How to make a 24mm strap fit 23mm lugs?

[Hornet 1]

Right then, i've got a 24mm wide strap that I want to fit on a watch with 23mm lugs, so what is the best way to reduce the size of the strap? Simply sand it down on the sides? Cut slivers off?

 

I've never worked with leather so have no idea here....

 

And yes I know the obvious answer is buy a 23mm wide strap.....

[plankton 1]

Lightly sand it w 400 very carefully. Then put some mink oil on it, thats what I have done.

[Mechwarrior 2]

Edited October 18, 2014 by Mechwarrior

[Hornet 1]

Lightly sand it w 400 very carefully. Then put some mink oil on it, thats what I have done.

That's what I thought, but what else can I use if I'm all out of mink oil?

[Hornet 1]

That's my usual answer to problems....

[plankton 1]

clear shoe polish, or a color to match the edges.

[Hornet 1]

clear shoe polish, or a color to match the edges.

Fantastic, thank you!

[Mechwarrior 2]

That's my usual answer to problems....

LOL

[N.Rico 1]

and tell us how it was the results

[Daywatch 4]

Just squeeze it in? Doesn´t always work if it´s hard, thick leather. Hope to see some pics of the FF on a new strap later:)

[Hornet 1]

Just squeeze it in? Doesn´t always work if it´s hard, thick leather. Hope to see some pics of the FF on a new strap later:)

Tried to squeeze it between the lugs, but the leather is too stiff. Also I'm using tubes in the strap as the spring bars rattle around in the strap otherwise, so with those in its difficult to bend it much.