Help with removing a "spinning" bracelet link screw please

[Ozboy]

Hi all

I am needing to remove a link from a Rolex 93160A bracelet on my SD4k. However, on the link to be removed, the screw is just spinning in its seat - I suspect a stripped thread on either the screw or the holding piece (or both). I have even tried unscrewing it upside down in the hope it might fall out. I tried some Super glue on the screwdriver in an attempt to have it adhere so I could unscrew and pull it out, but no luck Any ideas?

There is no exit point on the other side of the link to push it through.

Couple of additional things though (1) does the 93160A bracelet have a "ghost" link or (2) is it a fake link

Tanks in advance.





Mods: please move if this is in the wrong thread - wasn't sure where to post.

[CharlesN]

It sounds like the screw will have to be partially drilled so that it can be removed.
only then will you know if the link or the screw had the offending thread (Or even both).

Spinning might be a good sign ..... It might be easier to pull out.

But .... the other screw in the picture looks as if it has seen some better times also.

Possibly get your AD to replace ALL of the screws after your link is removed.

[Ozboy]

Originally Posted by CharlesN

It sounds like the screw will have to be partially drilled so that it can be removed.
only then will you know if the link or the screw had the offending thread (Or even both).

Spinning might be a good sign ..... It might be easier to pull out.

But .... the other screw in the picture looks as if it has seen some better times also.

Possibly get your AD to replace ALL of the screws after your link is removed.

Yep, the other screws are definitely seen better days. I will replace those for sure. Looks like this screw extractor tool might be the key to sorting it:

[CharlesN]

Originally Posted by Ozboy

Yep, the other screws are definitely seen better days. I will replace those for sure. Looks like this screw extractor tool might be the key to sorting it:

The 1517 will do the job but please if you really are going to DIY take extreem caution.

Your local AD or Rolex trained watchmaker should be able to remove the screw easily and quickly for you. they will also have the correct fitting new replacement screws available.

If the thread is worn in the bracelet link it will need the watchmaker to sort that out for you. Do NOT do that yourself.

[HogwldFLTR]

I guess this is one of the DIY risks to those who say it's just a screw. A good jeweler seems like the answer. Good luck.

[tifosi]

I'm not sure what you are pointing to in your first pic.

[shatal]

Attach a strong magnet to the screwdriver and unscrew while applying gentle pressure.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by shatal

Attach a strong magnet to the screwdriver and unscrew while applying gentle pressure.

The screws are a stainless alloy which I believe is not magnetic.

OP, have you tied gently tapping the link repeatedly with the screw head facing downwards to see if the vibration will move the screw out far enough that it can be pulled out?

[Tools]

The link you are pointing at is a permanent link. If it was a removable link, like the half link next to it, it would have the screw on the same side and the threaded end showing on the other side.

Those links are held together with knurled pins, nothing is going to unscrew.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by Tools

The link you are pointing at is a permanent link. If it was a removable link, like the half link next to it, it would have the screw on the same side and the threaded end showing on the other side.

Those links are held together with knurled pins, nothing is going to unscrew.

There is a screw head on the second picture.

[Michael T]

OP, could we get some phots that are shaper? Try taking it in bringht light.

[Maccasvanquish]

I know this sounds funny, but try a hot glue gun. This is how i used to get broken keys out of door locks. You basically take a stick of glue from a hot glue gun and you warm it up with a lighter till it’s dripping and then you let it drip into the head of the screw. Let it completely cool and then you can lift and turn at the same time and the screw will pop right out. You’d be surprised how good of a grip hot glue can have.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ozboy]

I think @tools is correct and this is a permanent link - but why? maybe the fake screw to offer symmetry and balance on the SD4k 93160A bracelet. Perhaps other owners can confirm if they have the same?

Better pics:

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Ozboy

I think @tools is correct and this is a permanent link - but why? maybe the fake screw to offer symmetry and balance on the SD4k 93160A bracelet. Perhaps other owners can confirm if they have the same?

Better pics:

Hi mate.

This is my 2010 16600 for comparison







That spinning screw head shouldn’t be there if that’s 5 links on the 6 o’clock side


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ozboy]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Hi mate.

This is my 2010 16600 for comparison







That spinning screw head shouldn’t be there if that’s 5 links on the 6 o’clock side


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can't see it being an original link any longer (5 links on the 12 0'clock side (I have removed one for sizing so originally six) and six links on the 6 o'clock side)

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by Ozboy

I can't see it being an original link any longer (5 links on the 12 0'clock side and six links on the 6 o'clock side)

It’s an aftermarket link which is why the screw head is on the wrong side and it stripped. Epoxy a small screw driver tip to pull it out then toss it in the bin.

[Ozboy]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

It’s an aftermarket link which is why the screw head is on the wrong side and it stripped. Epoxy a small screw driver tip to pull it out then toss it in the bin.

Yep. Agree. And I think that might also be the consensus.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Ozboy

I can't see it being an original link any longer (5 links on the 12 0'clock side (I have removed one for sizing so originally six) and six links on the 6 o'clock side)

Yep. Must be aftermarket.

[envuks]

Something seems funky here to me. The screw heads should be on the same side of the bracelet when removable links are next to each other….

From the pics it doesn’t look like this bracelet is build that way as screw heads are on different sides for two removable links that are next to each other


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[faimag]

Originally Posted by envuks

Something seems funky here to me. The screw heads should be on the same side of the bracelet when removable links are next to each other….

From the pics it doesn’t look like this bracelet is build that way as screw heads are on different sides for two removable links that are next to each other


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Indeed. Something is funky! Also the "wrong" link is blind.

OP, are you certain this is original link?

[Ozboy]

Originally Posted by faimag

Indeed. Something is funky! Also the "wrong" link is blind.

OP, are you certain this is original link?

Not any longer. I just can't see Rolex creating a link like - I mean why? And from what I am seeing, it doesn't conform to other 16600 bracelets.

[77T]

If the screw is free-spinning then trying to drill it is useless since the bit would just spin the screw faster….

If the male threads are stripped on the screw then the link is perhaps salvageable. Maybe try cleaning the whole bracelet well in an ultrasonic tank. That way you eliminate the funk that might be sticking to the screw that thwarted your inverted screwdriver efforts earlier.

But if the link’s female threads are stripped (or both sets of threads are stripped) then I see a new link in your future.

Either way, the only drilling I can imagine is from the opposite side so you can knock the screw out with a link-pin tool. Of course, that is the end of days for that link.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[jay_kay]

It looks to me link a non OEM link had been added with the screw head on the opposite side of the link.

[Harry-57]

That looks like a lash up, although I don't know if this is something specific to a SD43. Probably best to get a watchmaker on it.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

That looks like a lash up, although I don't know if this is something specific to a SD43. Probably best to get a watchmaker on it.

Looks like a 16600 to me Harry

[worldofoyster]

question - how do you remove links without the screws?

[Ozboy]

Quickest solution as the link is aftermarket and I don't want to use it again anyway



Now to buff up those links. :-)

[Ozboy]

Just getting ready to drill out the remaining sheered end to see if it can be saved. I am not so sure now that it is aftermarket as I have seen a few of these "half blind" links now on a couple of 93160A bracelets from '98 SD4ks up for sale - might need to put up a thread asking other A926xxx serial owners to show their bracelets.