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Triple Black 88 · 6 December 2007, 11:29 AM

what do you use? Can you use a flat head from a watch kit or does Rolex sell such a tool?
I realize I could take it to an AD to get it done, but its not always convinient.

If one of the screws get stripped, can you buy a new screw or do you have to buy an entire link?

Tools · 6 December 2007, 11:54 AM

I do it myself, and I use a small watch screwdriver set working under one of those big magnifying lamps like they use on CSI..

It ain't rocket science and unscrewing a screw is not real high on the technology scale.

There isn't much danger in stripping out a good quality link, although some of the cheaper bracelets use poorly fitting threads. Rolex does use loctite on the threads initially so you get a bit of white film and it starts hard..

If you strip the pin, toss it, but the link can be repaired although unless you're doing it yourself the labor costs will be more than a new one (with some exceptions). I would never toss a solid gold link.

Omega uses a pin and sleeve which on the surface seems daunting, but is relatively simple if you keep track of the parts. Seiko uses some flat "U" pins that hook two links together..and there are other types..

Even if you do scratch anything a bit, it can be filed and polished out compleely...unless you have gorilla fingers.

dman · 6 December 2007, 11:55 AM

You can get a jewelers screwdriver kit at most any hardware store. If you want you can have a watchmaker loosen then re-tighten the screws the first time, but even that is not needed.

904L_addict · 6 December 2007, 11:57 AM

I was risky and used cheap mini flathead from cheap tool kit when removing link on my SD. Worked fine, but I could tell if I didn't go slow it could've slipped.
My SD didn't come with the tool otherwise I would've used it instead.

Triple Black 88 · 6 December 2007, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 904L_addict

I was risky and used cheap mini flathead from cheap tool kit when removing link on my SD. Worked fine, but I could tell if I didn't go slow it could've slipped.

Same here. I was able to remove a link, but my mini flathead didn't feel like it had enough "bite" and I was worried it would slip out.

JJ Irani · 6 December 2007, 12:24 PM

I use this....a spare from an SD.

Lubrifar · 6 December 2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I use this....a spare from an SD.

Where can I get one of those JJ?

Triple Black 88 · 6 December 2007, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lubrifar

Where can I get one of those JJ?

That's what I need. Can you buy them from an AD?

What's the other side of the too for

904L_addict · 6 December 2007, 12:50 PM

The other side is for depressing springbar through hole in case (grrr. I have no hole case). Still an essential tool for those of us that like to tinker

mike · 6 December 2007, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I use this....a spare from an SD.

Yep. Best tool I've found. They sometimes show up on the bay.

Triple Black 88 · 6 December 2007, 01:23 PM

Dos this tool fit DD, DJ, and the sport models or are the screws on the DD/DJ smaller?

waeleldasher · 6 December 2007, 01:28 PM

I have the SD tool and I found the screwdriver a bit too wide. I use the screwdriver that fit in the corkscrew in my swiss army knife. Works perfectly, it's better than the small screwdriver in the Leatherman too.

cheers

W

Mrdi · 6 December 2007, 01:51 PM

Make sure the screwdriver fits the screw head!
The width should be the same as the slot in the screw with no play in both dimensions.
Take a screwdriver that approximates the size you need and file or grind it to make an exact fit. That procedure only takes a few minutes.
Then label the driver so it is your Rolex driver

waltk1026 · 6 December 2007, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Black 88

Dos this tool fit DD, DJ, and the sport models or are the screws on the DD/DJ smaller?

Steve, I bought a jewelers kit somewhere one time. It may actually be an eyeglass repair kit. It has a couple flat and phillips sizes. They will work I'm sure.

TARDIS · 6 December 2007, 04:04 PM

Don't use cheap tools on your Rolex

The scewdriver kit accompanying my 16600 is the same as the photo that JJ took. It's OK for screw links and wet suit extension links, but should you wish to remove the SEL bracelet entirely from the watch, the best tool is a Swiss BERGEON #3153. Fitted with a forked tip exactly 1mm in width. Even then it's a bit tricky. You may need patience and masking tape to prevent scratching.

Start here:
http://www.bergeon.ch/En/

Steve

Andad · 6 December 2007, 04:29 PM

I use my SD screwdriver but I have also shaped a small screwdriver on a carbide wheel and it is just as good.

JJ Irani · 6 December 2007, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Black 88

Dos this tool fit DD, DJ, and the sport models or are the screws on the DD/DJ smaller?

Good question, pal. That SD screwdriver is only good for the Oyster bracelets. Pretty useless (and too big) for the Jubilee screws or even any of the ladies models.

JJ

jac67 · 6 December 2007, 08:42 PM

Another quick point too add.

Use a little loctite on the thread of the screw. This will ensure the screw won't come loose.

I believe Rolex uses this too. There are a few different strengths though. I'm not sure which one to get.

Ask a watchmakers' supplier, they should be able to help.

Alternatively, a little hair spray will do the same job.

John.

miner · 6 December 2007, 10:23 PM

Another tip is to put clear tape over the bracelet and screw head, punch a hole through the tape with the screw driver, then unscrew. If the screw driver tip slips you don't scratch the watch bracelet.

SPACE-DWELLER · 6 December 2007, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I use this....a spare from an SD.

Same here, but as JJ says:

ONLY use the SD tool on the SPORT'S Rolex watches since the head of the screwdriver is too big for the screw heads of NON sport's Rolex watches.

frostie · 6 December 2007, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I use this....a spare from an SD.

My father uses the same one. It's a really good tool.

