Die/tap size to re-tap Panerai lugs (Pam 111, 112 etc)?

[CISO1969]

Guys:

I got a great deal on a Pam 111G rep. The problem is one of the lug screws seems smaller then the other and doesn't grab the threads. I picked up two replacement screws, but the threaded ends on these seem slightly larger (made supposedly for gens) Anyone shed any light on where I can buy the right size tap and/or if there is one "right" size I'd like to upgrade this with the two "made for gen" screws.

I hope what I said makes sense

CISO

 

[dtan888]

Guys:

I got a great deal on a Pam 111G rep. The problem is one of the lug screws seems smaller then the other and doesn't grab the threads. I picked up two replacement screws, but the threaded ends on these seem slightly larger (made supposedly for gens) Anyone shed any light on where I can buy the right size tap and/or if there is one "right" size I'd like to upgrade this with the two "made for gen" screws.

I hope what I said makes sense

CISO

I can try to ask on of our machinist at work to measure the screw size. I will use of my gen screw. I will let you know on monday or tuesday.

Best Regards,
Dan

 

[Highflyingclive]

...Or simply replace the screws with River's wonderful springbars.

 

[hooligan]

I agree with HFC. I think Davidsen offers them now, too.

I got a whole mess of 'em from River a little while ago. Both 24mm and 26mm.

Get them and never look back. :wink:

 

[CISO1969]

I have these springbars, but they do not seem to work with tubes. I do not want to stress out my straps.

Dtan--thanks, I apprreciate that. I think I will also see if I can get these meaasured and see if they match your measurement. I have enough reps to know how much things can vary

Thanks guys,

CISO

 

[hooligan]

No need for tubes with the springbars, as the fat center part of the spring will rotate, giving the same effect as tubes. :wink:

 

[watchlover]

..what peepShow said The purpose of the tubes is to give the strap holes greater contact surface to prolong strap life

 

[Highflyingclive]

As the other guys said... River's springbars are a 1:1 replacement for a "screw and tube set".

Here's a pic... screw and tube on the left, one of River's springbars on the right.

Same diameter.

But note the damage to the screw-slot and thread on the original rep screw. This was barnd new - just extracted from a recently arrived Pam.

Moral: Fit River's springbars.

Do it now.

 

[JoJo35]

I'll agree the springbars are great, as I now have 10 sets of 26 and 24mm. However, the only thing that did cross my mind is the eventual wear of the female threads in the case lug as a result of the friction against the springbar. How long it would take for that to happen is anyone's guess I suppose! :?

 

[fleener1]

Got my first Panerai this week - a new 253. Love it.

I wanted to take a look at how the strap was secured, especially since I plan on replacing that deployant rubber strap with something else, so I took out one of the screws.

Now I can't get it back in!!! Have you guys found that the rubber straps are harder to work with? I just can't seem to get the screw to find the hole in the other side of the lug. I've worked it all around, applying some mild pressure, but I keep turning the screw head and it won't catch.

1. Is this typical, or am I somehow having more trouble than most?
2. If I make the switch to the spring bars, how easy is it to swap between straps? Seems that if a strap fits flush then there's not room between it and the lug to get clean access to the spring bar.
3. Does either River or Davidsen still sell the spring bars? Couldn't find them in their dealer sections anyore, though I remember them from last year.

Let me know what you think -- thanks everyone!