Removing Bracelet Screws After LocTite

[powerband]

Hi,

After using Loctite 221 on the bracelet threads to secure the screws, are there special methods to use when the time comes to removing the screws for a future bracelet adjustment? (Heating the Loctite, etc.?)

Thanks in advance.

[gargamel647]

Let the watch sit in the sun for a while and that should soften the loctite.

[mmmk604]

Nope. The screw may be tight due to the Loctite, but that's about it.
I usually clean the Loctite off the screw once I've removed it, then reapply the Loctite before screwing it in again.

[77T]

Try an impact screwdriver and a BFH!
...no, wait - that was from a Corvette Forum...

From the Locktite 221 Data Sheet
For Disassembly
1. Remove with standard hand tools.
2. In rare instances where hand tools do not work because
of excessive engagement length, apply localized heat.
Disassemble while hot.

[powerband]

Cool, thanks, everyone.
How do we clean the remainder of the old Loctite before reapplication to put the screws back in? Or is it necessary?

[mmmk604]

I usually just wet some tissue or use an old toothbrush to wipe the Loctite off the screw and use a Q-tip to clean the link hole.

[kilyung]

Loosen the screw with a torch lighter. You can then remove the screw easily. Use acetone to remove any residue on the threads and reapply before reset screw.

[77T]

Originally Posted by powerband

Cool, thanks, everyone.
How do we clean the remainder of the old Loctite before reapplication to put the screws back in? Or is it necessary?

Yeah the old, dried loctite isn't friendly to the new drop you'll put on. Denatured alcohol works, goof-off works and prolly regular 409 cleaner, too.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by powerband

Hi,

After using Loctite 221 on the bracelet threads to secure the screws, are there special methods to use when the time comes to removing the screws for a future bracelet adjustment? (Heating the Loctite, etc.?)

Thanks in advance.

Heat is the proper "breaker" for loctite.

Residue is removed easily by a brush or light scraping since it is dried to a powder afterwards.. Acetone is the solvent if you want to get it that clean..

[subtona]

be sure you have a properly shaped and sized screwdriver.

[handsfull]

Soldering iron applied directly to the threaded end of the screw link itself. As Subtona stated, a proper sized hollow ground screwdriver is essential.

[Mystro]

Soak those links in hot water. It works like a charm.

[Brandon(phila)]

When I bought my DSSD I told them to remove the extension link for sizing...I was watching in horror as the "Rolex trained watchmaker" was struggling to remove this screw.
It Looked like he was trying to remove a 50 year old rusty bolt found at the bottom of the sea.

I told the salesperson to go back there and tell him to stop!
They said I would have to leave it to soak....blah blah blah.
I said give me the watch.
I went home...turned on the hot water at my kitchen sink...placed the clasp there for 20 seconds....the screw came right out.

Moral of the story...try a little hot water first.

As for the "Rolex Trained tech"....IDIOT

[TSW]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Loosen the screw with a torch lighter. You can then remove the screw easily. Use acetone to remove any residue on the threads and reapply before reset screw.

This

[DoxaDavid]

Really a torch?



I guess if you want to chance it, go ahead but I would recommend a lower setting than this!

[powerband]

Yeah a torch lighter is a little more heat than I'm comfortable with, but I get the message. Use a little heat to the links. I think a hair drier should suffice.

Where can I buy the proper screwdriver?

Thanks, everyone.

[blackout]

hair dryer is safer

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by powerband

Yeah a torch lighter is a little more heat than I'm comfortable with, but I get the message. Use a little heat to the links. I think a hair drier should suffice.

Where can I buy the proper screwdriver?

Thanks, everyone.

Ofrei

[powerband]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Ofrei

Thank you!

[thomaspp]

I use a blow drier

[Andad]

Why fry the whole watch in the sun?
Why take the chance of discolouring the SS with a gas torch or a soldering iron.

Warm the link with a hairdryer or hot water.

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Why fry the whole watch in the sun?
Why take the chance of discolouring the SS with a gas torch or a soldering iron.

You won't discolor the stainless with a soldering iron....I've been using that method for years with no adverse effects.

[watchf]

When I was resizing the factory tightened link I simply loosened the screw with the screwdriver. When I was resizing a link I had previously used locitte on I did the same. I never did heat it up.

As for the old dried loctite residue previously used that remains in the hole, I did not clean anything out as the old insignificant amount of residue simply molded to the screw (like a filler) adding to the tightening effect in addition to new loctite applied.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by handsfull

You won't discolor the stainless with a soldering iron....I've been using that method for years with no adverse effects.

There are soldering irons and there are SOLDERING IRONS new and used.

Could you be more specific?

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by directioneng

There are soldering irons and there are SOLDERING IRONS new and used.

Could you be more specific?

FWIW, I used to use a 60-120W variable bench iron but switched to a butane powered iron for my use on the road (MUCH easier). I own the snap-on version but this is the exact same model (snap-on puts there name on it)...http://www.hmcelectronics.com/produc...FWGnPAodhXwARw

[Cesium133]

I never knew about this topic and learned a lot from this thread. Now I know warm water OK, flame thrower not OK.