Do-it-yourself wristband repair suggestions (out of warranty)

[akbrian]

I liked my fitbit HR till today. The rubber at the buckle end of the wrist band failed. The watchband pin pulled through the two holes it is inserted through. Not too surprising for something that is rubber and gets worn every day. I've called the help line, and it's a little out warrenty so "send us more money for a new one" is the official solution. Obviously, this happens a lot. My question is, what kinds of homemade solutions have people come up with? Velcro? Riviting, sewing, or glueing a standard watchband below the old one? No doubt somebody has come up with a passable solution that doesn't look too horrible. Any suggestions?

[AlvaroFitbit]

@akbrian Welcome to our Community! I have read that some members user crazy glue around the tracker and additional to this they also buy a sleeve for the tracker that can be found at Amazon. We don't manufacture these sleeves so you will need to decide if you want to purchase them.

I'll be around!

[akbrian]

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately my problem is the the rubber failed at the clasp, so a sleeve won't help. I was able to make the Charge HR usable again with 1-1/2" wide 3M brand heavy vinyl repair tape, It's similar to electrical tape. First I cut a piece the width of the fitbit band and about 3" in length. I folded it over the failed rubber that the watchband springbar (pin) goes through, equal lengths on the top and bottom. Then another added a second layer over the top of that. Then I used an Exacto knife to cutout for the buckle prong. Then I placed a third layer of tape around the band, wrapped perpendicular to the other two layers. You will need a springbar watch tool to remove the springbar from the buckle. Then slide the plastic buckle loop over the band, the buckle loop being what the excess band slides through. Make sure the side that says "fitbit" is on the outside. Use a sewing needle to puncture the tape in order to slide the springbar back into place, remembering to insert it through the buckle prong at the same time. A basic jeweler's watchband springbar tool (fork)  is helpful in order to compress the spring in the springbar so it can be inserted back into the holes of the buckle itself.

It's not beautiful. But the black is close to the same color as the fitbit, so it doesn't stand out as bad as it sounds. It does seem fairly strong, time will tell. It certainly isn't as desirable as just changing the watchband.

[AlvaroFitbit]

@akbrian Wow! Thank you for the detailed instructions and pictures. This will definitely help other members who may be in the same situation. You can always try to contact our Support Team to see if they have any additional options for you.

I'll be around!

[Craldogman]

I am considering shrink wrap tubing.  I will determine the diameter required tonight and order some.  Then after shrinking I must cut out the various ports to allow reading, buttons and charging.  I will let you know how it turns out.   If anyone has already tried this please let us know.  I also saw metal sleeve type thingies on etsy, they're expensive, over $30.