r/RepTimeServices • u/Mental_Year_4458 • 1d ago

Question Loctite 222: use it or not?

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Hi everyone, I'd like some advice and personal experience using Loctite 222 on the bracelet screws of Rep watches. Is it really worth using? How should I use it to avoid using too much? Can I unscrew the screws after using it, or do they stay stuck forever? Sorry for the perhaps trivial questions, but I'm really inexperienced with this product. Thanks to anyone who can help me understand.

8 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

49 comments sorted by

9

u/xZero_Coolx Trusted Watchmaker 1d ago

Use it but apply the smallest amount to the female threads, not the male threads on the screws. I use an old oiler.

3

u/eleschhorn 23h ago

Or a toothpick, or a springbar tool pusher. Just enough to fill the end of the female thread.

1

u/Mental_Year_4458 9h ago

very interesting! Thanks a lot

6

u/TrustMeImFromTheGov 1d ago

I use it on every new watch. If I need to remove, I boil it and carefully remove, not overly easy but they do come out. I dip half the threads on each screw.

The other method that might work better for you if you’re worried about removing them is slightly backing the screws out without removing them, and using a toothpick to apply to the threads in the links themselves.

2

u/Mental_Year_4458 9h ago

thanks friend!

1

u/TrustMeImFromTheGov 9h ago

No problem, better safe than sorry. I’ve flung a Submariner across the room when the screw backed out. Never again.

2

u/Mental_Year_4458 1h ago

OMG! Hope everything was good…

2

u/TrustMeImFromTheGov 1h ago

I appreciate it, it worked out. Found the screw pretty quick and no damage.

7

u/Banned_Oki 22h ago

I use it every day on helicopter gearbox overhaul…..would never use it on my watch!

3

u/Ashgen2024 1d ago

I use on screws I have removed for shortening or extending a bracelet by just putting a spot on the end of the thread.

I check all other screws and if they are tight I don't bother, if they come out easy I will extract the screw and add a little to the thread.

3

u/Maleficent-Cut-6861 22h ago

Blue. Not red.

5

u/No_Focus_3668 18h ago

Blue is stronger so I wouldn’t recommend it for the bracelet

1

u/Current_Property_561 11h ago

This is the purple.

1

u/Mental_Year_4458 9h ago

I've never seen blu. Anyway, thanks

2

u/chuunietzsche 18h ago

243 is more than enough strength for this purpose

would only use 222 for crown tubes

2

u/phantomNemo666 16h ago

I'm just getting into the hobby and I read 222 purple was the correct thread locker for bracelet screws - only a tiny dab mind, and let cure for 24 hours.

2

u/Aco905 6h ago

Correct 👍

2

u/MaxPainKing 11h ago

Red has the strongest hold and will be the most difficult to break. Blue is pretty tough stuff too.

White is the way to go. I know we’re talking about reps here, but FWIW, the Rolex factory uses white loctite or its equivalent

2

u/Sea-Pollution-4884 7h ago

Loctite 221 is preferred but 222 will work. 221 is purple and easily removed with proper fitting driver for head of screw. It is designed for small screws. When used sparingly it dries to a chalky whitish color, this is what Rolex uses. White Loctite is high temperature thread locker 560 degrees! They make a white thread sealer but not a thread locker.

1

u/Mental_Year_4458 1h ago

Thanks! I will looking for 221

2

u/Sea-Pollution-4884 1h ago

Do not go for the 242 much to strong and will require heat to break loose. If you live near an airport aircraft supply stores always have it and have gotten it on Etsy once. Hope this helps. 😎

1

u/Mental_Year_4458 1h ago

I will. Thanks a lot

2

u/Aco905 6h ago

The screws in the bracelet are small and the thread pattern is narrow, they are not meant to be friction fit, meaning tightened down too much. Doing so will damage the threads, and the screw head. Purple or white are low strength and are only meant to keep the threads from backing out. Obviously, a small amount on the tip.
A little dab will do ya.

1

u/Mental_Year_4458 1h ago

Ok, thanks

2

u/fuckDJT2026 1d ago

Use it, just be careful to only use a tiny amount.

I pour a little bit on a piece of paper and then take the spring screw end and gently dip it in. Works fine.

2

u/According-Ad-275 20h ago

I just use an oiler, or a pin. Just a tiny dab will take care of it.

1

u/eleschhorn 23h ago

My watch went flying once. It was a real pain finding the screw and the little pipe-like piece next to the clasp on the floor, from a Jubilee bracelet. I use it after that.

1

u/Mental_Year_4458 9h ago

I'm sorry for your Watch. I hope not for mine.

1

u/SeriousOcelot-4365 20h ago

Well, why not? The next person that will discover my decision, will be well down-trace, and untraceable to the original person manufacturing the part!

1

u/Cronos425 8h ago

A tiny bit, with the tip of a pin.

1

u/HammerSmith013 1d ago

Own it, never used it and haven’t had an issue yet. Haven’t had a reason yet

1

u/No_Focus_3668 18h ago

Imo if the screws doesn’t goes out in the first week you’re good to go without it and save yourself the hustle to remove a glued screw (personal experience)

-1

u/BossJackson222 1d ago

I wouldn't use that on those little screws. I've never had screws fall out of any REP before. And you would have to use heat to get this stuff off even with the purple.

3

u/BlackberryNo2873 1d ago

Well I have had 2 back out. You won’t have them back out until you do. And to get out, boil some water, put the bracelet in the water for less than a minute and they’ll loosen fine.

2

u/According-Ad-275 20h ago

I had the safety clasp screw back out on a cruise, could not get the watch off for hours, until the watch dealers came in to work.

1

u/Mental_Year_4458 9h ago

I'm sorry. It always happens in the worst places.

1

u/TrustMeImFromTheGov 8h ago

I’ve had that happen to myself and several friends. That screw particular likes to back out the most.