How to Sharpen Watchmaker Screwdrivers
Watch repairs require special screwdrivers. High-quality screwdrivers are made of hardened, tempered steel, and the blade needs to be kept sharp so it will fit in the tiny slit on the watch screw head. This helps maximize the strength of the screwdriver, as well as minimizing any damage to the watch screw head. A properly ground screwdriver blade will not slip out of the screw's slot.
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Things You'll Need
- Jig to hold screwdriver
- Loupe (small magnifying device)
- Sewing machine oil
- Oilstone
Instructions
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1
Fasten the screwdriver into the jig, a special holder that keeps the watchmaker's screwdriver stable. Jig models and styles differ, so fit your screwdriver in according to the manufacturer's directions.
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2
Place the screwdriver and jig on a flat, level surface.
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3
Check the screwdriver blade through a loupe. The loupe should attach to your eyeglass. The screwdriver's blade face needs to lay as flat as possible.
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4
Put a drop or two of sewing machine oil on the oilstone. The oil helps the stone to cut properly, and it removes the ground-off metal from the screwdriver.
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5
Place the screwdriver on top of the oilstone. Move the screwdriver back and forth across the oilstone two to three times. Turn the jig over frequently to sharpen both sides of the screwdriver blade. Continue sharpening both sides of the screwdriver's blade until it is the thickness you need.
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6
Remove the screwdriver from the jig. Wipe the stone to remove the oil and pieces of metal.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have an oilstone, you can use a 400-grit wet/dry carborundum paper. Lay the carborundum paper on a smooth glass sheet.
The length of the screwdriver's faces should be 3 to 3 1/2 times the blade's diameter.
The screwdriver blade should not reach the bottom of the slot in the watch screw head.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit mini screwdriver set image by green308 from Fotolia.com
