Loose Bracelet Screw - Loctite Application

[RyanJames]

Hi all,

I’ve recently encountered the bracelet link screw (near the clasp) on my GMTiiC has worked itself loose a couple of times and protruded slightly.
I’ve ordered the correct screwdriver and some Loctite 220, but I could do with some advice if possible.

Do I loosen the screw head and add a dab of Loctite before re tightening?
Or do I remove the screw completely and add some to the base of screw before re fitting?

I look forward to your responses.

Thanks

[MonBK]

The tiniest drop possible on the tip of the screw.

[RyanJames]

Originally Posted by MonBK

The tiniest drop possible on the tip of the screw.

Thanks for the quick response. I'll probably use a pin head to apply.

Just to clarify you mean the riveted tip which would imply removing the screw fully or the tip as in the end with the head and thus only requiring a small loosening to expose enough to apply.

Thanks again

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by RyanJames

Thanks for the quick response. I'll probably use a pin head to apply.

Just to clarify you mean the riveted tip which would imply removing the screw fully or the tip as in the end with the head and thus only requiring a small loosening to expose enough to apply.

Thanks again

.

[Alpino]

.

Never on the screw ...

.

[MonBK]

I'm Like Frank Sinatra, I do it My Way, (not on the thread but on the tip).

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Alpino

.

Never on the screw ...

.

Have to agree just a very very tint drop to the female thread is best.

[Etschell]

i would never ever ever do it. just re screw it in. it will stop backing out.

[Gold Crown]

Just pull the screw and clean the threaded end with some alcohol with a Qtip. Then put a drop or two of Lock tight on a clean sheet of paper and roll the threaded end of the screw in it completely coating the threads. Then put your screw back in and properly tighten. Don't wear the watch for 12 hours to let the Lock tight set for awhile.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Alpino

.

Never on the screw ...

.

Yup. This.

[sawhornsoff]

Putting it on the screw results in some loctite deposition in the link holes when passing the bar through the link. I would get the screw started in the threads and then dab a tiny amount in the threaded hole to prevent that stuff from going where it shouldn't go.

[nobbylon]

If you put loctite on the screw a small amount always ends up stiffening that link. It wears away but in the meantime the bracelet will feel stiff.
Rolex use loctite on the bracelet screws so it's worthwhile doing.
I re glued every link screw on my DeepSea just to be sure as I'm using it in the water. I also checked a friends OP this week and even from factory one of the screws was not tight so they are worth checking even when new.

[tifosi]

A drop of Loctite in the female thread on the link. This way you don't smear loctite through the entire link as you insert the screw and in turn bind the link up.

[kingSubTT]

I need to bookmark this page. Useful info

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by Gold Crown

Just pull the screw and clean the threaded end with some alcohol with a Qtip. Then put a drop or two of Lock tight on a clean sheet of paper and roll the threaded end of the screw in it completely coating the threads. Then put your screw back in and properly tighten. Don't wear the watch for 12 hours to let the Lock tight set for awhile.

^Bad advice here. As others have said, if you feel you must use loctite (I don't), apply a very small amount to the female threads only. Never the screw itself.

[watchwatcher]

If you have an AD you trust, let them do it.

Agree with putting the loctite on the female threads...but this is a very delicate maneuver. If you get it on the link, it will cause it to bind up.

[Afghanvet]

Regardless, make sure you use LOCTITE BLUE 242, made to lock threads securely but to allow for future disassembly. If you use Loctite Red 271, it's made to permanently lock threads together. Confusing, as Loctite blue can come in a red tube - so read the packaging carefully.

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/10/...r-Blue-242.htm

Oh, and for the OP, believe loctite 220 refers to an epoxy... not recommended.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by RyanJames

. .
Just to clarify you mean the riveted tip which would imply removing the screw fully or the tip as in the end with the head and thus only requiring a small loosening to expose enough to apply.

It's very difficult to make a "small loosening" since the screw goes completely through the entire set of links.

Typically Loctite is applied to the bolt threads, however, in this case it is not desirable to have any dry loctite inside of the non-threaded link tubes.

[tomchicago]

NOT on the screw threads....as Padi said (he's usually right about everything....usually), apply to the threads on the link. I use a sewing needle to do that. This way, you don't get loctite on other parts of the link when you put that tiny screw back in.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

NOT on the screw threads....as Padi said (he's usually right about everything....usually), apply to the threads on the link. I use a sewing needle to do that. This way, you don't get loctite on other parts of the link when you put that tiny screw back in.

Larry is NEVER wrong.

[Bigsykedaddy]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree just a very very tint drop to the female thread is best.

Yeah I agree with this as well. I put some on my sub after finding a correct link configuration and even though I used such a small amount the glue dried on the middle of the screw and stopped the bracelet from moving freely. I then had to take a hair dryer and heat it up hot as hell to get it to loosen up.

I would recommend using it on the female end as well.

Originally Posted by tifosi

A drop of Loctite in the female thread on the link. This way you don't smear loctite through the entire link as you insert the screw and in turn bind the link up.

^This.

[Alpino]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

NOT on the screw threads....as Padi said ...

I did ...

[Meme-Dweller]

Originally Posted by Afghanvet

Regardless, make sure you use LOCTITE BLUE 242, made to lock threads securely but to allow for future disassembly. If you use Loctite Red 271, it's made to permanently lock threads together. Confusing, as Loctite blue can come in a red tube - so read the packaging carefully.

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/10/...r-Blue-242.htm

Oh, and for the OP, believe loctite 220 refers to an epoxy... not recommended.

242 is too strong. You need to use 222MS.

[japenney]

I remember scratching my head the last time we were discussing this and someone called it the "female end". Took me a while to figure out what that meant ! Lol.

[Meme-Dweller]

Originally Posted by japenney

I remember scratching my head the last time we were discussing this and someone called it the "female end". Took me a while to figure out what that meant ! Lol.

Never had to deal with computer connections or tools/screws before?

[japenney]

Originally Posted by Meme-Dweller

Never had to deal with computer connections or tools/screws before?

Yes but I've never heard that term :) !

Sent by my pet Gekko

[77T]

If one is using loctite and seating the screw while it's still wet then I agree the dab goes into the bracelet link carefully. Any doubt, just read the instructions. The only time it goes on thread of the screw is if you are going to pretreat and allow the product to dry before assembly. And even then you need to remove excess so only the valleys between the threads have product remaining in them.
A little goes a long way.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nobbylon]

Originally Posted by Afghanvet

Regardless, make sure you use LOCTITE BLUE 242, made to lock threads securely but to allow for future disassembly. If you use Loctite Red 271, it's made to permanently lock threads together. Confusing, as Loctite blue can come in a red tube - so read the packaging carefully.

http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/10/...r-Blue-242.htm

Oh, and for the OP, believe loctite 220 refers to an epoxy... not recommended.

221 or 222 purple is the correct loctite.
blue 242, 243 is way too strong for the tiny screws. I use it when doing engine builds.
red is 271 needs heat to unlock
as does 270 and I use for brake caliper rebuilds.