Esslinger.com

[BillA]

Bought a 1.60mm screwdriver from Esslinger.
Tried to remove screw from GMT, screwdriver tip bent and chipped
Total garbage, trying to return for refund.
Avoid.

[Cryten]

Esslinger are a retailers. They sell everything from the lowest grade junk made of the purest Chinesium, to quality tools used by professionals.

What brand of screw driver did you buy?

[Chewbacca]

That's too bad.

What brand? Their house brand or other? I've bought from them and haven't had any issues with their tools.

[Syed117]

Depends on which specific screwdriver you bought.

I bought this and it's amazing. Have used it to adjust my DJ41. Even came with extra blades.

I used to think that you absolutely needed a slotted blade. Not necessarily true. Makes it easier, but you just need something high quality.

[breitlings]

I do sort of look to my retailers to provide a curated selection of high quality items.

[BillA]

It was a Horotec model, they claimed it to be of the best.
I have a claim into them now for a return and refund.
It marred one of my screws, that is why I am looking for a new SS screw for my GMTII.
I may have to go to an AD for the screw or when in NYC to the RSC, if they will do it.

[mfnj]

Originally Posted by BillA

It was a Horotec model, they claimed it to be of the best.
I have a claim into them now for a return and refund.
It marred one of my screws, that is why I am looking for a new SS screw for my GMTII.
I may have to go to an AD for the screw or when in NYC to the RSC, if they will do it.

I can't comment on the screwdriver's bent tip, but I can say with experience that even using the "best" screwdriver may not always work in removing stubborn screws and can sometimes mess up a screw head. That is why I always try and "loosen" them up first (search the threads for various ways to do this) before attempting to unscrew them. Good luck with your return

[Cryten]

Horotec have a good reputation from what I've read (although I don't own one).

The problem might have been technique. The screws have Locktite on them and they usually need heat to make it release, otherwise you need an exorbitant amount of torque and risk damaging a screw or breaking the driver.

I use boiling water as there's no risk of overheating the metal and changing it's colour, others use an alcohol flame but try that technique at your own risk.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by Cryten

Horotec have a good reputation from what I've read (although I don't own one).

The problem might have been technique. The screws have Locktite on them and they usually need heat to make it release, otherwise you need an exorbitant amount of torque and risk damaging a screw or breaking the driver.

I use boiling water as there's no risk of overheating the metal and changing it's colour, others use an alcohol flame but try that technique at your own risk.

Good tip. thanks!

[BillA]

Well I emailed for an RA to get my money back, and this is my email in return from Essinger:

Hello William,
Your return authorization number will follow in another email. I am sorry to hear the blade bent and damaged the screw on your watch. Beryllium blades are relatively soft compared to other screwdriver blades that are offered and can bend easily when torque is applied. Once we receive your return we can refund you the screwdriver minus the cost of a new blade ($7.99 - 2.19 = $5.80) if it is returned in new like condition besides the bent blade.


This was my response to above email:
You must be kidding me, “subtract the cost of the blade?”. Your screwdriver is advertised on the watch tool section, it should not bend in taking out watch screws. Don’t bother sending me a RA, I will post this experience on the watch forums so my fellow watch enthusiasts are warned of junk.

[schaumburgla]

& have never had a problem. I do make it a point to sharpen or dull the blade as needed for the application. The blade must fit snugly into the slot or it can warp or break.
I've had good experience dealing with Esslinger over the years though I mostly use Star time supply because ground shipping to my location only takes 24 hrs.

J

[BillA]

Originally Posted by schaumburgla

& have never had a problem. I do make it a point to sharpen or dull the blade as needed for the application. The blade must fit snugly into the slot or it can warp or break.
I've had good experience dealing with Esslinger over the years though I mostly use Star time supply because ground shipping to my location only takes 24 hrs.

J

The screwdriver came in a Horotec wrapper.

[cdmorenot]

I've got the horotec 1.4mm with some extra tips - First tip, I ruined and I also ruined a screw head. I dipped the bracelet in hot water and then hit it with a steamer, I got them right off.

If your screws are seized, there isn't a screwdriver out there that will hold.

Ps. Esslinger has been great to me.

[goldfixer21]

I've used Esslinger for a number of years, always great service. Rolex screws can be a pain to remove , and bending the screwdriver is not uncommon. I'm not sure why you think they should refund you for a damaged blade though.

[BillA]

Originally Posted by goldfixer21

I've used Esslinger for a number of years, always great service. Rolex screws can be a pain to remove , and bending the screwdriver is not uncommon. I'm not sure why you think they should refund you for a damaged blade though.

Because he told me the blade is soft, why sell one like that for a watch screw removal.
Anyway, no big deal here....Go Buckeyes

[imperio]

Originally Posted by Cryten

Horotec have a good reputation from what I've read (although I don't own one).

The problem might have been technique. The screws have Locktite on them and they usually need heat to make it release, otherwise you need an exorbitant amount of torque and risk damaging a screw or breaking the driver.

I use boiling water as there's no risk of overheating the metal and changing it's colour, others use an alcohol flame but try that technique at your own risk.

I use a hairdryer