Correct tap for 7mm tube

[Fraist]

I am trying for almost 3 months now to tap a case to install a gen 7 mm (24-7030) tube Without success.
The problem is that i am not able to find the correct tap.
I have tried the 3x0.35 and the 3x0.25 from different suppliers and qualities but the threads were not correct.
I believe the correct is the 3x0.30 but i am not able to find such a tap to test. Is anyone knows where to find such a tap?
Thanks

 

[ward1991]

What size bit have you pre-drilled your hole with?
Looking for you still, heres some relevant info:

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/rolex-submariner-7mm-crown-case-thread-size.5380515/

Gen crown tube install info

Just got a gen crown and tube set for my LN project. Found this info and thought I should share, as it's gonna save me a ton of work! Thanks goes to OP's on replicacollecter and RWG, it's all theirs, I just relocated the content. Part I A genuine or aftermarket submariner 7.0mm case tube...

forum.replica-watch.info

 

[Fraist]

I used both 2.7 mm and 2.65 mm drill. Both had the same issue. The problem is the tube goes inside for two or three turns and then stuck. I will try to make a closeup picture of the tap and the tube thread to see the differences in the thread.

 

[ward1991]

I used both 2.7 mm and 2.65 mm drill. Both had the same issue. The problem is the tube goes inside for two or three turns and then stuck. I will try to make a closeup picture of the tap and the tube thread to see the differences in the thread.

Okay, also, do you have more than one tube to rule out that it may be a QC issue with your current tube?

Sorry for obvious questions, are you running the tap deep enough? I go all the way through.

 

[Karbon74]

I would also advise to buy a replica (24-7030) on AliExpress and try out the retap threading

Use the opportunity to take good measurements of the thread width’using a micrometer

From what I read, the issue is either there is a metal shaving that has melt-welded in the hole, or the thread width being used is not the right one vs the tube

 

[Fraist]

I have a gen tube and a swiss made aftermarket from cousins and both have the same issue.
I was also thinking to buy a athaya tube that is 3x0.35 but unfortunately is not compatible with gen crown.

 

[Karbon74]

Can you give the specs of the threading bit you are using?

 

[Fraist]

I used quality made in Germany taps. So the treads are correct.
please check the 3x0.35 tap in comparison to the tube. Only three threads are ok then the thread does not fit


the 3x0.0.25 is also too small so I believe the 3x0.3 is the correct

 

[ward1991]

 

[Karbon74]

In the first pic, the pitch of the tool look bigger that the tube

One thing I did once (so do at your own risk ) is to use the other tube( the rep) to force the threading…

 

[tbandy]

I just Checked my taps (Set of three, one to start, then the second and the third one for finish)
It shows M3X0,35 HSS
That is what I use and never had a problem.

 

[ward1991]

In the first pic, the pitch of the tool look bigger that the tube

One thing I did once (so do at your own risk ) is to use the other tube( the rep) to force the threading…

I agree about the pitch.

3x.03 tap is not listed on interweb anywhere that I can see. Might need a custom tap made.

But yeah I wouldn't have bothered this long with it, I would have forced it in there with some loctite or epoxy since it would F threads up anyways. Sucks for long term servicing. You'd have to laser weld it and start over.

 

[tbandy]

I wonder why you are having problems I just double check the pitch is 0.35

 

[Karbon74]

I used quality made in Germany taps. So the treads are correct.
please check the 3x0.35 tap in comparison to the tube. Only three threads are ok then the thread does not fit

Respectfully, I am looking at this again.
Are you sure you are using a m3x0.35 ?

Because this looks like a metric, so M3x0.5
Which would 100% explain your symptom

 

[tbandy]

Generic Rolex® Taps For Case Tubes Package Of 2

These generic Rolex taps are made to make aligning Rolex case tubes easy. With the help of these taps, a watchmaker will be able to guarantee that the threads of Rolex case tubes are always properly aligned.

www.esslinger.com

 

[tbandy]

just check the Esslinger.com link it confirm it's M3X0.35

 

[tbandy]

Respectfully, I am looking at this again.
Are you sure you are using a m3x0.35 ?

Because this looks like a metric, so M3x0.5
Which would 100% explain your symptom

I think @Karbon74 is right !

 

[Karbon74]

I think @Karbon74 is right !

OP should measure the thing
Even Essinger might have made a mistake

 

[Fraist]

i am 100% sure I used the correct tap. I have tested 3 different tap sets the last months. With all I have the same problem.
The taps that i used above 3x0.35 and 3x0.25

 

[Karbon74]

@Megahz1
Maybe you can help?