Best screwdriver for Oyster link screws?

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by ctang

Oh, to the hole rather than the screw! I didn’t know that. I did clean the white Rolex thread locker off the acre as best as I could but when reinstalling with loctite I did see some more white residue come out the other side of the screw hole. I wonder if the flexibility will come back on its own or I truly need to redo it all. Thoughts?

It will flake off on its own. No need to clean it if you can wait a few days.

[ctang]

Thank you for this info!

[KatGirl]

Any decent 1.6 size screw driver will work just fine. Brand/price doesn’t matter. I have used a lighter for a few seconds to loosen the loctite first.

Kat


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[Xky]

This is the best video I’ve found on the safest way to remove links, some very good tips, accidental pun! from using a cloth in between the gaps in the bracelet holder to using tape over the screw heads and surrounding links.

https://youtu.be/tBzOE0OuMWM?si=HRVby-9Je0mnpmAk


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[Gazoak]

For me, this is the best screwdriver for the job, although not at that price!

https://www.chrono24.com/watch/EVWZT9

[Normunds]

This! It doesn't have to be branded ir expensive, just the right size. Rolex or Bergeon brand does not do the job, person who hold screwdriver does.

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Any decent 1.6 size screw driver will work just fine. Brand/price doesn’t matter. I have used a lighter for a few seconds to loosen the loctite first.

Kat


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[Eric-London]

Originally Posted by Thegrants82

Heat the screw up with boiling water. Also you could use a lighter to heat it and then wipe off the soot. I’ve used both ways.


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I always use hot water from my Zip tap. Can't go wrong.

[Manamana]

I managed to damage the screw, and the link on my steel Daytona as I forgot about the glue and tried to force it. I wonder how much a link costs from Rolex. Also I wonder if Rolex sells the link and screw separately.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Manamana

I managed to damage the screw, and the link on my steel Daytona as I forgot about the glue and tried to force it. I wonder how much a link costs from Rolex. Also I wonder if Rolex sells the link and screw separately.

Yes and yes.

Be sure to use the correct screw driver. A T slot tip won't strip out even under significant force like a tapered tip will.

Keep in mind the service screws won't be polished flush to your link edge like your factory ones.

Screws are $10-15 or free if you're nice to the AD. Links are $175 and probably would be faster to get on eBay.

Example on eBay $139

[Nipson]

Originally Posted by EEpro

Yes and yes.

Keep in mind the service screws won't be polished flush to your link edge like your factory ones.

Indeed, I had this wrong experience when I asked a watchmaker to replace 2 screws on my bracelet.
I ended being too bothered by it and buying 2 new links, which are coming with their flush screws.

[Trailboss516]

My wife bought a glasses repair kit on the check-out line at the supermarket, and I've used that screwdriver on my oyster bracelet a few times without any issue since 2017.

So, take that for what it's worth.

[Manamana]

Originally Posted by EEpro

Yes and yes.

Be sure to use the correct screw driver. A T slot tip won't strip out even under significant force like a tapered tip will.

Keep in mind the service screws won't be polished flush to your link edge like your factory ones.

Screws are $10-15 or free if you're nice to the AD. Links are $175 and probably would be faster to get on eBay.

Example on eBay $139

Thanks

[Cwillis0001]

I use a tiny little multi head Husky screwdriver from Home Depot. Works great.

[twinfo]

You should try the Horofix

[georgew]

Almost any 1.6mm or 1.7mm screwdriver will work once or twice if carefully used - in most instances. That said, you really want a T shaped (hollow ground) tip to protect the screw slot. Horofix or something of similar design and quality is the answer.

[enjoythemusic]

+1 hollow ground

[SolanaWatches]

I use the Bergeon 160 (purple tip) and never have any issue with Oyster pins.

[Xky]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

I have a $20 USD soldering iron that I use to simply touch the head and end of the screw to help loosen the loctite seal. It works perfectly with no collateral damage.

I did that as well, after thinking about it, I thought it would’ve been better to put the soldering iron on the opposite end of the slotted end of the screw, the threaded end, because the heat will transfer more quickly, also the tip of the iron wouldn’t damage any polished screws. What do you think?

Edit

I’ve just re read your reply, thinking that’s what you meant by the head end in the first place.

