Remove Bands
Once I had my parts printed and ready, I start by removing the stock [sport] bands from my Apple Watch. The Apple Watch features a "quick release" mechanism that makes it easy to remove. Just press and hold on the middle button and pull the band side ways to remove it.
Install Connectors to Bands
Next step is to install the connectors into the bands.These will need to be installed in the correct orientation. You can reference the photo on the left for getting the correct side up. You'll notice each connector has three little "bumpers" across the stem. They're black on one side. On the other side, the middle bumper is gray/chrome. The side with the three black bumpers should be "face up" with the "top side" of the bands.
Unscrew Axle
The axle is secured to the connecting bit with two [tiny] machine screws. I'm not exactly sure what size screws they are, but I didn't need to worry about it because the connectors I purchased came with the correct size screw driver. Later, I tested and found a 0.8 Star Bit works fine. You only need to remove one of the two screws. Be very, very carefuly when doing this! I say this because they're so small that I lost one of them while unscrewing it. They're that tiny! So make sure that you're close to a worksurface when unscrewing, so if it fall out, it won't bounce off the table and fall onto the floor [never to be seen again]. With the screw remove, the 2-piece axle will slide apart.
Install Connectors to Bands
With the screw and second piece of axle remove, you can then insert the remaining axle into the cylinder of the band. Then, grab the second axle piece and slide that into the cylinder. You'll need to reinstall it into the little cavaity in the stem, reinsert the tiny screw and fasten it back into place. Again, being very cautious not to loose that tiny screw!
Install Connectors to 2nd Band
You'll need to repeat this process for the second band. Again, being very careful when handling those teeny tiny screws.
Install Bands
With the connectors now installed and secured to the bands, you can install them into the Apple Watch. And thats pretty much it for the assembly!
Install Audio Adapter
The lightning-to-audio adapter for the iPhone 7 can easily be fitted to the little sockets on the band. Nothing really much to it!
Install Tool Bits
Same thing with the tool bits. The little sockets are sized for a hex body type tool bit with a diameter of 4mm.
Finished Bands
That's it! Now we have our finished bands. Which ever one you choose is up to you. I personally use the non-utility one (the one with the gray hexagons). Honestly, I hardly need to use the audio adapter thing because I don't drive all that much. I made it was mostly for conceptual purposes ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Wear It!
The main thing I wanted to solve with this band was to make it easy to wear. In my first design (and other wristbands) I had a single circular "nub" that gets inserted into a little hole. I found this problematic (and difficult to strap with one hand) so I extened the "nub" into more a rectangle. This way, the surface area was easier to press through the accompanying hole. I added a second "nub" for a bit of extra security. Works out pretty well!
Page last edited March 04, 2017
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