Case threads

[abereiter]

What makes a good lube for case threads? Maybe a lube isnt what I need so heres the problem. The case threads feel a little tight going on or off. There is no dammage to the threads that I can see and they are very clean. I think too clean. The back screws right on and all the way down. I was thinking a small ammount of wax or something like that. Any suggestions? Thanks a million.

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Aaron Bereiter
NAWCC #156432
Proud *** Member #55

[abereiter]

What makes a good lube for case threads? Maybe a lube isnt what I need so heres the problem. The case threads feel a little tight going on or off. There is no dammage to the threads that I can see and they are very clean. I think too clean. The back screws right on and all the way down. I was thinking a small ammount of wax or something like that. Any suggestions? Thanks a million.

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Aaron Bereiter
NAWCC #156432
Proud *** Member #55

[Jon Hanson]

Try working the lid on and off a dozen times and create some wear, like breaking it in!

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Jon Hanson, nawcc#8801

[Steven Mercer]

Aaron

I had the same problem on a case that I have. A friend suggested Bee's Wax. It works. The back screws on and off real nice now. You only need a very small amount, and over the long run, it doesn't harden or turn to gunk.

I have the opposite problem on another case. In one spot the threads are worn. So I have to be careful when screwing on or off the back so it doesn?t cross thread on me.

Steve

[Bob Sharp]

I've had good luck improving sticky threads, and in a few cases really buggered up threads, by using a very fine valve lapping compound on the threads, followed by diluted toothpaste.

First, make sure that there is no damage to the threads. Some badly formed threads may be improved by judicious use of a thread file. The next step is to apply a coating of lapping compound to the threads. Screw on the back (or bezel) and work it back and fourth across the tight spot a few dozen times. This should greatly improve the situation. Clean everything carefully when done, as the lapping compound is an abrasive that you don't want to get on a watch movement.

If further work is needed, or to improve the surface finish, repeat the process with toothpaste. You'll probably need to dilute the paste with water to make a smooth enough compound to work in the threads.
Obviously it is essential to clean everything scrupulously after each step.

I find it easiest to do all this with only the affected cover (bezel, back) in place. This allows you to get a grip on the part from both the inside and outside as you work it back and fourth.

[lots of time]

A very small thread file seems to work wonders for me..

[Sam Williamson]

Abereiter,

Something I did with a case back that was tight[it looked clean];
Took back off,washed in detergent & water,used a toothbrush to clean threads.I then used a toothpick[tip broken off],rubbed the #%@&* out of the threads,dipping the back in the solution occasionally,until I obtained no more crud.This took several double-ended toothpicks.I was astounded at how much corrosion and dirt came out!

I then cleaned the case frame threads with only toothpicks[didn't have time to remove the movement],got some more crud.I didn't want to apply any case wax/grease until I got the rest of it cleaned,but the difference was quite pronounced.

The upshot of all this is that the threads were packed with dust/dirt/corrosion,and thats' what created the drag when tightening/loosening.

I would make sure the threads are CLEAN,then look for the other problems.If threads are o.k.,then a minute amount of case lube will have them winding like silk.



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Sam Williamson
NAWCC 154312
***#14

[Steve Maddox]

Like other topics here, this one seems to come up with some degree of regularity (though most apparently pay little attention). Please check out my answer in the following topic, and if more information is needed, follow the link therein to another previous topic: http://www.nawcc.org/ubb/Forum3/HTML/002483.html

Be extremely careful turning threads that are already starting to "stick." The metal-to-metal friction can cause the threads to gaul, and actually seize-up, just like pistons running in an engine dry of oil will seize-up. Needless to say, this should be avoided if at all possible -- and it IS possible by following the advice above.



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Steve Maddox
President, NAWCC Chapter #62
North Little Rock, Arkansas

[abereiter]

Steve, Your info was exactly what I was looking for. Could this "grease" be used on all case threads or only on the problem cases? Thanks for the replys.

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Aaron Bereiter
NAWCC #156432
Proud *** Member #55

[Steve Maddox]

Aaron -- It works on anything. On case backs with bad threads, it'll make them better, and on cases with good threads, it'll keep them from getting bad.

Billybob -- I got mine from a beekeeper, but check out info in the following topic for other sources: http://www.nawcc.org/ubb/Forum3/HTML/003861.html

SM