Removing Rivet Pins from Rolex Bracelet Clasps

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Davidt

·Dec 7, 2025

Does anyone know the best method to remove the rivet type pins used in some bracelet clasps such as Rolex?
To be clear, I’m not talking about vintage rivet bracelets but what I believe are push rivet pins used in the clasp in stead of spring bars or friction fit pins that are often used.

I have one that needs replacing that is stretched and I can probably simply cut the exposed area with small pliers, but I have another which is not stretched so needs the head removing. Is it just a case of using a hand file or multi-tool to grind away the head or is there another option?

 

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Davidt

·Dec 9, 2025

Any thoughts?

 

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Archer

·Dec 9, 2025·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

File or drill it out - there's no magic here as the head has to come off to get it removed.

 

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Canuck

·Dec 9, 2025

A Dremel tool (used carefully) with a cut off stone is also an option.

 

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seekingseaquest

·Dec 9, 2025

Hard to tell if this is the same pin type or not, but I have the opposite problem with one of my Gay Freres bracelets - pin is broken and needs to be replaced. Is this something people usually have a watchmaker repair?

 

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Canuck

·Dec 9, 2025

If you are able to find stainless steel wire of the same size (or a bit larger), you could do this yourself. People will come along and recommend a paper clip! Don’t do it. Stainless only!

 

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Davidt

·Dec 9, 2025

Archer

File or drill it out - there's no magic here as the head has to come off to get it removed.

Canuck

A Dremel tool (used carefully) with a cut off stone is also an option.

Thanks gents, I’ll give it a go.

 

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seekingseaquest

·Dec 9, 2025

Canuck

If you are able to find stainless steel wire of the same size (or a bit larger), you could do this yourself. People will come along and recommend a paper clip! Don’t do it. Stainless only!

Got it, thanks. So these are just held in place by friction?

 

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Canuck

·Dec 9, 2025

seekingseaquest

Got it, thanks. So these are just held in place by friction?

Yes. With a suitable friction fit, these pins will stay. Unless you use something other than stainless steel, then you takes your chances.

 

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Archer

·Dec 9, 2025·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

Did someone say paperclip?

 

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kewteddington

·Jan 17, 2026

Davidt

Thanks gents, I’ll give it a go.

Hi David, I have exactly the same issue! Did you manage to do this.. and how easy was it to remove the existing rivet?

Plus, is it easy to install the the replacement Rolex 32-20734 rivet? are they simply push on rivets. or do you need a special tool... Many thanks

 

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josiahg52

·Jan 17, 2026

I've done similar work on few less precious bracelet. I used a new carbide ball grinder bit in a Dremel at high speed and carefully ground the head away. Any grinding accessory would work. You could use polyamide tape to provide some protection from very mild strays, I suppose. I used a very small ball bit to grind a shallow detent in the piece and ordered slightly oversized precision ground stainless rod for an interference fit and then peened the ends. Easy peasy.

 

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Davidt

·Jan 17, 2026

kewteddington

Hi David, I have exactly the same issue! Did you manage to do this.. and how easy was it to remove the existing rivet?

Plus, is it easy to install the the replacement Rolex 32-20734 rivet? are they simply push on rivets. or do you need a special tool... Many thanks

I just taped up the edges of the clasp for protection and used a hand file. It actually worked quite quickly but obviously you need to go steady to make sure you don’t damage the rest of the clasp

 

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kewteddington

·Jan 17, 2026

okay, that part sounds fine. thanks for letting me know.. and is it easy to install the the replacement Rolex 32-20734 rivet? are they simply push on rivets. or do you need a special tool... Many thanks