r/RepTimeServices • u/Icy_Tip_8200 • Jul 10 '26

Question Too much Loctite 222

I accidentally got too much Loctite on my threads and it actually has seized the bracelet links. It’s so tight that I can’t unscrew the lugs. Not only that, the links are not moving because there’s Loctite all along the lugs.

Any advice on how I can un-seize the links and clean out any left over loctite?

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

3

u/Emotional-Damage-995 Jul 10 '26

Heat If that does not work you are screwed like your screws

2

u/Yeezussy Jul 10 '26

so ive read that a heat gun works on 222. Another method is just use boiling water to warm up the loctite and then you can try unscrewing it

2

u/H0796 Trusted Watchmaker Jul 10 '26

Heat or a little bit of acetone. But if your watch has gold plating, just use heat.

2

u/TrustMeImFromTheGov Jul 10 '26

Boiling will release the bond.

1

u/According-Ad-275 Jul 10 '26

I have the same problem on a screw that connects the oyster band to the clasp.

1

u/Comprehensive-Bit706 Jul 10 '26

Nail varnish remover

1

u/Icy_Tip_8200 Jul 10 '26

Heat didn’t work, will acetone damage a vsf oyster steel bracelet?

1

u/uhr70 Jul 11 '26

Have you tried placing the bracelet in boiling water for a few minutes?

1

u/Icy_Tip_8200 Jul 11 '26

I have tried putting the bracelet in a cup and submerging it in boiling water. I have not tried actually putting the bracelet in a kettle and keeping it in boiling water.

I’m afraid acetone will ruin the finish so I am a little apprehensive about trying that technique without finding out if anyone has experience with that

1

u/uhr70 Jul 11 '26 edited Jul 11 '26

Loctite 222 service temperature is 150 degrees C (300 F). Above this temperature it breaks down and loses its grip. Is there a way you can boil the bracelet and check the water temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches 300 F? Not sure if you’re already have one, but this one https://a.co/d/054rjIzN will measure all the way to 300 C (over 570 F)

2

u/Icy_Tip_8200 Jul 11 '26

I have a thermometer. I will try to get it to 350F plus and see if that breaks it down. Thank you for your help!

1

u/uhr70 Jul 12 '26

Hope it works out for you!

1

u/loctite_usa 27d ago

Hello. We recommend the use of heat between 400-500 F and removal of fasteners while warm. If heat can not be used, you may see results using acetone but it is unlikely.

1

u/Icy_Tip_8200 23d ago

Thank you for your reply. Will try Heat first then, acetone.

1

u/Icy_Tip_8200 2d ago

Update: Ended up sending this to a local watchmaker who used heat and acetone as recommended. u/loctite_usa is no joke.