Maurice Lecroix Case

[Paul78]

I have a Maurice Lacroix which has two screws snapped in the case, we've tried to drill them to without success - drill just slips and digs further into the case around the screw.

Is there anyone who can drill the area out where the screws go and then refill it with steel to tap new holes into it? can this even be done?

 

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Paul

[Geo]

Hi Paul. If the case is stainless steel and the screws are steel, you could try using alum to dissolve them. Have a look at this thread:-

http://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/377-broken-stem-inside-crown/?hl=alum#entry2509

[Paul78]

thanks george, yes its stainless steel, where do we get this stuff here? and will it not damage the case at all, I've read that thread, and seems to be what were looking for

[Geo]

It will probably stain the case, so it will probably require a polish afterwards. A light hand polish using the likes of Solvol Autosol is all that should be required. You can buy it here:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100g-Alum-Fatakdi-Powder-Aluminium-Potassium-Sulphate-Anti-Bacterial-Deodorant-/161295137745?hash=item258df07bd1:g:pXkAAOxyc2pTZhnQ

[Paul78]

Thanks george, ill get some of that and give it a try :)

[jnash]

Video.. if you like it more interactive!

 

http://watchinprogress.com/extracting-a-broken-screw-from-a-watchbridge-plate-alum-powder/

[Paul78]

well ive had the case submerged now for roughly 30 hours, i think i can see progress, will update if it works or not, fingers crossed.

[jnash]

Little bit of heat speeds it up

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[Paul78]

yeh thanks, ive been placing the jar on top of the drier on the watch cleaner while im in the shop, hopefully it will be ready tomorrow

[dbals]

yeh thanks, ive been placing the jar on top of the drier on the watch cleaner while im in the shop, hopefully it will be ready tomorrow

Any update?  Interested because I have 2 broken screws in a womens Hublot that I got super cheap....

[Paul78]

I thought it was working initailly, I've left the watch in there still but doesn't seem to be doing anything now. Ive put it in a fresh batch too, with hot water and kept it warm by placing the jar on top of the drier, so no luck yet...

[Alaskamick]

Any idea of the dia of the thread.

[Alaskamick]

Any idea of the dia of the thread.

 

If you can get a really fine pilot hole into the screw you then follow up with one a bit larger.

 

Then using a LH tap into the screw this will unscrew it.

 

The first problem is to get a small enough area of flat on the screw so that you can drill the first hole. Or use a very fine punch to drive centre point into the screw.

 

I think this a micro engineering problem rather than a chemical solution.

 

 

Have had success with a couple of Omegas in the past.

[rogart63]

Heat and ultrasonic usually works . I have used it many times. It's harder to remove a stem or are long screw only from one side. But make sure that the alum is dissolved in the water. Here in Sweden we buy it in the supermarket or normal grocery store. It's used for making pickles. Wouldn't be surprised if you have it at your stores to?

[jnash]

Not forgetting to pick away at it every now and then so the alum can get to the fresh steel

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[steven]

It depends on what material the screws are made of. I still have some crowns in my alum jar for months but the screws show no sign of corrosion.

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