[Cautionary] Recent near-miss with trying to size my own links.

[igbgotiz]

Just thought I'd share my experience with sizing my own links as a cautionary tale. Maybe what happened was rare or unique to me, but readers may take this with a grain of salt.

- I got a new OP (greymarket) and got a set of Bergeons (Bergeon 30081-P05) to size my links. (I'd previously in 2017 used cheap Chinese knockoff screw drivers to size my then new Hulk, all went fine.)

- There was one screw that no matter what would not budge, maybe due to locktight. It was so bad that it broke of a corner of the Bergeon tip and caused either a scratch or actually took off a bit of the flathead of the link post.

- Deciding not to risk further damage, I took it to my local AD to finish the link sizing process. Turns out they do it for free. They may or may not have also replaced the screw post with the damaged flathead, I can't tell.

So that's the story, what I learned is:

- I'm never using Bergeon or attempting sizing myself.
- If you run into similar problem, do not force anything. Take it to an AD. Especially if they do it for free because my AD assured me that if they damage the screw or link, assuming the AD is honorable, they will fix it or order a replacement.

The near-miss part refers to the fact that I almost tried to force the issue with the crooked screw driver on that linkpost that wouldn't budge, luckily, cooler head prevailed and I took it to AD.

[igbgotiz]

Add post pic:

[MRBolton]

Most ADs that I've been to I wouldn't trust to size a watch. No one cares for my stuff as much as I do, so with that start, 90%+ of the time I'm going to ultimately end up with my watch in better condition by the end of it than with them doing it.

[igbgotiz]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

Most ADs that I've been to I wouldn't trust to size a watch. No one cares for my stuff as much as I do, so with that start, 90%+ of the time I'm going to ultimately end up with my watch in better condition by the end of it than with them doing it.

It was 1000% with this mindset that I decided to get Bergeon and size the links myself.

But after this scare (of almost screwing up a linkpost) and wondering what if I'd stripped the flathead alltogether and eliminated all possibility of removing that link at all, I think it's better safe than sorry.

AD may not be ideal or perfect, but they have Rolex factory tools. I'd not use Bergeon again, sadly.

[PBJ1925]

Key is to heat up (most use a blow dryer) the link / screw you're looking to remove. It's generally like butter to remove at that point with a decent set of tools (I.E. - Horofix).

[Saxonite]

With Rolex you have to heat them up to loosen the glue. AD’s should have a link warmer to make it easier to unscrew and resize. They will add a drop of lock tite when reinserting the screw.

[igbgotiz]

Originally Posted by Saxonite

With Rolex you have to heat them up to loosen the glue. AD’s should have a link warmer to make it easier to unscrew and resize. They will add a drop of lock tite when reinserting the screw.

Then based on this, it sounds like even more the reason to just let AD handle it; unless you have the tools, know what you are supposed to do and have the dexderity to perform it.

[subtona]

Nice watch. Congratulations

Having top notch tools is a must. The Rolex 2100 that came with the seadweller is my go to., Never had an issue.

I size all of my friends watches and always have a small collection of the tools including lock tight in my bag. Routinely Sizing Rolex, AP & Pateks. Btw many AP have needed screws tightened or replaced.

[JSCP]

Originally Posted by igbgotiz

Just thought I'd share my experience with sizing my own links as a cautionary tale. Maybe what happened was rare or unique to me, but readers may take this with a grain of salt.

- I got a new OP (greymarket) and got a set of Bergeons (Bergeon 30081-P05) to size my links. (I'd previously in 2017 used cheap Chinese knockoff screw drivers to size my then new Hulk, all went fine.)

- There was one screw that no matter what would not budge, maybe due to locktight. It was so bad that it broke of a corner of the Bergeon tip and caused either a scratch or actually took off a bit of the flathead of the link post.

- Deciding not to risk further damage, I took it to my local AD to finish the link sizing process. Turns out they do it for free. They may or may not have also replaced the screw post with the damaged flathead, I can't tell.

So that's the story, what I learned is:

- I'm never using Bergeon or attempting sizing myself.
- If you run into similar problem, do not force anything. Take it to an AD. Especially if they do it for free because my AD assured me that if they damage the screw or link, assuming the AD is honorable, they will fix it or order a replacement.

The near-miss part refers to the fact that I almost tried to force the issue with the crooked screw driver on that linkpost that wouldn't budge, luckily, cooler head prevailed and I took it to AD.

Would never attempt to do it. My AD has a trained Rolex watchmaker. Never a problem.

