Remove clasp from SD43 bracelet

[samson66]

I'm trying to remove the clasp from the bracelet on my SD43 to install a rubber b strap. Struggling already. I doubt this has ever been removed in the five years I've owned it.

Couple questions. What is the correct screw driver size if anyone knows? And what's the trick for breaking it loose? Use a hair dryer or something?

Wondering if this might be a job for a watchmaker, at least the first time anyway?

Any tips or help appreciated

[HERITAGE82]

1.6mm flat tip is the correct tool however any 1.6mm will work just go slowly.
It’s probably the lock tight so yes you can apply heat with a hairdryer or lighter to loosen.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

1.6mm flat tip is the correct tool however any 1.6mm will work just go slowly.
It’s probably the lock tight so yes you can apply heat with a hairdryer or lighter to loosen.

Thank you. I was thinking that might be the one.

My set goes from 1.2mm and then jumps up to 1.8mm. Sounds like I need to take a trip to the hardware store.

I remember when I had the diver's extension removed they had all sorts of trouble with the loctite. I hope this one isn't locked in as tight.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

Thank you. I was thinking that might be the one.

My set goes from 1.2mm and then jumps up to 1.8mm. Sounds like I need to take a trip to the hardware store.

I remember when I had the diver's extension removed they had all sorts of trouble with the loctite. I hope this one isn't locked in as tight.

Oh man Mike … good luck

Don’t butcher the screw heads

Pictures when it’s complete

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Oh man Mike … good luck

Don’t butcher the screw heads

Pictures when it’s complete

If I struggle at all it's going to watch maker

On all the YT vids it comes right off no problem LOL

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

If I struggle at all it's going to watch maker

On all the YT vids it comes right off no problem LOL

I'm all thumbs when it comes to stuff like this ... I admire your willingness to give it a go.

Can't wait to see the SD43 on a rubber strap

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[Tools]

300 degrees is the break temp for Loc Tite.

I doubt that a hair dryer is capable of that

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Tools

300 degrees is the break temp for Loc Tite.

I doubt that a hair dryer is capable of that

Hmmm, this may take a trip with me to my AD on Monday. Maybe I let them handle it.

[Brian Page]

There are different strengths of lock tight, I've experienced clasps sometimes are a little tougher to crack. Don't be tempted to try your 1.2 screwdriver! Heat and repeat. I've had good luck with a hairdryer. I've even used a bic lighter. You'll get some carbon on it but it will wipe right off. Good luck!

[Meyrin]

I wouldn´t even think of doing this myself, because I´m ham-handed! I´d take it to a watchmaker or AD I know and trust, and let the experts take over! Good luck!

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

There are different strengths of lock tight, I've experienced clasps sometimes are a little tougher to crack. Don't be tempted to try your 1.2 screwdriver! Heat and repeat. I've had good luck with a hairdryer. I've even used a bic lighter. You'll get some carbon on it but it will wipe right off. Good luck!

I briefly did try it before starting this thread. Slip... Oops not trying that again LOL. I think since this is the first time removing the clasp I'm going to let the AD handle it. I'll ask that they avoid (or use very sparingly) the loctite so I can get it off and on myself after. If I have to go to the AD everytime I want to swap straps/bracelts there's no point in bothering with it.

[tifosi]

What screwdriver are you using? Is it a watchmaker type or just a generic precision screwdriver? I ask because my Bergeon watch screwdrivers have a large collar/barrel on the body of the screwdriver that allows you develop some torque. You may not get the torque you need with a small screwdriver with a skinny handle.

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iic0...442485.jpg?c=2

[samson66]

Originally Posted by tifosi

What screwdriver are you using? Is it a watchmaker type or just a generic precision screwdriver? I ask because my Bergeon watch screwdrivers have a large collar/barrel on the body of the screwdriver that allows you develop some torque. You may not get the torque you need with a small screwdriver with a skinny handle.

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iic0...442485.jpg?c=2

Wow that's one bad-ass screw driver!

