Best screwdriver for Oyster link screws?

[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?

[robinhenrywatches]

I use mid price screwdriver sets, they work well but replace the heads regularly, don’t let them wear out.

A few home tips to help stubborn screws:

Hold the bracelet in one hand and the screwdriver in the other, don’t rest the watch on a flat surface applying downward pressure.

Use a hairdryer to apply heat to loosen loctite.

Place cello tape around the links you are working on incase you do slip.

Good luck.


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[Thegrants82]

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?

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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[cdmorenot]

Panerai 1.6mm screwdriver with cut-out works best. A bunch of them on eBay - I had a screw on my Sub that refused to move. Put the bracelet in boiling water for a few seconds.

[Driver8]

This is the hollow ground screwdriver I use -

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

Absolutely superb item - the thick barrel makes it dead easy to control, and also to apply a good amount of torque if needs be. I have Bergeon screwdrivers too, but this Horofix one is leagues ahead IMO.

Either hot water or a hair dryer work really well for softening stubborn Loctite.

[train-time]

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

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by train-time

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

That’s exactly the one I posted the link for above. Great piece of kit.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Driver8

That’s exactly the one I posted the link for above. Great piece of kit.

This one has tips for jubilee and oyster and costs less because it isn't green

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-pr...g-screwdriver/

[tifosi]

Another rec for the Horofix. That’s what I use.

[Alex71168]

Originally Posted by Driver8

This is the hollow ground screwdriver I use -

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

Absolutely superb item - the thick barrel makes it dead easy to control, and also to apply a good amount of torque if needs be. I have Bergeon screwdrivers too, but this Horofix one is leagues ahead IMO.

Either hot water or a hair dryer work really well for softening stubborn Loctite.

How do you get that in the uk as it seems to be US based, I have burgeon but getting a good hollow ground tip is hard

[boogeze]

good stuff. thank you


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[boogeze]

good stuff. thank you

[JoseR]

I used a cigar torch lighter for a few seconds to remove a screw. No problem.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

Panerai 1.6mm screwdriver with cut-out works best. A bunch of them on eBay - I had a screw on my Sub that refused to move. Put the bracelet in boiling water for a few seconds.

This - works brilliantly.

The best, bar none, however is the Rolex 2100 tool that originally came with 5 digit Sea Dwellers.

Its actually nearer 1.7mm if i remember correctly and perfectly designed for Oyster bracelet screws.

[boogeze]

thank you!

[train-time]

Originally Posted by Devildog

This - works brilliantly.

The best, bar none, however is the Rolex 2100 tool that originally came with 5 digit Sea Dwellers.

Its actually nearer 1.7mm if i remember correctly and perfectly designed for Oyster bracelet screws.

I have the 2100 that came with Sea Dweller. It's very small. The Horofix works better for tight screws. It's bigger and allows for more torque.

[EaglePilot]

I bought a Horofix from Esslinger to size the bracelet (jubilee) of my GMT BLNR.
Perfect screwdriver, no scratches on my GMT bracelet. But I checked the screwdriver before use for magnetics (Lepsi iphone app) and it was magnetized! So I bought a cheap demagnetizer and solve the problem instanly before use it on the watch!

[DaytonaAllDay]

Hands down Rolex Ref. 2100. Albeit never used by me, the Horofix is probably fine too.

[LFFL]

Will the linked horofix screw driver work on older (5-digit) oyster bracelets as well?

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by train-time

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

^^^This is the one. I have worked on everything from DSSD to BLRO with even the most stubborn link pins looking undamaged.

[Boaters]

The Rolex 2100 tool is the best. It is a Little expensive but the best ... Bar None I own two just the best

[boogeze]

I bought the Horotec Rolex 2100 aftermarket tool.

[Peak]

The screwdriver size used for the Rolex Submariner is 1.6mm. The standard Rolex screw size is 1.6mm, so this is the correct size for most Rolex bracelets

[jmrxtr]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

Panerai 1.6mm screwdriver with cut-out works best. A bunch of them on eBay - I had a screw on my Sub that refused to move. Put the bracelet in boiling water for a few seconds.

my go to. they're perfect screwdrivers and they come with purchase

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by Alex71168

How do you get that in the uk as it seems to be US based, I have burgeon but getting a good hollow ground tip is hard

I just ordered it and they posted it to me. I think Esslinger stopped international shipping during Covid and not sure if they’ve restarted, but I bought mine way before Covid happened.

[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.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Peak

The screwdriver size used for the Rolex Submariner is 1.6mm. The standard Rolex screw size is 1.6mm, so this is the correct size for most Rolex bracelets

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.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by LFFL

Will the linked horofix screw driver work on older (5-digit) oyster bracelets as well?

Yes

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by train-time

I have the 2100 that came with Sea Dweller. It's very small. The Horofix works better for tight screws. It's bigger and allows for more torque.

For more torque I simply wrap masking/painters tape around the 2100 to increase its diameter (and grip)

Works a treat, costs next to nothing and completely removeable

[fskywalker]

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.

The one above is a great choice (have one) but pretty expensive. Esslinger sells one which has the same dimmensions needed but more affordable. Their 52.437 model below comes with the right tip:








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

They also had a deluxe version model (52.4238, doesn’t seem to be listed anymore) that comes on a kit (gold color), which adds two additional screwdrivers and a storage bag:





I had the green one and upgraded to the gold kit, either one is highly recommended

Lastly, Esslinger also sells a 2100 clone screwdriver (59.621):

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-ge...djusting-tool/




Haven’t try that one but some people
In the forum have it and had given great feedback about it.



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