[igbgotiz]

Originally Posted by igbgotiz

Just thought I'd share my experience with sizing my own links as a cautionary tale. Maybe what happened was rare or unique to me, but readers may take this with a grain of salt.

- I got a new OP (greymarket) and got a set of Bergeons (Bergeon 30081-P05) to size my links. (I'd previously in 2017 used cheap Chinese knockoff screw drivers to size my then new Hulk, all went fine.)

- There was one screw that no matter what would not budge, maybe due to locktight. It was so bad that it broke of a corner of the Bergeon tip and caused either a scratch or actually took off a bit of the flathead of the link post.

- Deciding not to risk further damage, I took it to my local AD to finish the link sizing process. Turns out they do it for free. They may or may not have also replaced the screw post with the damaged flathead, I can't tell.

So that's the story, what I learned is:

- I'm never using Bergeon or attempting sizing myself.
- If you run into similar problem, do not force anything. Take it to an AD. Especially if they do it for free because my AD assured me that if they damage the screw or link, assuming the AD is honorable, they will fix it or order a replacement.

The near-miss part refers to the fact that I almost tried to force the issue with the crooked screw driver on that linkpost that wouldn't budge, luckily, cooler head prevailed and I took it to AD.

SOLVED:

Just a final update, it would seem the issue was ENTIRELY on me, in that, I made no attempt whatsoever to heat up the bracelet (where the locktite was). Rolex AD has a tool to heat up the bracelet. And a reputable Youtube tutorial made it clear that if when you try to unscrew, there's resistence, do not try to force it by cranking it, instead, use a hair dryer or some other creative way to heat up the "binding" compound first before unscrewing.

[nighthawk77]

You just need to loosen the loctite on the links before trying to remove them. I use a lighter and this works fine. Don’t forget to add loctite when refixing screws, 222 is what I use and never had any issues.

[igbgotiz]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

You just need to loosen the loctite on the links before trying to remove them. I use a lighter and this works fine. Don’t forget to add loctite when refixing screws, 222 is what I use and never had any issues.

I don't have a lighter.
What I did *just* try was, improvising I should say, filling a baby milk bottle with boiling water and pressing it against the links I want to remove.

[Marcjvr]

These threads always make me think of this

It’s not hard people (if a screw is stubborn use a lighter)

[joli160]

Don’t want to be the smart ass but I told you in a previous thread to heat it up

[EEpro]

T slot screwdrivers can easily overcome loctite.

I have the horofix screwdriver and just recently bought oyster and jubilee Rolex tips for it (0.1mm bigger than the original ones).

https://www.esslinger.com/horofix-pr...g-screwdriver/

[SubDate]

I just had my Sub Date resized and I remember hearing the hair dryer from the show room! I also asked the AD to please add Loctite when finished as I am pretty active with the watch. When he was finished, he told me “Rolex says to wait 24 hours to let Loctite set up. It is like cement.“ but then he said with a wink and a nod, two hours should be plenty. I thanked him, put the watch on immediately, and walked out the door. I don’t think there was any way I could wait two hours!

[CarlOver]

Originally Posted by igbgotiz

Then based on this, it sounds like even more the reason to just let AD handle it; unless you have the tools, know what you are supposed to do and have the dexderity to perform it.

If you knew to heat it up, you would have gotten it done. If you are mechanically inclined, you can do it.

[1William]

I have seen the lighter used at a watch event and it worked great. I use a hair dryer and it work like a charm. If the AD is convenient then you have your answer but it is nice to be able to do it yourself.

[ErichKeane]

Originally Posted by SubDate

I just had my Sub Date resized and I remember hearing the hair dryer from the show room! I also asked the AD to please add Loctite when finished as I am pretty active with the watch. When he was finished, he told me “Rolex says to wait 24 hours to let Loctite set up. It is like cement.“ but then he said with a wink and a nod, two hours should be plenty. I thanked him, put the watch on immediately, and walked out the door. I don’t think there was any way I could wait two hours!

Most likely they used a heat gun like this one: https://www.harborfreight.com/power-...gun-56434.html

They get significantly hotter, but more importantly, 'aim' the heat better.

In my case, I did a not-that-hot ultrasonic cleaning (only 50C) as the bracelet needed cleaning, and all the loctite was gone afterwards. For a new watch, obviously that is a touch overkill.

[JasoninDenver]

I use a soldering iron and press the tip to the threaded end of the screw for 3-5 seconds. Works like a charm everytime.

I also thoroughly clean the threads before reapplying loctite to make sure I have good adhesion on the back end.

