Loctite for re-sizing

[mjrennie]

Sorry if this has been dragged up before...

Is Loctite absolutely necessary when you re-size a bracelet? Are the tiny screws not up to the job? If Loctite is recommended, is it a case of a tiny dab on the screw end?

[dddrees]

There are horror stories where if loctite was not used the screw can back out. May not happen but who wants to take the chance.

[esm]

Originally Posted by mjrennie

Sorry if this has been dragged up before...

Is Loctite absolutely necessary when you re-size a bracelet? Are the tiny screws not up to the job? If Loctite is recommended, is it a case of a tiny dab on the screw end?

loctite is recommended. a very small dab on the thread will do.

if you dont have loctite, a bottle of clear nail polish will do the job too (thats what i use)

[matt4hand]

Yes! Use it. Why would you risk your watch for a $5.00 tube of loctite?
I use a dab on the screw hole and a dab on the threads. I wipe it down after the screws are inserted.

[mjrennie]

Originally Posted by matt4hand

Yes! Use it. Why would you risk your watch for a $5.00 tube of loctite?
I use a dab on the screw hole and a dab on the threads. I wipe it down after the screws are inserted.

Ok, will do, thanks for the advice. Amazing, an 8k watch need a dab of glue. I find that odd. So...it just adds extra hold, then? When you come to re-size again, does the Loctite bond simply break?

[esm]

Originally Posted by mjrennie

Amazing, an 8k watch need a dab of glue. I find that odd.

you will most likely to find applications of automotive loctite on a million dollar supercar too

[padi56]

Originally Posted by matt4hand

Yes! Use it. Why would you risk your watch for a $5.00 tube of loctite?
I use a dab on the screw hole and a dab on the threads. I wipe it down after the screws are inserted.

No only use a very very tiny amount on the screw thread only.

[cyglee]

Preferably use the low strength loctite 222/221 (purple) for ease of removal. The red high strength can require serious heat to remove!

[Like To Watch]

No I don't use it.

[Snowbound]

I would be reluctant to use loctite unless I had a particular screw that wouldn't stay tight. I think that you create new risks with loctite - specifically you create the risk of scratching the heck out of the bracelet or mangling a screw head when you have to exert extreme force during some future resizing endeavor. I certainly wouldn't use red. Red loctite is basically permanent. Maybe blue, or as others have suggested, clear nail polish.

[watchf]

I use purple strength loctite, never ever use permanent or high strength loctite. I apply a very very tiny dab with the end of a toothpick to the thread hole of the links instead of directly to the screw and wipe the bottom part of the hole where the screw end comes flush with the side of the bracelet/link as this is where excess loctitie gets squeezed out. Wipe it as soon as you can to prevent the loctite from drying out and becoming harder to wipe off.

[Engi]

Originally Posted by cyglee

Preferably use the low strength loctite 222/221 (purple) for ease of removal. The red high strength can require serious heat to remove!

The lower strength loctite (the purple one) exact reference is therefore the 221 ?

Thanks in advance for confirmation



Engi

[watchf]

Originally Posted by Engi

The lower strength loctite (the purple one) exact reference is therefore the 221 ?

Thanks in advance for confirmation



Engi

Mine says Grade M and the code is 222.

[Engi]

Originally Posted by watchf

Mine says Grade M and the code is 222.

OK, thanks,

Engi

[mjrennie]

I bought code 243, lock and seal. it says it is specifically for securing screws and is easily undone using hand tools.

[Engi]

Originally Posted by mjrennie

I bought code 243, lock and seal. it says it is specifically for securing screws and is easily undone using hand tools.

I understand that 243 is stronger than 221/222 (and not recommended for watch screws), is it right ?

[matt4hand]

Originally Posted by Snowbound

I would be reluctant to use loctite unless I had a particular screw that wouldn't stay tight. I think that you create new risks with loctite - specifically you create the risk of scratching the heck out of the bracelet or mangling a screw head when you have to exert extreme force during some future resizing endeavor. I certainly wouldn't use red. Red loctite is basically permanent. Maybe blue, or as others have suggested, clear nail polish.

