Nick Mankey Designs

Custom Endurable Goods & Design Services

Frequently Asked Questions

And the frequently typed answers!


  • Refer to my handy instruction guides here!

    In general, once you have completed the above steps, you can tighten the strap around your wrist by extending your "adjustment loop".

    This is accomplished by drawing out the loop and then pulling the slack through your spring bar areas. Then reattach the hook to the loop, and give the whole thing a snug pull (by sticking your finger underneath the strap assembly between the strap and your wrist) to take out whatever slack is left.

    And voila! You and your beautiful new Hook Strap™ are ready to rock. 😎

  • There are many ways! To gain the circumference of your wrist, the best way would be to use a flexible/fabric/tailor’s measuring tape and wrap it around your wrist where your watch is typically located. Don’t apply any excess tension when measuring, you’re just looking for a casual read-out from your tape measure.

    If you don’t have access to a tape measure, another approach is to use any piece of scrap paper you have laying around. Slice it into a long ribbon, and wrap that around your wrist. Mark with a pen where the paper overlaps the opposing edge, then lay that paper out over a ruler to gain your wrist size! 🤯

  • One quick way to determine the width of strap that is appropriate for your watch is to reference the manufacturers product information that came with your watch, or located on their website. This is typically found in the ‘specs’ area for a watch listing.

    The other sure-fire way to gain the appropriate strap width would be to measure the space between the ‘lugs’ of your watch. This would be the area between the two protrusions at the top and bottom of your watch that the strap connects to. Using a pair of calipers or a simple metric ruler, simply take the measurement from one internal edge to the other. It should range anywhere from 18mm to 26mm. This is the size you will select for your Hook Strap! 📏

  • The Fixed Bar v3 is meant for use on “Fixed Bar” watches, meaning watches that don’t have removable spring bars between their lugs. This is made possible through a small notch being machined out of the Hook hardware which allows for removal of the elastic for installation through the Fixed Bar lug space, as well as an "overtack" stitch that closes down the loop for easier installation and removal.

    The “regular” Hook Straps do not have this machined slot in the hardware and are instead completely solid (and therefore technically stronger, so don’t use the FBV3 unless you have to). The “v3” is simply a moniker that has been given to this model because it is in fact the third iteration of the “Fixed Bar” concept.

  • Ultimately, that is up to you! Many of my customers prefer to simply slip the strap over their hand for removal, and that is a totally acceptable method.

    If there were a best practice, however, it would be to unhook the strap prior to removal. Mostly because it reduces excessive overstretching of the elastic and theoretically increases the lifespan of the strap. I also believe it allows for an easier time sliding one's hand in and out since you can expand the area where your hand goes.

    If you're having a tricky time undoing the Hook once installed on the wrist, the easiest way to undo it would be to flare out the "Loop" with your index finger and rotate the Hook out. Like this!

  • Yes. The demand curve is at an all-time high, but I am actively taking steps to reduce this lead time and fulfill all orders at a much faster rate. As stated elsewhere, each and every single item is built to your specifications by these two hands, so additional time is needed for this custom built production model. 🙌

  • The "Classic" Hook Straps utilize my original, tried and true, ultra soft and stretchy twill-woven polyester elastic. These are also assembled using a standard straight stitch.

    The "PRO" Hook Straps utilize my latest, greatly reinforced, longer-lasting plain-woven polyester elastic. These elastics are stiffer and less stretchy, but can also handle quite a lot more abuse before ever becoming stretched out. They are assembled using a bomb-proof 56-stitch bartack to achieve the highest level of durability 🏋️‍♂️

  • Due to the synthetic nature of the Polyester and Rubber elastic, cleaning your strap is a breeze. Just toss it in a mesh laundry bag and include it with your next load of dark laundry! Wash on cool settings. Tumble dry low.

    Be sure to rinse your strap thoroughly if exposed to any salt water or following any perspiring activity to alleviate the possibility of corrosion or build-up of undesirable odors. But one good cleaning and she’ll be good as new! ✨

  • International parcels are subject to customs and/or duties fees upon arrival to the destination country. This is a completely normal event for international package handling, and unfortunately not something that I can control. Please refer to my Shipping & Returns page for more details.

    If you prefer to avoid customs fees and desire faster shipping service, I highly recommend going with the UPS Expedited service that I offer at checkout.

  • It is either in the queue, on my workbench, or on its way to you! For any specific order inquiries, please see the Contact page. I do my best to stay on top of emails, but my inbox is typically overflowing. So I do apologize if I don’t reply right away! 🙏

  • I’m sorry to hear that! Reach out to me from my Contact page and I’ll do my best to assist you in either tracking the order, filing a claim, or working on a replacement order.

  • I’m more than happy to discuss any issues you have with your order! Just reach out to me from my Contact page and I’ll see what I can do.

  • When everything is built and shipped by these two hands alone, mistakes are bound to crop up from time to time. If this happens, definitely let me know from the Contact page and I’ll ship a replacement out to you right away.