Did You Reapply Loctite?

[JoseR]

No.

[Idcutthat13]

Great topic Kat!

[davek35]

Yes.

[Rocket_Man]

We use the word 'screw' but it is really a threaded pin. There is no pre-load on a threaded pin that helps keep the threads engaged. The lock tite prevents backout. I've found that usually, especially newer watches, there is still lock tite on the threads or in the link and it still does the job. If there is nothing it would be wise to put a little on the threads in the link using a toothpick.

Before taking a link out, I heat up the threaded end with a cigarette lighter for a few seconds and that loosens the lock tite.

[Nice marmot]

Yes. Loctite 248. Comes in a glue stick and very easy to use.

[Rolexforthewin]

I’ve sized or resized several of my watches, and I do apply Loctite to them.


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[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Kevzep

I noticed a few of the screws on my DSSD 116660 coming loose, and I wear my watch in the water when I'm doing watersports (which is very often), I can see how it is worth doing.
I wasn't aware it was a thing until I saw this thread.
I'll be doing mine for sure.

And that is why this thread was worth my time. Glad I could help. oh, and I guess I’m pushing the “ Buy” button, after all!

Kat


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[Old Geezer]

I use the purple LocTite. Once I've sized my bracelet, it's not like I'm going to do it again soon. I intend for the new sizing to be permanent.

[nikhsub1]

You should absolutely use the low strength loctite on any screws you remove from the bracelet - I have had screws come almost all the way out, somehow without noticing for a while... I always use it now.

[Andad]

I use a dot of 221 inside the link thread not on the screws.

[puma1552]

Purple Loctite - least common, good for delicate fasteners or fasteners in delicate material
Blue Loctite - common, stronger than purple, will not require heat to break loose
Red Loctite - common, intended for permanence, will require heat to break loose

Blue would work, but purple is probably best. Red should be avoided.

FWIW, for anyone who is a cyclist, another perfect application for purple is bottle cage fasteners in carbon road bike frames.

[erict]

Why wouldn’t you do something so simple and easy to protect your valuable watch. Its a no brainer!

[Fredrik]

Yes, always, after cleaning first.

[joli160]

Yes, Rolex does the same for a reason

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Andad

I use a dot of 221 inside the link thread not on the screws.

That is how the SA did it at the AD, after the initial sizing. He needed to use a special machine, developed by Rolex, to heat the links he removed, because Rolex does, indeed use loctite on the screws.

Kat


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[Alvar*]

I did and accidently put too much of it which resulted in a jam and I had to take it to the RSC to have it removed. I got the result I wanted as the RSC attached the bracelet properly but I felt so ashamed to tell them I played around with loctite...

[robinmgb]

I never have in over 30 years and never had a screw come remotely loose

[msum]

Two impertinent questions:

Why is there a reasonable proportion of people who don’t use threadlocker? Concern about residue? Or simply an attitude of “it is completely unnecessary, so why bother”?

Why 222 rather than 243? I completely understand not using 263 - as much as one might argue that heating a bracelet probably isn’t an enormous problem…

[JC316]

Originally Posted by msum

Two impertinent questions:

Why is there a reasonable proportion of people who don’t use threadlocker? Concern about residue? Or simply an attitude of “it is completely unnecessary, so why bother”?

Why 222 rather than 243? I completely understand not using 263 - as much as one might argue that heating a bracelet probably isn’t an enormous problem…

I'm just lazy.

[CarlOver]

AD removed link from Exp II and obviously did not reapply the thread locker. I had a pin come out, luckily while I was removing the watch. No big deal. I went back to AD and they took apart and applied the thread lock. Unless you are going to regularly check and tighten it, why not apply it. Could be an expensive repair if a screw came out and watch fell onto tile floor or concrete.

[AJMarcus]

I have it and use it sparingly. I once had a pin pop out of a brand new Submariner so it can happen. Fortunately I was sitting at a desk at the time. Rather be safe than sorry.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I have a tube of purple Loctite in my watch kit but haven’t used it. I get my Rolex bracelets sized when I pick them up at the AD. Never had a screw issue except once on a Helm Komodo. Note to self: always check the screws on a three hundred dollar watch.

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by Mystro

No I dont unless I have a chronic issue with one of the links. Use purple if you do need a bit of thread locker.

Exactly this

[Ferdelious]

I use loctite every time.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by joli160

Yes, Rolex does the same for a reason

This exactly.

[al503]

I'm too lazy to check my the screws every time/week/or whatever, so a tiny amount of 222 on the (cleaned, if necessary) threads, applied with a toothpick... Let it cure overnight, and I never have to worry about it.

I'm sure there are more than just a few owners who 'never had an issue' ...until they did.

[garGARgar]

Yes, purple. Just gives me an extra sense of security. Last thing I want to have happen is the screw come loose and there goes my watch.

Best to make a poll for these questions rather than have to read through.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by joli160

Yes, Rolex does the same for a reason

Exactly this.

Loctite is like car insurance - everyone thinks they're an incredible driver so it's just a cost......, right up until the one time when they need it and then they're thankful they had it.

And 222 (purple) is the way to go.

Originally Posted by Rolexken

I confess I dip a tiny bit of superglue on the end of the pin never had a problem. I have had a pin come out of a bracelet before this, not on Rolex but a Miltat Strapcode on a Seiko.

Superglue!? I'm not remotely surprised you've never had a screw back out after that! In fact, it'll probably still be staying put when only cockroaches are left alive on Earth!

[Ravager135]

I never used to until I had a screw back itself out on my Explorer II bracelet many years ago. Fortunately, the screw was near the clasp and I was able to detect it before the bracelet came apart on me. Nowadays, whenever I adjust a Rolex bracelet I always placed a small amount with a toothpick into the "female end" of the link and then screw down the pin. This usually results in a little bit of Loctite coming out the opposite side of the link which I then hose down in the sink and wipe clean. I've had no issues since.

This was something that I previously wouldn't have done, but because I almost lost a pin after adjusting my Explorer II's bracelet, I've become a believer. It's probably a rare occurance regardless.

[Pinchy]

100%, and I use 222.

It's not the same to simply put it back in with the old loctite still left on.

Loctite isn't just "sticky stuff". It forms a bond, and unscrewing it breaks that bond. Putting the screw back in won't re-form that chemical bond.

For the cost of the watch, and piece of mind, there's no sense to me in not doing it properly.