My AD uses the purple whenever they size a bracelet for someone. If they use it then I'll use it.

Using none is a BAD BAD BAD idea. Did I say it was a bad idea.

I've seen some smashed watches from nailing the ground.

[MY-WATCH]

Use it better than sorry

[esm]

Originally Posted by Snowbound

I would be reluctant to use loctite unless I had a particular screw that wouldn't stay tight.

it'd be too late when you realise one of the screws wouldn't stay tight.

I was lucky to find out one of my Rolex has a screw un-tighten itself within a few hours after wearing it (yes, I usually check if all screws are flat against the side of the bracelet when putting it on)

[DT14]

would be curious to know whether the screw coming out scenario has ever really happened??

[esm]

Originally Posted by DT14

would be curious to know whether the screw coming out scenario has ever really happened??

yes it has - once for me.

the screw nearest to the flip lock on my 116610LN came out a little bit and was preventing the flip lock from opening fully... hence i was not able to take off the watch. it was a "close call"... it the screw was else where, i may not have noticed it until the next time i check

[jrbar-on]

I never use loctice and have never had a bracelet screw come undone in over 20 years of watch collecting (including on a Sub that I've had that long). Perhaps this is an anomaly but I find it hard to believe.

Jonathan.

[esm]

Originally Posted by jrbar-on

I never use loctice and have never had a bracelet screw come undone in over 20 years of watch collecting (including on a Sub that I've had that long). Perhaps this is an anomaly but I find it hard to believe.

Jonathan.

maybe - but one question i have to ask...

have you ever re-sized and/or removed links from your bracelet by yourself?

[jimbones43]

221 is the way to go! Dab the screw end in a drop than wipe the bracelet down after you set the screw. I once saw a Rolex AD sizing kit and loctite 221 was in the kit!

BTW screws will back out from vibration, may not happen to everyone but why take the chance.

[STDevil]

esm -

I had the exact same thing happen last weekend. The fliplock would not open, and I was able to see that the screw was backing out. I screwed it back in, and then noticed that the head of the screw is ever so slightly recessed into the link. The rest of the screw heads are perfectly flush with the links, except for the screw that connects the other end of the band to the clasp.

I guess it's time to get some Loctite...I have some of the blue stuff in the garage (I have the red but I know not to use that stuff!), and I think the blue would be OK, but it sounds like the consensus is to go purple, so I will head off to the local NAPA to find some...

[Engi]

Originally Posted by matt4hand

My AD uses the purple whenever they size a bracelet for someone. If they use it then I'll use it.

Using none is a BAD BAD BAD idea. Did I say it was a bad idea.

I've seen some smashed watches from nailing the ground.

So also you can confirm that the purple used by yourAD is the 222 code ?

Thanks,

Engi

[MB7000]

Does the purple unscrew easily if needed, or does it take some effort? I would hate to scratch or strip the screw head trying to unscrew it after loctite.

[bodybump]

We need Adam(mortgageguy) here his the Loctite king!!

[George Ab]

I do not use it. I do inspect my bracelet every six months when I clean the bracelet in ultrasonic cleaner.

Repeating.... use mild strength 222; blue not red. Sherman has provided excellent information on maintenance here: http://minus4plus6.com/maintenance.htm

[desmo996]

I've never used Loctite and I have resized all of my watch bracelets myself. Have worn the watches including a Rolex for a period of almost 10 years without any loosening of the screws. Just inspect the bracelet every so often if you're that paranoid.

The last thing I'd want to do is make those little screws even harder to take out. If you choose to resell the watch down the line someone will likely end up with scratches and mangled screw heads at best all over the bracelet. The screws are there for adjustment purposes. They aren't meant to be permanent anchors.