Barrel bridge problem: screws

[frog54]

Hi all!

I'm attempting to service an old watch. Everything is fine except the screws of the barrel bridge:

- the screw of the ratchet wheel is stuck: o cant remove it, I can turn it both way and in both case the ratchet wheel turns too (with the crown wheel)

- the screw of the crown wheel does not move at all (in any way). I'm unable to remove it too

- the main spring is stuck on the ratchet wheel screw

What to do ? WD-40?

I have attempted to use a small hammer, nothing improves

[Nucejoe]

Remove the balance as is attached to balance cock.

Remove the fork, dial and day/date plates.

Drop the rest in Coca Cola for a thiry hrs soak.

Then all screws including  extra small ones,  unscrew with incredable ease. 

Do not wait for the soaked movement to get dry..

Caution:  Hold pressure on ratchet wheel with your finger, as ratchet wheel  might suddenly get unstuck which can result in breaking ratchet wheels teeth.

lol , Let keep it between ourselves if this didn't work.  

Good luck

[frog54]

6 minutes ago, Nucejoe said:

Remove the balance as is attached to balance cock.

Remove the fork, dial and day/date plates.

Drop the rest in Coca Cola for a thiry hrs soak.

Then all screws including  extra small ones,  unscrew with incredable ease. 

Do not wait for the soaked movement to get dry..

Caution:  Hold pressure on ratchet wheel with your finger, as ratchet wheel  might suddenly get unstuck which can result in breaking ratchet wheels teeth.

lol , Let keep it between ourselves if this didn't work.  

Good luck

I was able to remove everything except these two screws and the main spring from the barrel bridge

[AndyGSi]

The crown wheel should unscrew opposite to the winding direction.

I'd be careful how long you leave it in coke.

[frog54]

I managed to remove both screw, going back and forth, gently using a hammer time to time, in something like 2 hours lol

I keep the idea of the coca cola!

[RichardHarris123]

Hammer?

[frog54]

21 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

Hammer?

With a very small hammer I have gently hurt the head of the screws, very gently 

[frog54]

27 minutes ago, frog54 said:

With a very small hammer I have gently hurt the head of the screws, very gently 

I guess it has removed some rust. 

[JohnR725]

1 hour ago, frog54 said:

WD-40?

This really isn't your best choice they actually make special oils just for allowing screws to be loosened. Conveniently I can never find a picture of the stuff we use at work it comes in a syringe and it's actually for optical use glasses etc. but I find a droplet that on the offending screw and wait a little bit of time and I've never had a problem. So while yes WD-40 is advertised as the universal whatever they do make better penetrating oils specifically for stuck screws.

[RichardHarris123]

WD40 is the " jack of all trades master of none". 

[Nucejoe]

5 hours ago, Nucejoe said:

lol , Let keep it between ourselves if this didn't work.  

 

4 hours ago, frog54 said:

With a very small hammer I have gently hurt the head of the screws, very gently 

   This one you could have kept secret to yourself. lol.