No I'm just using regular old precision screw drivers, and the wrong size on top of it. I've used them to size several other watches with no issue. But Rolex is Rolex ... gotta be difficult

I'm my AD gets it on I may pick up one of those.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by samson66

Wow that's one bad-ass screw driver!

No I'm just using regular old precision screw drivers, and the wrong size on top of it. I've used them to size several other watches with no issue. But Rolex is Rolex ... gotta be difficult

I'm my AD gets it on I may pick up one of those.

Yes, they are a game changer. The tips are also hollow ground, a "T" shape...not angled to a point like a regular screwdriver. They offer much more stability as the screwdriver doesn't want to ride up and out of the screw head.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by tifosi

Yes, they are a game changer. The tips are also hollow ground, a "T" shape...not angled to a point like a regular screwdriver. They offer much more stability as the screwdriver doesn't want to ride up and out of the screw head.

They look like it! You have a link to them with prices?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

They look like it! You have a link to them with prices?

Mike … it’s not the tool, it’s the carpenter

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Mike … it’s not the tool, it’s the carpenter

OK that's enough out of you! Mods!!!

[brandrea]

I digress and this thread needs a photo. I've been wearing mine all week.

Mods, I apologize to our great member Mike.



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[Gebbeth]

Try hot water. Water carries more energy, and the water itself may help in loosening up the Loc-Tite.

It's a dive watch so don't worry so much about hot water on your bracelet clasp.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I digress and this thread needs a photo. I've been wearing mine all week.

Mods, I apologize to our great member Mike.

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Apology from my esteemed colleague Brian accepted LOL

And I agree, photos are needed!



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[tifosi]

Originally Posted by samson66

They look like it! You have a link to them with prices?

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-30...wdrivers-each/

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-78...ainless-steel/

[Kap007]

You will be fine. A lighter did it for me. The Bergeon(is that spelled right?)1.60mm is all you need. Has the pink top. If you take your time, proper lighting, and for me my readers all good. I'm fairly certain Rolex uses the 222 purple stuff which is the weakest strength. My bic lighter was fine. It will turn the links black. Rubs right off.

[joli160]

Use a lighter to break the loctite, the soot is easily washed off

[samson66]

Originally Posted by tifosi

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-30...wdrivers-each/



https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-78...ainless-steel/

Thank you

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[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I'm all thumbs when it comes to stuff like this ... I admire your willingness to give it a go.

Can't wait to see the SD43 on a rubber strap

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As requested

I had the AD install for me, which they were nice enough to do free of charge.

Very impressed so far, just like past experiences with Rubber B. Excellent fit & quality, and super comfortable.



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[tifosi]

That looks great!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

As requested

I had the AD install for me, which they were nice enough to do free of charge.

Very impressed so far, just like past experiences with Rubber B. Excellent fit & quality, and super comfortable…

Very nice Mike, glad to see your AD offered the assist. Looks great by the way

Does it wear any more top heavy on the Rubber B vs. the bracelet?

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Very nice Mike, glad to see your AD offered the assist. Looks great by the way

Does it wear any more top heavy on the Rubber B vs. the bracelet?

I would say it fits more snug with less travel than the bracelet. The rubber has just a little more stickiness to it against the skin vs. the bracelet. Makes the watch feel lighter overall. The rubber allows you to wear it just a little tighter than the bracelet without discomfort, which again helps it stay pretty well planted. I've only had it on for 30 min, but those are my initial thoughts anyway

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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

I would say it fits more snug with less travel than the bracelet. The rubber has just a little more stickiness to it against the skin vs. the bracelet. Makes the watch feel lighter overall. The rubber allows you to wear it just a little tighter than the bracelet without discomfort, which again helps it stay pretty well planted. I've only had it on for 30 min, but those are my initial thoughts anyway

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Good to know Mike. Hope you get along with it well. Again, it's a great looking option

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[Brian Page]

Looks Great!