Triple Black 88 · 7 December 2007, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Good question, pal. That SD screwdriver is only good for the Oyster bracelets. Pretty useless (and too big) for the Jubilee screws or even any of the ladies models.

JJ

Thanks JJ...I'm glad I didn't jump the gun and buy one off ebay. I'll look around for an eyeglass repair kit like Walt suggested.

GerardoG · 7 December 2007, 01:57 AM

I do it myself. I bring my Bergeon flat head sd and do it on site.

rjw0501 · 7 December 2007, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waltk1026

Steve, I bought a jewelers kit somewhere one time. It may actually be an eyeglass repair kit. It has a couple flat and phillips sizes. They will work I'm sure.

Exactly what I used, worked like a charm.

6 December 2007, 11:29 AM	#1
Triple Black 88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Steve Location: Collegeville PA Watch: Day-Date Posts: 752	Do you remove your own links and if so... what do you use? Can you use a flat head from a watch kit or does Rolex sell such a tool? I realize I could take it to an AD to get it done, but its not always convinient. If one of the screws get stripped, can you buy a new screw or do you have to buy an entire link?

6 December 2007, 12:24 PM	#6
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	I use this....a spare from an SD. __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

6 December 2007, 01:28 PM	#12
waeleldasher "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Wael Location: CT, USA+Abu Dhabi Watch: 16610LV / 116520 Posts: 201	I have the SD tool and I found the screwdriver a bit too wide. I use the screwdriver that fit in the corkscrew in my swiss army knife. Works perfectly, it's better than the small screwdriver in the Leatherman too. cheers W __________________ 16610LV 116520 116201 15200 16570

6 December 2007, 04:29 PM	#16
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,488	I use my SD screwdriver but I have also shaped a small screwdriver on a carbide wheel and it is just as good. __________________ E

6 December 2007, 11:54 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,494	I do it myself, and I use a small watch screwdriver set working under one of those big magnifying lamps like they use on CSI.. It ain't rocket science and unscrewing a screw is not real high on the technology scale. There isn't much danger in stripping out a good quality link, although some of the cheaper bracelets use poorly fitting threads. Rolex does use loctite on the threads initially so you get a bit of white film and it starts hard.. If you strip the pin, toss it, but the link can be repaired although unless you're doing it yourself the labor costs will be more than a new one (with some exceptions). I would never toss a solid gold link. Omega uses a pin and sleeve which on the surface seems daunting, but is relatively simple if you keep track of the parts. Seiko uses some flat "U" pins that hook two links together..and there are other types.. Even if you do scratch anything a bit, it can be filed and polished out compleely...unless you have gorilla fingers.

6 December 2007, 11:55 AM	#3
dman Lifetime TRF Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Daren Location: Austin Watch: the road Posts: 13,585	You can get a jewelers screwdriver kit at most any hardware store. If you want you can have a watchmaker loosen then re-tighten the screws the first time, but even that is not needed. __________________ You either get it or you don't, if you have to ask, YOU DON'T!! I really hope that midget cop doesn't find me in Kokomo.

6 December 2007, 11:57 AM	#4
904L_addict Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Steven Location: the OC Watch: SS GMT II-C, SD Posts: 186	I was risky and used cheap mini flathead from cheap tool kit when removing link on my SD. Worked fine, but I could tell if I didn't go slow it could've slipped. My SD didn't come with the tool otherwise I would've used it instead.

6 December 2007, 12:50 PM	#9
904L_addict Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Steven Location: the OC Watch: SS GMT II-C, SD Posts: 186	The other side is for depressing springbar through hole in case (grrr. I have no hole case). Still an essential tool for those of us that like to tinker

6 December 2007, 01:23 PM	#11
Triple Black 88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Steve Location: Collegeville PA Watch: Day-Date Posts: 752	Dos this tool fit DD, DJ, and the sport models or are the screws on the DD/DJ smaller?

6 December 2007, 01:51 PM	#13
Mrdi Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Posts: 3,478	Make sure the screwdriver fits the screw head! The width should be the same as the slot in the screw with no play in both dimensions. Take a screwdriver that approximates the size you need and file or grind it to make an exact fit. That procedure only takes a few minutes. Then label the driver so it is your Rolex driver

6 December 2007, 04:04 PM	#15
TARDIS "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Queensland, AUST Posts: 2,003	Don't use cheap tools on your Rolex The scewdriver kit accompanying my 16600 is the same as the photo that JJ took. It's OK for screw links and wet suit extension links, but should you wish to remove the SEL bracelet entirely from the watch, the best tool is a Swiss BERGEON #3153. Fitted with a forked tip exactly 1mm in width. Even then it's a bit tricky. You may need patience and masking tape to prevent scratching. Start here: http://www.bergeon.ch/En/ Steve

6 December 2007, 08:42 PM	#18
jac67 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Me Posts: 1,950	Another quick point too add. Use a little loctite on the thread of the screw. This will ensure the screw won't come loose. I believe Rolex uses this too. There are a few different strengths though. I'm not sure which one to get. Ask a watchmakers' supplier, they should be able to help. Alternatively, a little hair spray will do the same job. John.

6 December 2007, 10:23 PM	#19
miner "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 1,294	Another tip is to put clear tape over the bracelet and screw head, punch a hole through the tape with the screw driver, then unscrew. If the screw driver tip slips you don't scratch the watch bracelet.

7 December 2007, 01:57 AM	#23
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	I do it myself. I bring my Bergeon flat head sd and do it on site.

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