Screws on PAM 1292

[taint it sweet]

I recently received a 1292 and I really like it. It’s my first Radiomir, so I’ve never had to deal with wire lugs. I bought a slot screwdriver to take the screws out.

Three of them came out relatively easily, but there is one remaining that will not budge. Now the head of the screw is stripping and it’s going to be even more difficult to remove.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to proceed? The rep strap is unwearable and I will never be able to enjoy the watch if I can’t get this screw out.

 

[kilowattore]

You don't need to remove both lugs in order to change strap. Just leave the screw be.

 

[taint it sweet]

You don't need to remove both lugs in order to change strap. Just leave the screw be.

So you think I can get the other one to come out enough to pop the strap off at an angle and then slide it off the remaining lug?

 

[kilowattore]

The lugs are like L shaped brackets, they come all the way out and detach completely from the case

 

[taint it sweet]

The lugs are like L shaped brackets, they come all the way out and detach completely from the case

Yeah, I got the one side completely off. I didn’t know if the above comment was suggesting to just leave one in and slide the strap off since the other side would be off.

 

[Reaps]

In general, never force a screw, if it's tight, applying more force or pressure usually results in bad times

 

[taint it sweet]

In general, never force a screw, if it's tight, applying more force or pressure usually results in bad times

Yeah, I’m finding that out. Just trying to figure out what the options were at this point.

 

[Reaps]

Yeah, I’m finding that out. Just trying to figure out what the options were at this point.

If you can get the strap on with only 1 screw removed (which I think is what kilo is saying) then do that

If not then here's my advice :

There's 2 reasons why the screw is hard to remove. 1 is that they used loctite. 2 is that the manufacturing tolerance is not good. To resolve this :

1) Properly sized screw driver, it should fit the screw perfectly, you would be surprised how much of a difference it makes becuase it allows to apply correct force
2) Use alot of heat. A hair dryer on full blast towards the problem area for 5-10 minutes (the area should be hot to touch, almost burning after you're done)
3) If it's a loctite problem then a chemical solvent will help.

 

[taint it sweet]

If you can get the strap on with only 1 screw removed (which I think is what kilo is saying) then do that

If not then here's my advice :

There's 2 reasons why the screw is hard to remove. 1 is that they used loctite. 2 is that the manufacturing tolerance is not good. To resolve this :

1) Properly sized screw driver, it should fit the screw perfectly, you would be surprised how much of a difference it makes becuase it allows to apply correct force
2) Use alot of heat. A hair dryer on full blast towards the problem area for 5-10 minutes (the area should be hot to touch, almost burning after you're done)
3) If it's a loctite problem then a chemical solvent will help.

I will try the blow dryer first. I couldn’t get the lug out with one screw out. I bought the size driver that Panerai recommends, but there could still be user error on my part. However, that same driver got the other three out.

 

[Reaps]

I will try the blow dryer first. I couldn’t get the lug out with one screw out. I bought the size driver that Panerai recommends, but there could still be user error on my part. However, that same driver got the other three out.

Remeber it takes alot of heat to even make a difference, you want it almost burning to the touch, it may feel like a long time but that's just how materials work

 

[taint it sweet]

Remeber it takes alot of heat to even make a difference, you want it almost burning to the touch, it may feel like a long time but that's just how materials work

Ok. Thanks. The heat worked enough to get the strap out, but the screw is now stuck again. I’ll heat it up more to try to get it out.

If I’m able to get it out, I want to replace it with another screw. Do you know the best place to find one?

 

[themaxx25]

Pictures would be great!

 

[taint it sweet]

Pictures would be great!

Just pictures of me crying or of a mangled screw?

 

[Reaps]

Ok. Thanks. The heat worked enough to get the strap out, but the screw is now stuck again. I’ll heat it up more to try to get it out.

If I’m able to get it out, I want to replace it with another screw. Do you know the best place to find one?

No I don't unfortunately.

If you don't have to remove the screw I wouldn't push your luck any further. Just put the new strap in and leave it at that.

When this happened to my bracelet on a watch, I boiled the bracelet in hot water for 10 minutes and the screws loosened up

Unfortunately it won't work for you because you would have to dunk your whole watch into the water lol

 

[themaxx25]

Just pictures of me crying or of a mangled screw?

LOL, the mangled screw and the L shape piece...I will be swapping out the strap on mine soon, so liked to see what I'm up against.

 

[taint it sweet]

LOL, the mangled screw and the L shape piece...I will be swapping out the strap on mine soon, so liked to see what I'm up against.

I will try to remember to get that tomorrow. Or, you can just Google a picture of the Radiomir lugs and then just scribble all over the screw portion and that’s about what I’ve got.

 

[taint it sweet]

LOL, the mangled screw and the L shape piece...I will be swapping out the strap on mine soon, so liked to see what I'm up against.

And honestly, the other three came right out. I have no issue swapping those repeatedly. But this one is horrible. You might have no issues.