Fixing strap buckle

[Lc130]

Hi All

This recently purchased vintage dive strap revealed a surprise when the buckle "axle" turned out to be a failing rusted spring bar.  My question is whether another spring bar would be just as good as a $45 replacement strap?  Or, are there other fixes this beginner is missing?

 

Thank you

Charlie

 

[jdm]

3 hours ago, Lc130 said:

My question is whether another spring bar would be just as good as a $45 replacement strap?  

You can buy spring bars as either Swiss or China made. Personally I found litte difference in their visible quality. 

[Klassiker]

Refit a new, stainless steel spring bar and all will be well.

[watchweasol]

As said by Klassiker fit a stainless steel bar, problem solved.

[jdm]

Supposedly all springbars are stainless steel, there are however different types of SS. For example, type 303 does not have the best protection against sea water, but it's much easier to machine - https://blog.mchoneind.com/blog/303-vs-304-vs-316-stainless

It could have happened that moisture remained on the spot and caused corrosion.