If you have a hot glue gun it will do the same thing but take a few more seconds.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by igbgotiz

Just thought I'd share my experience with sizing my own links as a cautionary tale. Maybe what happened was rare or unique to me, but readers may take this with a grain of salt.

- I got a new OP (greymarket) and got a set of Bergeons (Bergeon 30081-P05) to size my links. (I'd previously in 2017 used cheap Chinese knockoff screw drivers to size my then new Hulk, all went fine.)

- There was one screw that no matter what would not budge, maybe due to locktight. It was so bad that it broke of a corner of the Bergeon tip and caused either a scratch or actually took off a bit of the flathead of the link post.

- Deciding not to risk further damage, I took it to my local AD to finish the link sizing process. Turns out they do it for free. They may or may not have also replaced the screw post with the damaged flathead, I can't tell.

So that's the story, what I learned is:

- I'm never using Bergeon or attempting sizing myself.
- If you run into similar problem, do not force anything. Take it to an AD. Especially if they do it for free because my AD assured me that if they damage the screw or link, assuming the AD is honorable, they will fix it or order a replacement.

The near-miss part refers to the fact that I almost tried to force the issue with the crooked screw driver on that linkpost that wouldn't budge, luckily, cooler head prevailed and I took it to AD.

Good to hear you got it fixed OP

Two clear mistakes here.

You used the wrong type of screwdriver (the ones you bought are not hollow ground)

You didn't heat the stubborn link.

A 1.7mm hollow ground tipped screwdriver will not slip out of a stubborn link screw or damage the screw head the way a V shaped screwdriver tip will, no matter how tight the screw is. It just wont turn as it locates completely in the slot, whereas a V tip is only appying pressure to the top edges of the slot. Pics below to illustrate.

Your cheap chinese knock off may be hollow ground in which case it would be better for the job than the more expensive Bergeon set.

Lovely watch OP

[amh]

Originally Posted by PBJ1925

Key is to heat up (most use a blow dryer) the link / screw you're looking to remove. It's generally like butter to remove at that point with a decent set of tools (I.E. - Horofix).

^^^ This

I heat up the link with a cigarette lighter prior to removing the screws, this greatly helps.

And when replacing the screws one must be careful not to apply too much loctite. Otherwise it gums up the joint and causes the link to bind (it will eventually loosen up but it's annoying.) Apply to the threads only and wipe off all the excess.

Chalk it up as a lesson learned OP, but don't give up. Even ADs screw this up all the time.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Good to hear you got it fixed OP

Two clear mistakes here.

You used the wrong type of screwdriver (the ones you bought are not hollow ground)

You didn't heat the stubborn link.

A 1.7mm hollow ground tipped screwdriver will not slip out of a stubborn link screw or damage the screw head the way a V shaped screwdriver tip will, no matter how tight the screw is. It just wont turn as it locates completely in the slot, whereas a V tip is only appying pressure to the top edges of the slot. Pics below to illustrate.

Your cheap chinese knock off may be hollow ground in which case it would be better for the job than the more expensive Bergeon set.

Lovely watch OP

Those are some good illustrations

[JC316]

[Michael1968]

Nice watch enjoy it

[IFlyPlanes]

I just added a link back to my Speedmaster. Use the right tools and it's actually pretty easy.

When removing a link from a new watch, use a heat gun to soften the Locktite and it should come out pretty easily.

I trust ADs since they are resizing watches every day but if you can visit an AD with a service center, even better.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

Most ADs that I've been to I wouldn't trust to size a watch. No one cares for my stuff as much as I do, so with that start, 90%+ of the time I'm going to ultimately end up with my watch in better condition by the end of it than with them doing it.

Ditto! Exactly my philosophy.

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by igbgotiz

Then based on this, it sounds like even more the reason to just let AD handle it; unless you have the tools, know what you are supposed to do and have the dexderity to perform it.

Adjusting the bracelet size on a watch is well within the skill set possessed by many of us. I have done many with both cheap and well made tools. Honestly, a modern Rolex bracelet is easy compared to many other brands where you need more specialized tools or a higher degree of knowledge and dexterity. I wouldn't dream of taking a watch in to get it sized any more than I would take a flashlight back to the hardware store to have the batteries changed.

We all have to do what is within our capabilities, but just like enough time on the forum teaches you that the screws may have a thread locking compound applied (and how to loosen it), it also makes it clear that ADs often damage watches trying to do simple tasks. Most ADs don't have that old white haired master watchmaker you imagine sitting in the back. Chances are the sales associate who is as uncomfortable with tools as you are is the one doing the work.