As the popularity of
expansion bands continues to, well, expand, you've no doubt been asked at some point to custom-fit or repair one. We discussed repairing basic models of Speidel bands eatlier. Now let's look at how to repair some newer models that require extra steps.
Wide Caps
As noted in the earlier column, the company makes one model of bands featuring top caps wider than the bottom links. To remove the required number of links from these bands, it's best to remove the top caps entirely.
To start the repair, you'll need a thin knife blade. Place the blade behind the flat end of a link and twist outward while pushing toward the fold in the hinge (see below). To remove the U-clips, use the knife to lever open the end of a top cap on one link and then open the opposite end on the bottom link on the adjoining link. Slide the two halves apart and the U-clips will be clear to grasp with tweezers.
Turn the band inside out and spread the links apart with one hand. With a thin blade, open the four tabs that hold the top cap in place. Then count the number of links you need to remove and perform the same operation on the very next top cap. Open up the adjoining bottom link end along the same edge as the now-uncapped links. Slide out both links, and those between them will slide away also. You've now removed all the links required to size or repair the bracelet.
To replace the links, straighten the tabs with
needlenose pliers. Slip the caps back on the links. Make sure the caps slip into their four tabs and fold the tabs back down.
Angled Flaps
Speidel also makes a band with an end flap on each end of the cap. Instead of folding the end flap open (which may distort the metal), slip the thin blade under the edge of the top end piece, pry the lower end down and pop off the upper cap.
With the cap removed, an adjacent lower link end flap can be opened. Remove the U-clip and the band will be separated. To replace the cap, hook it to one side of the link and snap the other side of the cap down over the other side of the link. Restore the angle by folding the flap inward toward the bottom link.
