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Homemade tube installation tools.


dbane883

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I mentioned once in another thread that installing 8mm tubes can sometimes be a pain. This is especially the case since most are tapping case with the wrong tap.

But assuming you have the right M3.9/4.1x0.30mm tap, getting the tube to seat properly can still be challenging. Typically a triangular, square or pentagonal tapered file is used by watchsmiths. For a couple of years, I searched for the right 8mm tube wrench to no avail. But last month I stumbled across a set of installation bits for torquing the tube into place as well as the "reemer" to cut away the inside teeth of the tube. Not easy to find!

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Normally the bits would fit into specific Rolex tool handles that look like this:

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As you can imagine, they are not cheap. So here are the results of my homemade handles, which I think will do the same job. Made from left over scraps:

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Perfect fit. It will be a relief not having to use ghetto files.

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The innards are scraped away with the broaching bit which is just the right diameter to provide clearance for the crown stalk.:

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