Oyster bracelet screw removal

[mattyman999]

Hi,

I received my VSF 126610LV today and am having an issue removing a link.

I started on the first one after applying some heat and it started to turn out. Once it was approx 2mm out it got stuck and now will not turn either way. I tried to remove the other links on the same side of the bracelet and they came out without issue.

Has anyone had this issue before, and does anyone have any suggested remedy? Unfortunately as you’ll see in the picture, the screw is slightly mashed up now

Thanks

 

[TESLA760]

SS is very malleable and soft. Looks the the screw head is pretty torn up now. What type of screw driver did you use ? I've had this happen once. I was able to screw it back in and never touched it again. Once you feel the original resistance, the best thing to do is move on to other screws. My fear is that the threads are shot and that will need to be re-tapped by a watchsmith.

 

[mattyman999]

SS is very malleable and soft. Looks the the screw head is pretty torn up now. What type of screw driver did you use ? I've had this happen once. I was able to screw it back in and never touched it again. Once you feel the original resistance, the best thing to do is move on to other screws. My fear is that the threads are shot and that will need to be re-tapped by a watchsmith.

This is the problem. At the first sign of resistance it got jammed. I can neither turn it in or out now. I used the screwdriver provided.

Any ideas if AD’s can procure just bracelets as looks like I may need to stump up for one? Failing that I’ll put it on a rubber strap.

 

[mattyman999]

TD’s even

 

[TESLA760]

This is the problem. At the first sign of resistance it got jammed. I can neither turn it in or out now. I used the screwdriver provided.

Any ideas if AD’s can procure just bracelets as looks like I may need to stump up for one? Failing that I’ll put it on a rubber strap.

I'm sure you meant TD, not AD. Yes, you can source a new one. But check the M2M sales area. Might be a better faster option.

 

[restandrelaxation]

I'd be inclined to not give up. I'm assuming you have to remove links anyhow so just make sure and remove that one. From the picture it looks like the second from the end so you should be fine.

You could alternatively try and remove links from the other side of bracelet, if that works, then apply masking tape to the bracelet around the protruding screw and carefully with a cylindrical stone bit Dremel the bits that are sticking out back until they are flat with the hole.

 

[mattyman999]

I'd be inclined to not give up. I'm assuming you have to remove links anyhow so just make sure and remove that one. From the picture it looks like the second from the end so you should be fine.

You could alternatively try and remove links from the other side of bracelet, if that works, then apply masking tape to the bracelet around the protruding screw and carefully with a cylindrical stone bit Dremel the bits that are sticking out back until they are flat with the hole.

I’m sure it’s hanging on by a thread or two so I’m planning to try and punch the screw out from the other side, I’m hoping the steel will be malleable enough to let go with a few persuading taps. If I shred the threads then so be it, as that link and screw are surplus to requirements.

 

[restandrelaxation]

I’m sure it’s hanging on by a thread or two so I’m planning to try and punch the screw out from the other side, I’m hoping the steel will be malleable enough to let go with a few persuading taps. If I shred the threads then so be it, as that link and screw are surplus to requirements.

Get a pair of pointy nose pliers and give it a twist while pulling on it, it'll eventually give in. Just tape the whole area off to avoid scratches.

 

[aHero]

PSA: only use hollow ground tip screwdrivers for Rolex bracelet screws and this will never happen.

 

[wubsub]

PSA: only use hollow ground tip screwdrivers for Rolex bracelet screws and this will never happen.

agreed, an investment in such screwdrivers, ie. horotech are worthy in the long run.

i would buy a needle nose plier, tape the links and gently loosen the screw

 

[aHero]

agreed, an investment in such screwdrivers, ie. horotech are worthy in the long run.

i would buy a needle nose plier, tape the links and gently loosen the screw

I have Horotech and it’s nice. But I also have a couple of these and they’re fantastic for a fraction of the cost. Comes with an extra tip, too.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234059067961?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=biOHX3-BSuK&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=xs893InwQd6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[R2L]

If you have some time on your hands, here is something that i have tried that worked for me.

Superglue/gorilla glue a screw driver to the pin (with blade inside the slot) and let it fully set. After it is nice and hard, you can unscrew the pin with the screw driver still attached. To separate the two, (pin and screw driver) immerse the joined part in acetone and let it sit for a few hours (or over night if possible). The glue will disintegrate. You can then decide if you can reuse the pin or need to source another one.

 

[mattyman999]

I used a watch punch from the other side in the end. Managed to tap it out fortunately. Extremely happy with my first rep after that initial bit of trouble

 

[restandrelaxation]

Great job glad you got it sorted, beautiful watch

 

[aHero]

Enjoy!

 

[WatchSmith.US]

It’s important that the screwdriver used for bracelets fits the screw slot tightly without any play whatsoever. This will put all of the force into turning the screw and minimize or eliminate wrecking the screw slot. I have a dedicated screwdriver for RLX bracelets.

 

[mattyman999]

It’s important that the screwdriver used for bracelets fits the screw slot tightly without any play whatsoever. This will put all of the force into turning the screw and minimize or eliminate wrecking the screw slot. I have a dedicated screwdriver for RLX bracelets.

I invested in a Bergeon 1.6mm. The difference was night and day

 

[Spiral_Cabbage]

They come pretty tight. I give a squirt of PB Blast and after a few minutes, they come right out.

 

[Oascom]

Any type of resistance apply heat before forcing and destroying the screw. Glad the tapping out worked