not-vintage watch repair Dublin

Eoin

I messed up while changing the strap on my Panerai, the tip of the screw sheared off and is now stuck in the lug with nothing sticking out to try and grab on to.

Can anyone recommend a place in Dublin who'd be able to get it out?

Edit: and for future reference, I imagine I should be using some sort of lube for the lugs - any recommendations for that?

scwazrh

Ichrono or Dawson’s Jwellers or maybe the panerai store ?

H_Lime

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058317529/not-vintage-watch-repair-dublin

Did it shear going in or coming out?

What diameter is the screw?

Eoin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121219355#Comment_121219355

First two sprung to mind also, thanks.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121219914#Comment_121219914

It was when it was going back in - does that make a difference?

My cheapo calipers tells me the tube is about 1.69mm and the screw end about 1.39mm

H_Lime

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121220002#Comment_121220002

Yea, we know it's not corroded in or stripped it's threads (assuming you installed it right before shearing)

https://www.amazon.com/SUISSETEK-Watch-Broken-Screw-Extractor/dp/B0197PM6XC

There's options such as this that will fit. Worth a go as it will either work or won't and you won't damage anything. I'd hit it with a very small drop of penetrating fluid the day before going at it. Kerosene will work in a pinch or wd40 which is pretty useless but better than nothing.

Eoin

Nice one, thanks - I might give it a go. The lug is drilled right through, so at least I can attack it from either side.

If/when I get this sorted, what would you recommend to grease the threads in the future?

H_Lime

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121220365#Comment_121220365

Wibbs's gold standard, blue loctite. Put it on with a pin, a merest dab on the first few threads. It won't come undone by accident then, but crucially it prevents ingress of corrosion up the threads and stops galvanic corrosion where dissimilar alloys essentially cold weld together.

Get a decent release agent/penetrative spray on it first for 24hrs. Think of how satisfying it'll be if you get the bastard out:)

Eoin

Much appreciated - gonna give this a go myself first, and hopefully not butcher it.

H_Lime

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121220731#Comment_121220731

A good tip is build a tiny little well with blue tac round the screw hole. That way the drop of fluid remains there to do it's job and soak right in.

As it has drilled lugs using two of the tools, one on each side simultaneously (pressing against either end of the screw) stands you the best chance. Get the missus to hold it for you, the watch that is:)

Black Sheep

Rather than create a new thread...

I'm also looking for a service and minor repair, on a Jaeger Le Coultre Polaris automatic.

I'm aware JLC will do a full service for 650, and I'm also aware of the watch repair business in Kilkenny (Discussed on here elsewhere), but are there any other options, in Dublin, that people would currently recommend?

I noticed this crowd: Watch Repairs and Restoration

Any experiences with them?

Wibbs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121263158#Comment_121263158

Emily's gotten good reports before. Really knows her stuff by all accounts.

Eoin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121221299#Comment_121221299

I think it's sorted - many thanks for the tips! I know I've scratched the crap out of the lugs, but hopefully the threading is OK inside the lugs. Just in case, I have some spring bars that look like like OEM Panerai screwed in bars on their way to me.

I have the blue loctite as well - is it a good idea to use it if you want to change straps regularly, or only if you don't plan on unscrewing it too often?

H_Lime

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121267419#Comment_121267419

Delighted you got it out!

Be surprised if you done threads in, I'm sure threading in a new spring bar would right it or you investigate which thread pitch is used you could then buy an appropriate thread tap and simply screw it and out slowly with some oil and all should be good again.

Eoin

It screwed in just fine - initially it didn’t, but there were still remnants of the original screw in there. I got a very small file and carefully cleaned it out and all seems fine now. Thrilled to have gotten it sorted myself - thanks again for the pointers.

H_Lime

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121270621#Comment_121270621

Have to wonder how much you would have been charged if you dropped it in.

Always a nice feeling removing something like that. On snapped exhaust studs I weld a nut on and immediately freeze spray it, a tap with a hammer and out they come. Uber satisfying.

Post up a pic of the watch?

Eoin

Here it is - I changed straps again last night, purely for science, and everything seems good with it. I am curious to see how the spring bars work when they arrive though.

H_Lime

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121274772#Comment_121274772

That's pretty darn beautiful Eoin and is perfect on that strap!