How to increase a hole/thread diameter in gold

[docnet]

TL;DR

What's the best way to increase the diameter of a threaded hole in 18k gold?

Hello,

I am trying to change a 0.9mm screw with a 1.0mm screw. The material is 18k gold, and so the hole is to be threaded.
Is it ill advised to force the larger screw in without tapping the smaller hole? the difference in screw size is just .1mm, and we assume the thread pitches are identical. Gold is a soft material so should it accommodate the larger diameter screw without issues?

 

[Lnewqban]

What has happened to the original female thread?
According to this site, the pitches differ for both diameters:

https://www.sizes.com/tools/thread_unm.htm

 

[docnet]

What has happened to the original female thread?
According to this site, the pitches differ for both diameters:

https://www.sizes.com/tools/thread_unm.htm

thank you. The original .9mm diameter screw has rattled loose and I cannot find a replacement screw anywhere. I suppose another option to replace the screw is paying $2000 to Bvlgari for a full service.

edited: typos

 

[Lnewqban]

Tapping for 1.0 mm with different pitch will destroy whatever is remaining of that female thread, in my humble opinion.
Somebody must have the original 0.9 UNM screw.
Some thread lock may do the trick of retaining it in place.

Please, see:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/M-9-90-UNM...645762?hash=item5b760de402:g:aJYAAOSwaS9fRq9J

Best luck!

 

[Vanadium 50]

This is a $10-40K watch with high resale value. The resale value will be much lower if it is "repaired" by a non-expert, and will be close to zero if it does not survive the repair. I would take it to a repairman.

 

[docnet]

Tapping for 1.0 mm with different pitch will destroy whatever is remaining of that female thread, in my humble opinion.
Somebody must have the original 0.9 UNM screw.
Some thread lock may do the trick of retaining it in place.

Please, see:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/M-9-90-UNM...645762?hash=item5b760de402:g:aJYAAOSwaS9fRq9J

Best luck!

This is a $10-40K watch with high resale value. The resale value will be much lower if it is "repaired" by a non-expert, and will be close to zero if it does not survive the repair. I would take it to a repairman.

My apologies. I meant to say just the screw has been lost. The female thread is 100% intact as far as I can tell. I bought the watch from an online Sothebys auction in march. And no one else placed any bids it so I got a good deal, much less than $10K. I will take your advice and not alter the female thread. (the screw seems to be propriatary to the brand and I still cannot find it for sale anywhere). I will keep searching. thanks

 

[Lnewqban]

I would research about the thread and dimensions of the original screw.
Although not a cheap option, if you can't find the original screw, you may be able to find some domestic machine shops with capabilities for micro fasteners.

Please, see:
https://www.productionmachining.com/articles/making-micro-threads

 

[Baluncore]

Replace the screw.

Test the thread pitch by borrowing a similar screw from another location. Notice the thread angle may not be the 60° as expected with UN or ISO thread standards.

You might measure the thread pitch by screwing a soft material into the hole to get a print of the thread. I use a tapered splinter of a match stick, with modelling clay on bigger threads.

 

[Dr.D]

The chances of destroying the watch are pretty high. Watches are made to a level of precision rarely ever found in other industries. Many years ago, I worked for Hamilton Watch Co., and old-line American watch company. I was simply astounded at the precision involved in every aspect. I would never try to work on a watch if I wanted it to continue to function.

 

[gmax137]

Notice the thread angle may not be the 60° as expected with UN or ISO thread standards.

This would be my concern. Watch makers may use proprietary fasteners, you'd be better off finding an old-time independent watch repair service and see if they can help you. At least they would know the options.