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[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by boogeze

I have quite an assortment of screwdrivers, including Bergeon. However, I've yet to find one that fits in a oyster link screw just right. They never seem to fill the slot good enough making it too easy to slip. Those dang 5 digit Rolexes like to have stuck screws in their old age. Which brings me to another question... any tricks for getting a stuck screw to budge?

Originally Posted by train-time

Horofix Screwdriver for Rolex Watch Bracelet Link Screws with 3 Tips Included

Originally Posted by Gazoak

I use a Rolex Sea-Dweller screwdriver which works perfectly. They were originally supplied with the 16600 Sea-Dweller to enable the dive link to be installed but often pop up on ebay where I got mine.

Own both of these, both are great !


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[CarlOver]

Has anyone shopped at watchscrewdriver.com? I have never heard of them on TRF.

Seems like they have most everything from Horofix you could want.

[CFR]

Originally Posted by CarlOver

Has anyone shopped at watchscrewdriver.com? I have never heard of them on TRF.

Seems like they have most everything from Horofix you could want.

And at prices slightly too good to be true!

Looks like a fake website. Their "About Us" page, which talks about "softer, stronger fabrics made into versatile layers," is a description of Land's End that appears here. And if you're wondering about their warranty, here it is, in part:

1 year for Faucets and Lights & Lighting Category (excluding Light Bulbs/ LED Strip Lights/ LED String Lights/ Décor & Night Light)

Buyer beware, though of course I could be wrong.

[Ontime]

Well you can try using a penetrating oil like WD-40 to loosen the stuck screw.

[CarlOver]

Originally Posted by CFR

And at prices slightly too good to be true!

Looks like a fake website. Their "About Us" page, which talks about "softer, stronger fabrics made into versatile layers," is a description of Land's End that appears here. And if you're wondering about their warranty, here it is, in part:

1 year for Faucets and Lights & Lighting Category (excluding Light Bulbs/ LED Strip Lights/ LED String Lights/ Décor & Night Light)

Buyer beware, though of course I could be wrong.

Great detective work! They even pinched the ~ “Esslinger is not affiliated with Rolex…” quote. I reached out to Esslinger and they are indeed not affiliated with Esslinger. I have never seen a site that seems to be just cut and paste and fabricated like this. I didn’t know that the watch tool industry large enough and is scam worthy to invest time and effort like this. Who knew?

Stay away for sure!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Gazoak

I use a Rolex Sea-Dweller screwdriver which works perfectly. They were originally supplied with the 16600 Sea-Dweller to enable the dive link to be installed but often pop up on ebay where I got mine.

That’s the answer right there.
There are a couple of aftermarket that are quality made and available from the bi watch part suppliers.
I have two from different makers they come in 2 slightly different shades of green. The darker green is closer to the 2100 tool.

[worldofoyster]

if you are looking to purchase the horofix screwdriver for rolex, be mindful and contact the seller first. i bought mine and it's NOT green as advertised. The seller said the manufacturer had problem iodized the tool to green and you had to pay for return shipping if you don't want to keep it.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-sc...tips-included/

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Devildog

That's not correct. The SS oyster bracelet screw is actually 1.7mm and Jubilee 1.3mm

Which is why the OEM Rolex 2100 is 1.7mm, and the Horofix Rolex specific screwdrivers come with 1.7mm and 1.3 mm tips.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-sc...tips-included/

1.6 (and 1.2) will work, of course, but are not optimum for tight screws.

This is correct. I should probably order a good one, but the cheap ones I get from Amazon have worked fine. I like the ones Marc , from L.I. Watch sends with his new Islander watches. They work well, too.

Kat


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[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by worldofoyster

if you are looking to purchase the horofix screwdriver for rolex, be mindful and contact the seller first. i bought mine and it's NOT green as advertised. The seller said the manufacturer had problem iodized the tool to green and you had to pay for return shipping if you don't want to keep it.

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-sc...tips-included/

They also sell it in gold color (deluxe version)




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[Jocke]

Here is how I do.

Click here

[longimanus88]

I have the reverse question: is it necessary to tighten bracelet screws from time to time? My watch is nearly 5 years old, never had any problem, but I wonder if I should check those screws (or other things) to avoid loosing it by accident. Thanks

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by longimanus88

I have the reverse question: is it necessary to tighten bracelet screws from time to time? My watch is nearly 5 years old, never had any problem, but I wonder if I should check those screws (or other things) to avoid loosing it by accident. Thanks

Of course you should, especially if you did not reapply Loctite, when you sized your bracelet.

Kat


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