Riveted links tool ?

[f-du-27]

Hi

Have you ever seen the proper tool to correctly fold back the links on old riveted bracelets ? (when you want to change or add a link)

In case not how do you do it ?

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by f-du-27

Hi

Have you ever seen the proper tool to correctly fold back the links on old riveted bracelets ? (when you want to change or add a link)

In case not how do you do it ?

Is there such a tool?

[CaveDiver]

If you have replacement rivets, you’re better off drilling out the rivet ends.

[f-du-27]

Yes, but can you hammer a rivet which is not hold on its full lengh and peripherie ?

[Tylden Reed]

Originally Posted by f-du-27

Hi

Have you ever seen the proper tool to correctly fold back the links on old riveted bracelets ? (when you want to change or add a link)

In case not how do you do it ?

To answer your question the answer is NO. There is, as far as I'm aware, no tool made especially to fold back down the links on the old Oyster bracelets.
The way I do it is to carefully ease the link down using my fingers - making sure that I don't kink the upper surface. The last few degrees are pushed down close to the fold above the pin using a rounded, smooth, polished boxwood stick - much like the shape of the end of a 'buff stick' sliding along the section from the fold. To support this I place the bracelet on a flat surface covered in a cloth to save marking the top surface. So far this method has served me well. A point to remember is that if the blade folds down too easily it is possible that it is too worn to re-use! Good luck, Tylden.

[f-du-27]

Hi Tylden

I finally found a link to replace the missing one.

The parts inside the links seem to be made of white plastic, instead of metal.

Is this a replacement part ?

Appart from that, the added link looks very much like the others.

I still have to fold it properly but have a spare one to make some experiment.

[Rikki]

That's not plastic but an accumulation of dirt and dead skin and arm hair. Is your band a spring loaded band or non expanding type? The older spring loaded use z springs and are hard to source. If you have a pair of pliers with a thick plastic coating on the handles you can use the bottom of the handle to push down the links easy to use and leaves no marks. Rik

[f-du-27]

I just thought that the links I bought were formerly of the expending type and that the Z springs had been replaced by a piece of plastic.

On my own bracelet from 1964 you can clearly see the metal parts from the inside.

I'll have the all thing ultrasonic cleaned and will report again.

I don't especialy want to dismantle the spare link as it could be usefull in the future.

[f-du-27]

Well, the white part inside is really a piece of plastic which has been inserted.

I have done my best though the result does not really fulfill my expectations.

At least, can I wear this bracelet again.

Thanks for your help.

[rmfnla]

No offense to you vintage guys but I really don't like those folded links.