Loctite Needed?

[user]

Hey all,

I bought a Rolex from an AD last month, and was thinking of tinkering with the bracelet sizing a bit. Will Loctite be needed? Or will the existing Loctite suffice?

Thanks.

[KatGirl]

After you remove screws, where Loctite has been applied, you will have broken the seal, so, it will no longer do its job. It’s up to you whether you want to use Loctite, after readjusting your bracelet. I tinkered with mine, after bringing them home, and did not reapply it, though I do have some on hand.

Kat


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[rmagoo57]

I have tinkered with many links without using Loctite and have had no issues.

[Gearjockey]

But why not though?
It’s very inexpensive and is SOP for reassembly.
Peace of mind to me.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Never used locktite. Inspect the bracelet every so often. Invest in a nice watchmakers' screwdriver set and be done with it.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

But why not though?
It’s very inexpensive and is SOP for reassembly.
Peace of mind to me.

SOP for you, but, if we did a poll, I’d guess most of us just screw the link pins back in, without reapplying Loctite, but do check occasionally to make sure the screws are secure.

Kat


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[996marty]

If you aren’t using it make a point of checking it from time to time

[Avionics86]

My AD uses Loctite 243.

[Eyas]

I would use it - had an OP a few years back where the AD hadn't used any when resizing and one f the pins loosened without me noticing leading to a nasty drop onto gravel and a ding in the side of the case.

[Driver8]

For the tiny cost of a tube of Loctite 222 (which is the preferred type over 243 for very tiny screws), the peace of mind is more than worth it IMO.

Periodically checking the screws is fine, but Sod's Law is there for a reason, and you can guarantee that on one time you don't check it, your watch will end up on the floor.

[MitchSF]

I sometimes use blue Loctite, although I’ve never has a problem. I always use it on the crown to stem threads.

[John Ryan]

Yes it’s a good idea. I always apply after removing a screw. I also check the other screws and if any are loose i revive the screw and apply some to the threads.

[Harry-57]

Your watch your choice.

When you unscrew the pins you will see a residue on the thread (if the pin has been Loctited) and this residue could be sufficient to friction lock the pin back in place.

I prefer to clean the threads on the pin and in the link and apply fresh Loctite very sparingly.



I also run a finger or thumb along the edge of the bracelet every time I put a watch on, because I'd rather be inconvenienced than lose a watch.

[subtona]

I have seen many screws come loose.

Clean the threads and use fresh loctite.

221 or 222.

[1William]

I just screw the pin back in and go on with it. I have had a few pins start to back out over the years but they were just screwed back in. Never any issue with having a bracelet come apart.

[brandrea]

I’d reapply it.

I’m also in the habit of running my fingers along the side of the bracelet and doing a quick visual to see that there a no loose screws

[77T]

I'm certain the bracelet assemblers at the factory can tell you why to reapply thread locker for the screws in the removable links.

When the risk of losing a screw can be mitigated, and thusly reduce the risk of the watch dropping off the wrist, why wouldn't one follow Rolex's own procedure?

And you'll find widespread use of thread locker across the brands.


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[worldofoyster]

no need for reapply

[Pinchy]

Let's be clear, "re-using" loctite isn't a thing. Loctite isn't just sticky gunk. Upon application and use, it forms a bond, which is broken when you remove the screw.

I use 222 for peace of mind.

[Mystro]

I only use it IF I have a link pin that chronically loosens. That is extremely rare with my modern Rolex watches. The threads are so close and precise that if properly finger torqued, they never move for me. I always do a visual and finger feel down the bracelet and if I ever catch a pin moving I then apply purple loctite. Now be warned with the Jubilee link pins as if the get very stubborn and stuck, they can be extremely difficult to remove even with heat without mowing the head of the pin. I have seen this with a BLRO jubilee link pin from the factory. I had all the right tools and procedures, and I barely got out without damaging the head and I have done hundreds of bracelet adjustments over the decades.
This is why I am hesitant to openly recommend using Loctite in every case. Most bracelets won’t need it.

[CarlOver]

This is SOP for the AD. What a watch owner does is not really relevant.

[GrailTime]

Loctite 222. You would kick yourself if somehow the thread worked loose and the watch took a fall.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by user

Hey all,

I bought a Rolex from an AD last month, and was thinking of tinkering with the bracelet sizing a bit. Will Loctite be needed? Or will the existing Loctite suffice?

Thanks.

No, Loctite is a one-time use thread locker.

Use heat to initially break the Loctite seal, then clean up with acetone.

Whether you use Loctite on the threads yourself is a personal decision. It is used because the bracelet pins are actually studs, not bolts and there is no sealing surface to torque against; they just screw in the holes where their only grasp is the threads. The bracelet, then, is free to move on these studs.

The issue is that with the bracelet links moving, friction in an anti-clockwise direction can loosen the studs from the threads. Keeping an eye out and retightening the studs can eliminate any potential loss of a screw,

The factory uses a thread locker for just that reason..... there is nothing to torque the screws against. Locker can be used with a minimal amount of tightening.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Tools

No, Loctite is a one-time use thread locker.

Use heat to initially break the Loctite seal, then clean up with acetone.

Whether you use Loctite on the threads yourself is a personal decision. It is used because the bracelet pins are actually studs, not bolts and there is no sealing surface to torque against; they just screw in the holes where their only grasp is the threads. The bracelet, then, is free to move on these studs.

The issue is that with the bracelet links moving, friction in an anti-clockwise direction can loosen the studs from the threads. Keeping an eye out and retightening the studs can eliminate any potential loss of a screw,

The factory uses a thread locker for just that reason..... there is nothing to torque the screws against. Locker can be used with a minimal amount of tightening.

Excellent explanation Larry. Agree with the point about mechanical torque.

I lost count many years ago of the number of times members created a thread about stripping a link screw head, or an AD SA or even scratching the link edges while applying pressure. But let's walk down memory lane...





These stud slots aren't designed to be torqued much past 1 Nm - 2 Nm without the risk of slippage. Thus, the value of thread locker.

It's a flawed assumption that tighter torque "locks" the stud threads. There isn't sufficient differential Rockwell hardness between the female and male threads to allow mechanical grip like we have in tradition graded fasteners.

It's the simple act of seating the threads and letting the thread locker dry sufficiently.

For those who wonder how the simple rotation of bracelet links can unseat a stud that doesn't have thread locker, just consider the amount of gunk and grit that can get between the slotted head and the link hole that is designed to prevent binding. (The hole is larger in diameter than the stud head)

Don't believe it?

For anyone who ran a finger along the edge of their bracelet and found a stud standing proud, how did you think that happened?

Did the bracelet gremlin do it?



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[Michael T]

I haved used the smallest amount of 222 for years and no problems either removing screws, or screws coming undone.

[kieselguhr]

While not necessary, it’s really a one time step in a likewise one time process.

I have never had a screw on any of my bracelets back out on me and have never had a need to retighten any either despite my watches being subject to multiple diving trips a year.