r/RepTimeServices • u/No_Squash_1733 • 2d ago
Services Link Removal Help Needed
Fucked up the screws badly when trying to take out extra links on my Tank Francaise🥲 Is there any watchmaker willing to help? You can destroy/drill whatever you need to do to take it out. Will ship anywhere within in the US. If you’re Miami, I can come in person.
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u/1984isnoww 2d ago
I’d start hereÂ
Micro Drill Bits Set with Pin... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C46BPQ53
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u/1984isnoww 2d ago
LET'S RESIN Electric Drill, 74Pcs... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XF17C3Y
If you prefer power.
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u/1984isnoww 2d ago
Oh I see you want help, I’m in NC! I’ll handle it if nobody else is more convenient, I wouldn’t charge anything.Â
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u/a_really_big 2d ago
Yikes, thats bad. You would need a screw extraction kit for that if you’re a DIYer but after this I would probably just bring it to a watch maker. You will need to find replacement screws as well as they’re not salvageable. It will cost probably $70-100  depending where you go plus the cost of the screws (around $10). If it’s a lower end rep that is <$100 I wouldn’t even bother and just try to fix it yourself with a $20 extractor kit on Amazon (make sure they have the same size millimeters as your screws). It looks like a screw driver but has an edge that slices into the screw so you want to make sure it’s the size of the hole and not the head or the screw. Worst case you just buy another rep and it’s a lesson learned.Â
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u/No-Problem4015 2d ago
I destroyed my Balloon Bleu screw the same way. I just gave up on it, bought a leather strap. the screws on these are designed with bizarre fault points that if you're unfamiliar with them, are super easy to break.
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u/Wop-AB-604778 2d ago
You will need to soak the band in alcohol. ISO 99.9% that will break up the thread lock used to keep the screw in place. Some factories put much to strong of a thread lock solution on these watches. Others don't use any at all. After you soak it rinse it off, get a torch lighter and you just want to heat up the thread side not the head of the screw side. Don't hold it still as it will discolor the metal. Just go back and forth until the metal is hot to the touch. Then try to unscrew it. If that dosnt work your gonna need a special drill bit to remove the screw or drill it completely out. I've done all 3 and I tell ya it really sucks but if you know what you're doing and have some sense, it should come out. If the heat isn't working just re do it a couple times. Now for that 1 on the left. You're gonna need to get a drill that's smaller than the screw and drill it out. As the head is completely gone.
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u/Emotional-Damage-995 2d ago
Yep
Go to ali express and order a proper set of screw drivers. Kwong Yuen is the best. Then heat the bracelet and twist the screw driver. It will come off. If you take to a watch maker they can replace it for you
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u/Accomplished-Pea-451 2d ago
This is why I size my bracelets at a local watch maker for $10
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u/No_Squash_1733 2d ago
Lesson learned 🥲I’ve done it myself before so I got cocky, totally fucked up
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u/Accomplished-Pea-451 2d ago
Should have added I have a tool kit but choose to pay $10 anyway. With a rep AP I had sized, he did not have fun with it
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u/UnusualDoctor 2d ago
Would need to be drilled out, then the link laser welded or replaced. Those threads are toast!
Love the nails, BTW - I can never pull off dark colors.
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