Bracelet Pin Removal Tips??

[Charlie3755]

In trying to adjust the bracelet on my 16700 I encountered a "stubborn" pin. It was tight coming out and then appears to have stuck fast and would need force applied to either screw it all the way out or return it to its seated position.

Any thoughts on what i might try to avoid damaging the screw head slot or the threads within the link.

Many thanks.

[Tools]

Usually the application of localized heat will help in removing a stubborn screw-bar.;

There are also fixtures that hold the bracelet and driver in position for those really frozen screws..

[bondtoys]

make sure that you heaten up the thread with a hairdrier or a lighter.
That weakens the loctite glue.

[SALTY]

I hit the threaded section with a Bic lighter's flame for a second or so and that usually frees LocTite. In the absence of the proper fixture, as referenced above, a well padded vice and perfectly plumb down force on the properly fitted screwdriver gets it done.

[nello]

Soak the portion of the bracelet you are dealing with in wd40. Do not put the case in. You can figure out how to do this with a coffee cup and a large flat bread knife.
Soak overnite.
Wipe dry. Then try the localized heat. If you do not use the proper size driver, you will be sorry.

[Bobsnocat]

Greetings,
The tip of a soldering iron for a few seconds on the screw head works for me.
YMMV,
b.

[jimi]

Rolex recommends a drop of acetone.

[Charlie3755]

Originally Posted by Charlie3755

In trying to adjust the bracelet on my 16700 I encountered a "stubborn" pin. It was tight coming out and then appears to have stuck fast and would need force applied to either screw it all the way out or return it to its seated position.

Any thoughts on what i might try to avoid damaging the screw head slot or the threads within the link.

Many thanks.

I tried the Acetone and hairdryer - unfortunately that did not work.

I did get it out after soaking the links and pin in WD40 for 6 hours. I will add that I did get a little bit of help from the wife's hairdryer, on high for 5 minutes, for good measure.

Appreciate all of the input.

[Mfrankel2]

Tip I got from one of Ric's threads was a cigar lighter. Bought a cheap one a few months ago and a three second blast on the thread side works great. The "clean flame" does not leave any dark residue and it loosens up loctite very well

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Charlie3755

I tried the Acetone and hairdryer - unfortunately that did not work.

I did get it out after soaking the links and pin in WD40 for 6 hours. I will add that I did get a little bit of help from the wife's hairdryer, on high for 5 minutes, for good measure.

Appreciate all of the input.

Acetone is used to clean-up Loc-tite if you get it in the wrong place or have dried threads, it will not penetrate into the threads once they are sealed. WD40 will do nothing to it..

As has been mentioned, heat is the proper release-agent for Loc-tite. These were not suggestions, it is, in fact, engineered to release with heat...

[Charlie3755]

I will use direct heat if I encounter the same issue going forward. I obviously did not apply the heat long enough on my first attempt with acetone.

The pins have been in there for 20+ years, which accounts for the black mess that came out with the pin.

This is where I found the suggestion for acetone.