Callumz 42 Posted February 12 hi guys just took delivery of a lovely vsf no date sub from Mary - all was going fine till I went to size the bracelet and one of the screws is made of toffee - I’ve bastardised the link trying to get it out. Any ideas on the best way to get this out now? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,751 Posted February 12 I'd just put a pair of small vise grips on it and screw it out. No vise grips? Pliers. But you really should ask @Popperini 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Redfire1066 10,949 Posted February 12 Remove the bracelet from the watch head before doing any more work. . Soak the bracelet in warm water. Protect your bracelet with tape around the area you are working on. Ensure all parts of that link are as aligned, flush with each other as is practically possible for minimal resistance. Attach mole grips or use a small pair of pliers to remove the screw … you may have to work it gently in both directions to loosen. Looks like it doesn’t have far to travel. Always use the correct fitting size driver for the screw … not smaller. Sometimes, not always …. the screws threads have a bond on them to help secure the screw. Why? Because it is only friction that is keeping it tight. Hence soaking in warm water helps a great deal if resistance in removing is met. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 17,857 Posted February 12 Excellent shout getting me to pop by with my suggestions. When it comes to removing bracelet screws I'm almost as successful as I've proved in my many other professional watchmaking experiences. I agree with Rich. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Redfire1066 10,949 Posted February 12 If you are feeling frustrated at any point of the fix… just walk away and return later … it can wait . 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rokerite 2,446 Posted February 12 @GingerJesus is our resident expert on all things screwing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GingerApple 7,288 Posted February 12 Screwing up perhaps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Callumz 42 Posted February 12 Got there in the end 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hot Little Xixi 12 Posted February 12 If you get into this situation with anything freezing up on reps ( like bracelet screws or casebacks) try using a little of that Superzilla they advertise on TV. Yes, it actually works as described. I had a rep arrive with the caseback on so friggin tight that it wouldn't budge with the Rolex caseback tool. I tried applying WD-40 around the caseback edge overnight - nothing. I then tried applying Liquid Wrench overnight- nothing. I finally tried Superzilla overnight and the next day I tried the Rolex caseback tool and there was a pop and it opened. I also had a screw in a bracelet do exactly what is in the photo and all you have to do is let some Superzilla soak in around the shaft overnight then use a good pliers ( I use a medical hemostat) to unscrew it. Not using the proper lube and just trying to unscrew it can snap it off in the bracelet because they use soft metal in those screws (ask me how I know). So as always, use proper lube when you're screwing... By the way, Superzilla works as a penetrant and a lubricant and I've been using it to lubricate all of the screws in my bracelets and caseback threads on all of my reps as soon as I get them to keep them from seizing up over time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OLDBLOKE74 6,826 Posted February 12 But the most important bit… When you have finished put antiseptic ointment in the punched holes in your thumb and cover with lint and plasters (bandaid for our American readers). Do not play golf for a week and swear blind that you will go blind that you are going gen next time. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hot Little Xixi 12 Posted February 12 I have beautiful, perfectly painted nails and cuts and abrasions on most of my fingers from working on stuff... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Callumz 42 Posted February 12 36 minutes ago, OLDBLOKE74 said: But the most important bit… When you have finished put antiseptic ointment in the punched holes in your thumb and cover with lint and plasters (bandaid for our American readers). Do not play golf for a week and swear blind that you will go blind that you are going gen next time. Sounds almost exactly like what happened! Have ordered a decent set of screwdrivers for the next rep I buy suspect my pound land effort wasn’t helping matters!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McManus 6 Posted February 14 I've always found that a cheap(ish) low profile bench vise or "table clamps" with the rubber arms are your best friend when it comes to these things. Way less bloodshed and a lot cleaner language usually result from it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
