Best screwdriver for Oyster link screws?

[tifosi]

I was wrong. The above is the screwdriver I have. The 2100 clone from Esslinger. It works really well. It’s better than the 2100 due to the extra large collar that allows you to generate some torque if needed.

[Polarexplorerii]

Originally Posted by tifosi

I was wrong. The above is the screwdriver I have. The 2100 clone from Esslinger. It works really well. It’s better than the 2100 due to the extra large collar that allows you to generate some torque if needed.

Do not buy this one if you have big hands. I bought one last week for $50 and it is too small to hold and use.

[worldofoyster]

is Horofix Generic Rolex® 2100 still the go to tool for changing links?

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by train-time

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

^^^ this

[worldofoyster]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

^^^ this

can't find it on the website anymore

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by worldofoyster

can't find it on the website anymore

Maybe the green Rolex version is out of stock? Weird as not on Amazon or eBay either. Hmmmm...


This one is different and available.
https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-ge...djusting-tool/

.
.

You could buy the tips and a handle from them.

https://www.esslinger.com/replacemen...t-link-screws/

https://www.esslinger.com/replacemen...t-link-screws/

--------

RED with four flat blades

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-pr...t-head-blades/

[omar-rye]

How do you safely boil, blow dry, or light up a bracelet?

[Gearjockey]

Horofix t-blade 1.6 is the one for oyster.

Around $19 at Esslinger

I use a heat gun for loosening threadlock.

[ctang]

OEM Panerai screwdriver seems to fit Rolex screws like they were made for it. They’re thick not the “blade” type so they fit in there with virtually no wiggle.

[MaverickMP]

Def the Rolex 2100 tool

[padi56]

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 problem screw with a naked flame from say a gas lighter thats what the watchmakers do,best screw driver are tipped like the ones below.

[chris007]

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.

+1 The best one cause made by Rolex ;)

[worldofoyster]

Originally Posted by chris007

+1 The best one cause made by Rolex ;)

and it costs $250+

[MaverickMP]

yea they use to be like $50 on ebay, now theyre pretty expensive

[trackingtime]

panerai screwdriver.

100%

[noshame]

Originally Posted by padi56

Heat the problem screw with a naked flame from say a gas lighter thats what the watchmakers do,best screw driver are tipped like the ones below.

I've always wanted to use a BIC lighter to heat up the screw thread but I saw a watchmaker on YouTube do that and it left a black residue on the bracelet which didn't come off after wiping. He said you needed to use some sort of solvent to remove. Is this true? Has anyone had success with a gas lighter and no residue or discoloration left on the bracelet/screw? Thanks in advance!

[Gearjockey]

I don't generally have an issue with loosening bracelet screws. If they’re stubborn, then apply hairdryer to back side where thread is visible and repeat.
More often, I see people use lighters to remove old (purple) locktite before applying new locktite. I have a heat gun for removing paint that gets much hotter than a hairdryer. Additionally, after removing screws from bracelet and brushing old locktite off threads, soak screws in acetone to remove the rest of it. The brushes are for removing material from inside threads.

I’ve never seen carbon unable to be removed with either acetone or lacquer thinner.

[worldofoyster]

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

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

which one would you pick?

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by worldofoyster

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

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

which one would you pick?

Cheaper one has forks to boot. 2100

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by noshame

I've always wanted to use a BIC lighter to heat up the screw thread but I saw a watchmaker on YouTube do that and it left a black residue on the bracelet which didn't come off after wiping. He said you needed to use some sort of solvent to remove. Is this true? Has anyone had success with a gas lighter and no residue or discoloration left on the bracelet/screw? Thanks in advance!

If the correct type of Loctite has been applied (i.e. purple/222 or Rolex’s proprietary white threadlock), then you shouldn’t really ever need to heat it to help break the bond IME. This is also why I personally like the Horofix screwdrivers as the thick barrel allows you to get a decent amount of torque on the screw head.

However, for very stubborn and overly threadlocked screws (and I’m looking at you here Doxa!), I find that dipping just the offending link in boiling hot water for a few seconds does the job perfectly, plus it’s a lot more controlled and targeted than a hairdryer.

[Chalet]

I have 2x official Rolex screwdriver from the Sea-Dwellers I have purchased.

They work a charm on Rolex bracelets.

[Sunny Arizona]

This

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.

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

How do you safely boil, blow dry, or light up a bracelet?

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.

[TikTok]

Esslinger no longer ships to the UK. I have tried a couple of watch tool suppliers but cant find any that sell the Horotec ones shown in this thread. Any suggestions guys?

[georgew]

Originally Posted by Chalet

I have 2x official Rolex screwdriver from the Sea-Dwellers I have purchased.

They work a charm on Rolex bracelets.

Back in 2012 I was able to buy 2 of the SD tool kits for $80 ea - thought that was expensive back then. They are closer to $200 ea now. While short and skinny, the 2100 screwdriver does work quite well if you can hold it securely in your hand using it.

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[worldofoyster]

Originally Posted by georgew

Back in 2012 I was able to buy 2 of the SD tool kits for $80 ea - thought that was expensive back then. They are closer to $200 ea now. While short and skinny, the 2100 screwdriver does work quite well if you can hold it securely in your hand using it.

[img]

inflation and inflation

[JoseR]

I used a cigar torch lighter to heat up the screw on my oyster that was giving me a hard time. Torched it for a few seconds and the screw came out easily. No damage at all, remember the bracelet are stainless steel, so it was no problem.

[ctang]

I just sized two Rolex oyster bracelets and used some blue loctite in the process. I realized a few days later that those specific link joints don’t swivel freely like the others do. Anyone have any ideas about this? I think I’ve done the same in the past without any negative effects like this.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by ctang

I just sized two Rolex oyster bracelets and used some blue loctite in the process. I realized a few days later that those specific link joints don’t swivel freely like the others do. Anyone have any ideas about this? I think I’ve done the same in the past without any negative effects like this.

Loctite only the threaded hole and don't use as much. You could take it apart and clean it off and try again.

[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?