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Old 13 December 2018, 11:14 AM   #1
steeevvvooo
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Bracelet screws

I've found the screws on my SD4k working out occasionally. I catch it happening thankfully and tighten them a little (maybe not enough?!) but a few weeks later it happens again.

Any tips? I don't want to use threadlock or similar but feels like I am missing something?
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Old 13 December 2018, 11:20 AM   #2
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i lost my 116710 15 miles out in Texas desert in big bend park, took 3 days to find it. screw came out and watch repairman said put superglue in head.
I was on honda ruckus scooter
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Old 13 December 2018, 11:39 AM   #3
denmanproject
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I use blue loctite on mine, never an issue
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Old 13 December 2018, 12:01 PM   #4
GreatScott
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Yep, loctite, but not any, the one for this sort of stuff.

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Old 13 December 2018, 12:06 PM   #5
Seaotter
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Loctite 221 or ask your dealer to fix it.

NOTE: Never use Loctite with Gold or Platinum screws.
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Old 13 December 2018, 12:43 PM   #6
Nikrnic
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I like loctite "removable" threadlocker 242

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Old 13 December 2018, 12:45 PM   #7
Sublovin
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Loctite
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Old 13 December 2018, 12:53 PM   #8
steeevvvooo
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Thanks guys. Will get some thread lock but I was wary of using it on my watch to be honest. Seems to be fine though.
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Old 13 December 2018, 01:02 PM   #9
BVLDARI
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Loctite but use the purple low strength.
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Old 13 December 2018, 01:07 PM   #10
SS Oyster
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Loctite

Even Rolex uses a white form of it


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Old 13 December 2018, 01:08 PM   #11
Laszlo
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Loctite as noted but be sure to use just a little dab at the tip then set. I've been lucky and never needed it personally, I am able to tighten it enough (not over tighten it) with the right driver. I always examine the screws to make sure none are coming out. Worse thing imaginable to lose a good watch because a link came undone. Anyway, play it safe and use it.
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Old 13 December 2018, 01:14 PM   #12
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Quote:
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Loctite

Even Rolex uses a white form of it


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Turns white when it cures?
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Old 13 December 2018, 01:17 PM   #13
lenfried29
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I use Loctite 222. Use a little bit locktite on the tip of toothpick to drop inside thread of the bracelet link, the opposite side from the screw head, not to make a mess through the hole of the link, if you know what I mean.
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Old 13 December 2018, 01:21 PM   #14
Chilly Coconut
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Three different strengths or types of Loctite are recommended in this thread. 221, 242, and 222. Are they all correct, or is one better than the other(s)?

Thanks.
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Old 13 December 2018, 01:26 PM   #15
Justinmg
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Loctite but use the purple low strength.
This
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Old 13 December 2018, 01:27 PM   #16
lenfried29
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Three different strengths or types of Loctite are recommended in this thread. 221, 242, and 222. Are they all correct, or is one better than the other(s)?

Thanks.
221 is used by ADs. I couldn't find 221 so I went with 222(purple). 242 is too strong IMO
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Old 13 December 2018, 01:32 PM   #17
77T
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steeevvvooo View Post
Thanks guys. Will get some thread lock but I was wary of using it on my watch to be honest. Seems to be fine though.


Just be sure to use the low strength.
Only apply to tip like others have said. Something like threads 1-2 and then only tiny amount.

I suggest putting a small dot of loctite on a white piece of paper, grab a toothpick, touch it to the dot and then apply to the linkscrew tip.

Take your time and slowly turn it while holding the linkscrew horizontally. The idea is to let it migrate into the valleys (the root diameter) of threads 1-2.

Then touch the tip of the linkscrew to your fingertip and turn one revolution to wipe excess off the thread peaks.

No need to apply great torque when tightening - get it to bottom and slightly past first resistance.

Good luck!
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Old 13 December 2018, 01:35 PM   #18
77T
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lenfried29 View Post
I use Loctite 222. Use a little bit locktite on the tip of toothpick to drop inside thread of the bracelet link, the opposite side from the screw head, not to make a mess through the hole of the link, if you know what I mean.


I agree you can do that - but one always run the risk of excess volume migrating up into centerlink while tightening.


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Old 13 December 2018, 01:38 PM   #19
Seaotter
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Rolex used Locktite 221 for steel screws for many years 100% !

Maybe 222 (purple) is new for Rolex ?

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242 ??? Rolex ????

NOTE: Never use Loctite with Gold or Platinum screws.
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Old 13 December 2018, 01:41 PM   #20
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Clear nail polish works too. Pro tip I got here on TRF
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Old 13 December 2018, 02:00 PM   #21
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The correct one is 222, as it is the same as 221 (which is in fact what Rolex uses and has in their kits). The only difference here is part # for the manufacturer to track. 221 is not available for retail and sold directly to jewelers etc. 222 is same formula packaged for retail. About $5:50 on Amazon!

I would never consider not using LocTite 222 on my watches! They come from the factory with LocTite on them for a reason!

Just put a tiny bit on the end of a toothpick, dab it inside The receiving female threads, tighten things up, and don’t get wet for 24 hours!
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Old 13 December 2018, 02:02 PM   #22
Seaotter
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Quote:
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The correct one is 222, as it is the same as 221 (which is in fact what Rolex uses and has in their kits). The only difference here is part # for the manufacturer to track. 221 is not available for retail and sold directly to jewelers etc. 222 is same formula packaged for retail. About $5:50 on Amazon!
SHIT ! You only need 1/4 of a drop
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Old 13 December 2018, 02:47 PM   #23
Glidelock
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SHIT ! You only need 1/4 of a drop
I would say a 1/4 of a drop at the very most, I’m not even sure what use amounts to that much!
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Old 13 December 2018, 03:03 PM   #24
kauffee
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Here’s a link to an official Rolex sizing guide explaining how to apply the Loctite:
https://www.minus4plus6.com/bracelet_kit.php#bracelet
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Old 13 December 2018, 03:35 PM   #25
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Most screws that we encounter in our lives are held in place by the clamping force applied as the shaft of the screw stretches slightly as you tighten it. The head of the screw and the nut squeeze the material being bolted together and the shaft of the screw elongates slightly like a spring.

But the screws in the bracelet are not working the same way, they are just shafts in the links. When you tighten them there is no clamping force, you are just running the threaded end of the screw into the threads of the link. Tightening the screw more doesn't do anything but potentially deforming the slot or the threads. As the links rotate during wear the shaft can back out. The loctite stops that. But don't get any in the link or the link can seize up.

Often there is some loctite left on the screw when you remove it and I've found that is enough to hold it in place. If not apply a little as described above.

When it comes time to remove it, if they don't ease out you can hit it with a lighter for a few seconds to soften it up.
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Old 13 December 2018, 04:04 PM   #26
Seaotter
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Here’s a link to an official Rolex sizing guide explaining how to apply the Loctite:
https://www.minus4plus6.com/bracelet_kit.php#bracelet
Loctite 221
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