Watch Crown Removeal

[MWNAWR]

Hi there. I need the crown off the stem. How is the best way to remove it ? I am concerned that using moderate pressure may result in it snapping off.

[clockboy]

Be careful as some are given extra fixing strength with loctite. Hold the stem by the existing thread with pliers & twist off with another pair of pliers. HOWEVER do not give too much force & if resistance is there then heat the stem with say a soldering iron first then try again.

[MWNAWR]

Many thanks. Am also trying immersing in a tiny jam jar of lighter fluid for about 15 minutes.

[bobm12]

 

Am also trying immersing in a tiny jam jar of lighter fluid for about 15 minutes.

Tell us if it works, I've never done it. In my mind, the lighter fluid won't dent the glue.

 

But you can boil it in water if you don't have a soldering iron. I usually use a pin vise instead of pliers but there is nothing wrong with pliers is you don't move them in the wrong direction...a pin vise won't let you "bend" the stem. Also, I do try to "tighten" the crown a little and then turn it in the proper direction to loosen. It is like a quick tightening movement and back to loosening kind of thing, but you have to practice that or it'll break.

[oldhippy]

A pin vice is better, with pliers you could damage the thread. Put the stem in the pin vice as close as you can to the crown or button which ever you want to call it. 

[Ishima]

A pin vice is better, with pliers you could damage the thread. Put the stem in the pin vice as close as you can to the crown or button which ever you want to call it. 

Was about to say this, a pin vice is the proper tool to use for removing and fitting crowns from stems. I'm not sure if you have one, MWNAWR,  but I feel like a pin vice is a vital tool that should be in everyone's tool kit regardless of level, that being said I could also probably name 200 other items that I couldn't imagine not having. 

Once in the pin vice tightly secured, you should be able to twist off with fingers, some are extremely tightly fitted at the factory though. 

Edited February 26, 2016 by Ishima

[MWNAWR]

Thanks indeed all. Yes, I have several pin vice tools and yes, I also agree that it is an essential tool. The lighter fuel did loosen the crown sufficiently to remove it.