Screw In Casetube Removal

[PeterGe]

I was wondering about the different options on how to remove a screw in casetube. In my case, the tube doesn't have grooves on the inside for a removal tool to fit.
How are these tubes best removed? First time I have to deal with these.

Below a picture of the current tube and the new one. All input in highly appreciated!

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Edited April 7, 2015 by PeterGe

[Ishima]

Hmn, that's interesting, so you're switching the external thread tube for an internal thread tube and I'm assuming your tools work on the new tube, it's just getting the old one out?  I think I need to sleep on this little conundrum. 

Edited April 7, 2015 by Ishima

[PeterGe]

Hi Ishima. I'm indeed changing the type of crown. It is a Fortis watch. Originally it had a screw down crown. They did have issues with these crowns so Fortis changed to a push in crown.

That's the reason I also have to change the tube. Both are screw in tubes.

I was thinking of using a cutting broach after heating the tube?

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[ricardopalamino]

Hi PeterGe ,   I have never changed one out so I can learn from this experience . Does the old tube screw out and the new tube screw in ?  Is your thought to heat and than use the broach to unscrew the old tube using the broach similar to an easy-out used to remove broken screws .  Could you use a pin vise around the old tube to screw it out ...with or without using heat .

Thanks , I'll check back tomorrow and see if you have made any progress on this afore mentioned conundrum .

[bobm12]

I understand those tubes are not just screwed in but also "locktited" in. So my guess is heat is a reasonable first step. I've only changed a couple of those in my and a friend's Rolex so I can't say much for the Fortis. Rolex uses a  choice of special keys, depending if it is a new type or an old type tube and depending on tube diameter itself if I remember correctly. Those tools are between US$70 and US$100. The thing is, if you buy them you will need no more forever...and they may even be sitting in a drawer for quite a while before they see use again.

 

All that said, I've read somewhere that a broach will work for extraction but the tube will be unusable afterwards (old tube). The sealing or locktite addition is still there in all of them so proceed with care and be ready to break a tool, dull it or even ruin the tube you are working with...to avoid damage, heat, and mostly patient is required...especially for a first time! I don't remember the solution to screw the new one in without damaging it if no proper tool is available.

 

Alternatively, you can try this kit:

 

 

It is supposed to work only in screw in tubes and will work in 99% of anything you can find out there...as advertised, don't take my word for it! :) For press in tubes there is another tool that looks like a weird shaped press...

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

[PeterGe]

ok, got the job done with a hint I got from a fellow watchmaker.

The magical tool used? Tweezers :-)

 

They fit right in the hole of the tube and grab the inside more then enough to screw the tube right out. (just don't use your best pair of tweezers  ;-) )

No damage to the case nor the tube (just in case you would need it afterwards).

 

After that it was just a matter of screwing the new tube in.

So it was actually very easy. But as I never performed such an operation before I rather be safe then sorry.

 

The kit recommended by Bob would probable also have done the job but it doesn't come cheap. The tweezers trick worked & was for free.

I hope this can be useful for other people here coming across the same situation.

[Geo]

Good result Peter, and another usefull tip for the members, well done! :)

[ricardopalamino]

Atta Boy...good job . Thanks for posting this useful information .

[mlfloyd1]

I heated one of my screw drivers, pushed in tight, and waited a few seconds for the at to transfer inside the case tube.

With light force, I was able to untried it out.

No damage.

How was it done with the tweezers?

[bobm12]

Good tip about using tweezers. Thanks!

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

[PeterGe]

I heated one of my screw drivers, pushed in tight, and waited a few seconds for the at to transfer inside the case tube.

With light force, I was able to untried it out.

No damage.

How was it done with the tweezers?

 

No heat was applied in my case. Just insert the tweezers & push hard enough so it's not slipping and turn.

It went much easier then I expected, which was a big relief :-)