Any suggestions?

[omar10213245]

So, I'm trying to add an extra link to the bracelet for my 126300 Datejust II, and these screws are NOT budging, at all. This is not my first go-around with adding links, so I've already tried running hot water over the portion of the braclet where I'm trying to undo the link, and so far, it hasn't helped. I'm assuming the entirety of the screws were loctite'd into place, because I've never encountered this before. Anyone have any good idea for how to get a screw to budge?

[al1786]

Hair dryer on hottest setting, or a heat gun.


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[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by al1786

Hair dryer on hottest setting, or a heat gun.


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wow..ok

[PureCoconut]

He's right ^^ :-)

[T.Mas]

It needs a flame for a few seconds and the correct screwdriver. Also use a little loctite on any screws you are tightening.

[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by T.Mas

It needs a flame for a few seconds and the correct screwdriver. Also use a little loctite on any screws you are tightening.

a flame won't damage the polish on the PCL, will it?

[GrantD]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

a flame won't damage the polish on the PCL, will it?

Don’t apply heat to the pcl, the threaded part is only the last few mm’s and you are warming it not trying to get it red hot. Use a little heat and if it doesn’t move try a little longer etc.

[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by GrantD

Don’t apply heat to the pcl, the threaded part is only the last few mm’s and you are warming it not trying to get it red hot. Use a little heat and if it doesn’t move try a little longer etc.

fair enough.

Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[T.Mas]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

a flame won't damage the polish on the PCL, will it?

No it won’t. As said in the thread a torch light for a few seconds directly on the screw end of the link will do it.

[GrantD]

Rolex use a mild thread lock on screws, heat will break the bond. Don’t forget to use a drop when re inserting and tightening.

[2001jesper]

Hot water or hair-dryer is not enough. Belive you needs to reach 130 Degrees Celsius before the loctite lose grip. Hence a stronger heat-source is needed

[tjs1295]

Cigar/cigarette torch lighter. That's all I've ever used.

[al1786]

I recall my AD using a similar type of device.


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[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by al1786

I recall my AD using a similar type of device.


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ooh, this looks like a fun toy to have lol. i might just have to hunt down one of these, maybe on amazon . . .

[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by al1786

I recall my AD using a similar type of device.


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So, I actually looked into this exact tool, and ended up buying it. Used it and it worked like a charm, I was able to get the screws loose and now the watch fits me like a charm. Thanks for the suggestion!

[inadeje]

This may seem like a ridiculous answer, but why not leave the ceased link as-is and open another one further up the bracelet then add your new link? That’s what I’ve done in the past for a quick fix.

[Wobbly]

Originally Posted by inadeje

This may seem like a ridiculous answer, but why not leave the ceased link as-is and open another one further up the bracelet then add your new link? That’s what I’ve done in the past for a quick fix.

Sounds sensible

[Andad]

Originally Posted by inadeje

This may seem like a ridiculous answer, but why not leave the ceased link as-is and open another one further up the bracelet then add your new link? That’s what I’ve done in the past for a quick fix.

Then you could have more damaged seized screws.

Larry’s answer is the way to go as 221 breaks down to 25% strength at around 150C.

The main requirement is a hollow ground screwdriver with a nice big handle.
The Rolex 2100 screwdriver is a bit too small for a stable grip.

Compare the size.

[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by inadeje

This may seem like a ridiculous answer, but why not leave the ceased link as-is and open another one further up the bracelet then add your new link? That’s what I’ve done in the past for a quick fix.

i actually tried that. none of the screws budge at all.

[Marcjvr]

Flame is the way to go. I held an open flame to my bracelet because of a stubborn screw for almost a full 10 seconds. The screw immediately came right out and apologized profusely for its behavior

[fsprow]

Cigar lighter works perfectly.

[Tools]

Break temps for loc tite are around 300 degrees. Hot water and hair dryers don't cut it, unless there was only a smidge there to begin with.

Solder iron at the thread of the link you are working on, butane flame or the like, etc.

Using a heat gun or other large area source will also overheat everything in the movement and on the dial -and you might not like the results.

[Jpccarguy]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

Flame is the way to go. I held an open flame to my bracelet because of a stubborn screw for almost a full 10 seconds. The screw immediately came right out and apologized profusely for its behavior