). I work in the industry and have seen some seriously neglected bracelets over the years. Some were so worn that the springbars were cut cleanly where the mated with the end links, exposing the springs underneath. I've also seen buggered oyster bracelets that had the centre links chewing into the the side links several mms. In those cases failure is inevitable.

If you take care of your watch you should not have to worry. Clean it regularly by taking the bracelet off and washing it with a toothbrush and soap (or better yet an ultrasonic cleaner). Also you should not wear the bracelet very loose, it should be snug or just slightly loose. Loose bracelets put more wear on the links and springbars over time.