baltic Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 (edited) Hi, I've researched the dreaded UPO crown tube stripping issue and decided to get a gen crown and tube to fit my UPO. I know the rep tube is a press fit, but can anyone advise on the best way to remove it? I know the gen tube's diameter is too small and will need cementing in place. Any advice greatly appreciated. B Edited February 21, 2008 by baltic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreww Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I talked to The Zigmeister about this, and he has some kind of removal tool. When I did mine I just tried to pull it out and it sheered off at the case. I just used a drill bit in my dremel to drill it, and the loose piece popped out from the inside pretty quickly. My biggest problem is what kind of glue to use. I've tried epoxy, and its not holding. Not sure if Im using enough glue though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
takashi Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Just screw in the rep crown as deep as possible. It will come out pretty easily. Or use a plier. You need waterproof epoxy. Increase the amount. It should hold very well. Mine is holding out for more than a year already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreww Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Thanks for the advice Takashi. I just assumed all epoxies were the same, I'll have to take a closer look. It did pop out after I'd been in the hot tub with it, so that may be the problem. I'm just waiting on a new movement for it, so when it arrives I'll make sure I look for a waterproof epoxy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I use a screw extractor. You can buy them at any major tooling store, the extractor has reverse flutes on it, you screw it in the tube backwards, it grabs the tube, turns it and you can twist it out of the case. Works on all tubes, rollie's as well... RG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baltic Posted February 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I use a screw extractor. You can buy them at any major tooling store, the extractor has reverse flutes on it, you screw it in the tube backwards, it grabs the tube, turns it and you can twist it out of the case. Works on all tubes, rollie's as well... RG Hi Zig, thanks for the info, is there a specific size extractor to use? You serviced and lumed the watch last year and it's still going strong! @Andreww & Takashi ta for the input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I have a one that fits into the hole of the tube, it's tapered, and probably starts at about 1/8" to 1/4" in diameter. I only have the one, not a complete set, I think it's made by Starrett. RG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baltic Posted February 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I have a one that fits into the hole of the tube, it's tapered, and probably starts at about 1/8" to 1/4" in diameter. I only have the one, not a complete set, I think it's made by Starrett. RG Brilliant, many thanks Zig! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baltic Posted February 13, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 Oh one last thing, can anyone recommend a decent glue for the gen tube? ta B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdavis Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 (edited) Oh one last thing, can anyone recommend a decent glue for the gen tube? ta B I used Gorilla glue to hold mine in place. Gorilla is incrediably strong and 100% waterproof according to the manufacturer. It expands as it drys and fills the void between the case and tube. I applied the Gorilla to just cover the threads of the tube before pressing it into the case and clamping it. You can trim any excess that may appear around the tube after it dries. The tube has been solid as if it was threaded into place for almost 5 months. Edited February 17, 2008 by jdavis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baltic Posted February 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 @jdavis - thanks I'll look out for it. Did you find it easy to remove the stem from the crown? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdavis Posted February 18, 2008 Report Share Posted February 18, 2008 @jdavis - thanks I'll look out for it. Did you find it easy to remove the stem from the crown? The stem isn't difficult to remove. I imagine that Locktite or Hypo is used to cement the threads to the crown and it will back out easily. If you don't have a pin vise be careful that your grasping tool doesn't damage the stem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavidoc Posted February 19, 2008 Report Share Posted February 19, 2008 I recommend without a doubt, 100% that you use the following: JB Weld...The best darn adhesive for metal on the planet. This stuff is used as an alternative to welding. I've put this stuff on my 85 Dodge Pickup engine block to seal the oil filler tube to the valve cover. Held up like you wouldn't believe. I didn't even clean the parts, just wiped the oil off the valve cover, mixed the stuff and put it on. Dries hard as metal, can be tapped and drilled with no issues. No shrinkage and heat resistant to 500 F. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baltic Posted February 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 @ jdavis & gavidoc, thanks guys I'll keep you posted how it goes - today's the day!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreww Posted February 21, 2008 Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 I used epoxy for my first two attempts but I found that after soaking, it would give way soon after. I've recently re glued it using "Sumo Glue", which is a competitive product to Gorilla glue. It expands about half as much as Gorilla glue, so it seals nicely without the spill over. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baltic Posted February 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 Just to let you all know I've sealed the case back on the PO and have completed my first ever proper bit of watch repair work! I'm mightly relieved I can tell you! The hardest and most tricky part I found was removing the stem from the old crown as I had to 'gan canny' with two pliars - eek! The old crown tube was easy enough to remove with a pair of fine needle nose pliars, with a twist to break the loctite or what ever sealant was used, it then pulled right out, mind you the qulaity of steel used was awful. The new crown screwed down nicely on the stem and the new tube was popped into the case and I used UniBond metal repair which seems to have done the trick. What I've learnt is that with some basic tools a lot of research (this place has been fantastic for this) and a bit of guts a 'relatively' straight forward job like this is achieveable even by a short sighted clutz like me! It also increased my admiration even more for The Zigmeister with his incredible skills on the more high-end jobs. I'm off for a calming pint now, cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreww Posted February 21, 2008 Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 Hey man congrats! I would just add to leave the crown unscrewed for a couple of days to allow the glue to fully cure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baltic Posted February 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2008 Hey man congrats! I would just add to leave the crown unscrewed for a couple of days to allow the glue to fully cure. Ah good idea, I'll do that now, cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
confused69u Posted February 27, 2008 Report Share Posted February 27, 2008 Can anyone clarify what exactly is crown tube stripping ? I've tried looking everywhere however came up with nothing with regards to a diagram or pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreww Posted February 27, 2008 Report Share Posted February 27, 2008 There are threads inside the crown tube, and inside the crown as well. The crown screws into the crown tube. What happens is, because of the poor quality of the tube, the threads wear away and you cannot screw down the crown anymore. Simple as that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
confused69u Posted February 27, 2008 Report Share Posted February 27, 2008 There are threads inside the crown tube, and inside the crown as well. The crown screws into the crown tube. What happens is, because of the poor quality of the tube, the threads wear away and you cannot screw down the crown anymore. Simple as that. Thanks for the explanation! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.