How to safely remove the keeper on a NATO-style strap

NATO Straps are great. They're cheap, they keep the watch on your wrist even with a spring-bar failure, and they can look decent enough. But the keeper, the part underneath the watch, just isn't so helpful. So, today, we're gonna remove it, and I'll show you how to do so without the strap falling apart later.

[cloudcleaver]

"Kids, always ask your parents before you light yourselves on fire." Oh, the wisdom I glean from this channel.

[thestig]

Great tip. I like how this will make the watch sit lower on the wrist. I usually wear dive watches, so every millimeter of height I can save is good.

[gregnatsch]

I traded for a NATO strap from a sailor in the Royal Navy 40 years ago! Was very impressed, but after it wore out, I couldn't find them.now I know where to look, thanks.

[therealsoulfly]

Dude, I think you just resurrected the two nato straps that have been sitting in the back of my drawer for years.

[Mind]

I feel like the dry humor here is incredibly under rated. Regardless - thanks - here's something for the algorithm!

[mmoolloo]

I did exactly the same (used scissors and a soldering iron) to an almost identical plain black nato on which a black-dialed, black-bezeled, diver with a red-tipped seconds hand is sitting (Casio MDV-106). I found all the coincidences amusing. Great taste, and great technique!

[daviddeckert]

Not sure if this was mentioned but you can get closer to the main strap portion without melting it by insulating it with a knife blade placed between it and the heat source ... if you know anyone who carries a knife.

[Nanchi]

I love these styles of watch bands they usually look good but feel amazing

[markushofer]

I really cant wait until you get your grimsmo rask! I really look forward for your opinion because
I just ordered mine with damasteel blade and clip!
You better feel guilty, i wouldnt know john grimsmo at all without your awesome reviews!

[rondrysdale]

I also shorten the strap considerably (to about 5mm beyond the last hole, using a careful curved cut) and remove (by cutting nylon again) keeper #2 ... the one further from the buckle. I then carefully pick-out the stitching-barrier between the remaining keeper and the buckle ... allowing the keeper to move closer to the buckle. Very clean and basic and minimalist ... :)

[ts]

The keeper on nato straps is for pilots. In the event of cold temperatures or fires there is no piece of metal touching the skin to cause burns from your watch

[stevenikazy]

Is putting a NATO on a Vostok akin to installing Japanese tires on a Corvette?

[the_once-and-future_king.]

Instructions unclear.

Soviet Union troops now loitering in my yard. Please help.

[adriancatisanu]

You should voice-over cartoons dude!! xD

[relosapulso]

are you the voice actor from the inspector gadget? and by the way i did this to my nato 😊😊

[bernhardriedel]

I'd love to see you review the Spyderco Caly 3.5 in ZDP. nice Video btw, as always :)

[weedXD]

Hay Nick great video I. the nato strap quick question what size is the strap!!!

[santoshsharma]

Why would you want to remove it? I don't get it.
1. Either get a Zulu or a Perlon strap
2. That keeper is there to keep the spring bars protected from sweat so that it doesn't rust in the long run.

[Keen_Edge]

Where do you get your NATO and zulu straps?

[jerryharris]

Use SAK scissors. Smaller and able to cut the fabric closer. No need to caterize👍