I heard this could happen - and then it did to me

[DJJon]

I've read the threads saying 'check your bracelet screws regularly for tightness and be sure to use Lock-Tite. You don't want the bracelet to fall apart'.

Never thought it would happen to me - but it did. Super Jubilee 18K/SS had one bracelet screw 40% out of the bracelet. Had backed out of the far side and was barely hanging on by a hair on the near side. Caught it taking it off at night, so no harm, no foul.

Since I tighten them every 6 months or so, I am attributing it to perhaps because I wore it outside in single digit Farenheit for several hours that day. Metal shrinkage and/or different rate of contraction between the 18K gold and the SS?

Don't want this to happen again, got lucky this time. What type of Lock-Tite (blue, red, other?) do the pros here recommend ?

[Afghanvet]

Wee bit of blue... NOT the red! Caveat - I'm not a pro...

[ec51]

Low strength loctite.

[c.capt]

Actually, you'll want to use the purple which is Loctite 222, the replacement for 221 which isn't made anymore. A lot of the Rolex manuals list 221 as the threadlocker of choice.

[overthehill]

which screws?

[heatscore]

http://www.amazon.com/Loctite-38653-...ds=222+loctite

[Cesium133]

Also, when applying the Loctite, put it on the threads in the link instead of the screw. That way you're not tracking Loctite through the entire tube of the link when you insert the screw into it.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Cesium133

Also, when applying the Loctite, put it on the threads in the link instead of the screw. That way you're not tracking Loctite through the entire tube of the link when you insert the screw into it.

Great tip

[ceo012384]

Definitely do NOT use the red... unless you never want to be able to unscrew it haha.

And great tip about applying to the link threads, as an OCD guy I appreciate that type of forethought :)

[MMPutnam]

For applying to threads I'd try a dental tool (metal pick-like tool used for scraping and probing) - or something similar with a fine tip. I imagine the tool will pick up a drop from a small pool (or perhaps dripped from the bottle) which can then be applied to the thread area. May take a few drops from the tool.
Full disclosure - I haven't tried this yet but will be receiving my first Rolex today (Sub 2 liner) and am thinking through the bracelet resize process.

[c.capt]

Originally Posted by MMPutnam

For applying to threads I'd try a dental tool (metal pick-like tool used for scraping and probing) - or something similar with a fine tip. I imagine the tool will pick up a drop from a small pool (or perhaps dripped from the bottle) which can then be applied to the thread area. May take a few drops from the tool.
Full disclosure - I haven't tried this yet but will be receiving my first Rolex today (Sub 2 liner) and am thinking through the bracelet resize process.

I have to disagree here. You probably wouldn't want to use a metal tool as any metal on metal contact can damage your threads. If the threading gets damaged, you won't be able to screw your links back together. I use a toothpick and it works just fine.

[cop414]

Use a toothpick or a nylon dental pick, that's what I keep in my watch "kit", and I agree with the 222 version of loctite.

[mjclark32]

I caught a screw backing out about a year ago and used clear nail polish in a pinch on all screws. Haven't had one move a bit on me since

[subtona]

Loctite 221/222 whichever you can get.
Should be worry free after that.

[MMPutnam]

Originally Posted by c.capt

I have to disagree here. You probably wouldn't want to use a metal tool as any metal on metal contact can damage your threads. If the threading gets damaged, you won't be able to screw your links back together. I use a toothpick and it works just fine.

Good call - didn't think about the metal to metal issue. I had in mind just touching the pick to the threaded hole and the drop coating as needed but makes way more sense to use a toothpick.

[DJJon]

Thank you everybody! Especially c.capt for the purple and heatscore for the link - ordering was so easy. (Paid using Discover card Cashback feels like stealing!)

Had this screw come out my DJ could have been a goner.

[Solo118]

What does a flipper do? I have had a problem where the loctite was hard to remove on a newly aquired piece, and would hate to give a future owner the same issue.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Solo118

What does a flipper do? I have had a problem where the loctite was hard to remove on a newly aquired piece, and would hate to give a future owner the same issue.

Not a problem, just heat it up a little and it easily unscrews.

[datejusting]

I have never had to use locktite on any of mine yet and I have been wearing Rolex since 1985.

[Sportwatchmania]

Loctite 221 is the one you need. It comes with the Rolex sizing kit. So that's the one Rolex self uses.

Here is a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV23fxpUa_0

[DJJon]

Originally Posted by datejusting

I have never had to use locktite on any of mine yet and I have been wearing Rolex since 1985.

Brother I never thought it was a real issue myself until........

Maybe the 5° F played a role but I'll never think it can't happen again.

[datejusting]

Originally Posted by DJJon

Brother I never thought it was a real issue myself until........

Maybe the 5° F played a role but I'll never think it can't happen again.

I know it could happen, but mine haven't seen 5 deg. yet.