Stuborn Bracelet Screw - Any ideas?

[prospex44]

Hi guys

I have a standard Rep Rolex bracelet that i got on one the reps from Josh.

It's a rep 93150, with the hollow mid links and screw in removable links.

I'm having real trouble removing a couple of the screws. They turn (perhaps only a very slight quarter turn) then just stop dead and won't budge!

I have tried some light oil, but to no avail! Although perhaps something like WD40 would be better.

Any ideas?

Cheers

[archierocks]

do the screws stop turning or do the just keep rotating without coming out

[prospex44]

  On 4/3/2012 at 6:59 PM, archierocks said:

do the screws stop turning or do the just keep rotating without coming out

Hi, they just stop turning after only slightly moving (a quarter turn - if that!)

[ubiquitous]

What size screwdriver are you using? 1.6mm?

[prospex44]

  On 4/3/2012 at 7:07 PM, ubiquitous said:

What size screwdriver are you using? 1.6mm?

Hi Ubi

Actually, i'm using a 2mm, it seems to be a perfect fit. Just won't budge the screw!

[ubiquitous]

2mm seems pretty big.

[Guest zeleni kukuruz]

Let the bracelet swim in oil over the night and try tomorrow again, bet the basterds will come out

[prospex44]

  On 4/3/2012 at 7:41 PM, Zeleni Kukuruz said:

Let the bracelet swim in oil over the night and try tomorrow again, bet the basterds will come out

Yeah, it's soaking in an oil bath as we speak.

Here's hoping!

[Jkay]

Cross-threaded at the factory?

[freddy333]

If the oil fails, try to lever a razor blade or thin knife in below the screw cap & put a small bit of upward pressure on it while unscrewing the screw. That usually gets them out.

[prospex44]

  On 4/3/2012 at 8:48 PM, Jkay said:

Cross-threaded at the factory?

Yep, looks like this could well be the case!

  On 4/3/2012 at 8:57 PM, freddy333 said:

If the oil fails, try to lever a razor blade or thin knife in below the screw cap & put a small bit of upward pressure on it while unscrewing the screw. That usually gets them out.

Great idea Freddy, i'll give that a try tomorrow - if the oil bath fails!

Thanks, much appreciated!

[prospex44]

Just a quick update for this topic.

The oil bath didn't work i'm affraid, and i also tried a bit of pressure with a thin blade while unscrewing - all to avail!

I ended up drilling though the link screw with a small cobalt drill bit!

The screw is obviously destroyed, but the link is ok and now removed!

Perhaps a bit drastic, but the the screw would simply not budge! Never came across this before to the point of having to do this - but it all worked out fine in the end!

Thanks for all the suggestions guys - much appreciated!

[archierocks]

my next idea was the typical Glasgow answer [censored] it with a hammer lol glad it sorted out for you

[codemonkey]

I see it's too late now, but I second the razor blade suggestion. I used a box cutter myself, worked like a champ.

Just be careful :-)

[jmb]

I doubt any of the various "blade" techniques would have worked with a cross-threaded screw. When this happens you either twist it off or drill it out...