Success! Removing rusted dial screw

[sstakoff]

I recently acquired a Waltham 0/size 1907 grade 165 pocket watch. When attempting to remove the dial, one of the 3 dial screws was rusted firm in place. In order to get this stubborn screw out I purchased some Hoppes #9 Gun Bore Cleaner from amazon. I used a small glass dropper to carefully apply some solution to the screw from 2 directions. I placed some directly into the screw hole on the side of the plate, and I also applied some directly to the dial foot visible from the plate. I was a bit concerned about potential damage to the keyless and motion work since they were both still in place beneath the dial.

I needed to reapply the solution for each of 2 days. So after a full 48 hour soak, I was able to very easily remove the screw with a normal screwdriver.

Thankfully there was no damage to the other components of the watch. I immediately disassembled the remaining components and ran them through the ultrasonic to remove the solution. I still recommend caution using this solution with other types of metals....

Hope this helps someone else!

[jdm]

Here is the list of ingredients of Hoppe's #9 as accurate as i could find online...
Ethyl Alcohol <35%
Kerosene <35%
Trade secret ingredients <25%
Organic Ester(trade secret) <10%
Ammonia, aqueous <10%
Reference https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/hoppes-9-gun-solvent-and-potassium-chloride.512405/

[sstakoff]

Interesting - it has a pretty distinctive odor - and now that you point it out I do believe there's quite a distinct "nose" of kerosene 

Any thoughts on potential watch damage based on this list???

[oldhippy]

Well done. I myself have never heard of such stuff.

[ramrod]

i'm not sure if there is anyting to worry about if the solution is rinsed as soon as possible.  Hoppe's is used on gun parts and they are generally "naked". if it's safe for guns, i wouldn't be too concerned.

[bobm12]

Yeah, I use that in my guns and they work like a well maintained watch...errr clock....oh come on!

[jdrichard]

Good advice. Thanks. What cleaner do you use in your ultrasonic cleaner.

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[jdrichard]

No guns in Canada only aeros and clubs

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[bobm12]

Hi JD,

I use L&R for both the cleaner and the rinse. Two different products from the same company. The extra fine is the one I like.

Cheers,

Bob

[vinn3]

good show,  i have had the same dial screw problem.  next time try KROIL,  it is slightly better than hopies.  heat and time also helps get those buggers out.  vinn