Removing enamel dials safely?

[Mojo]

Hi all, just joined the forum, I have been working on antique clocks for a few years now, and have a simple question, which hopefully someone can help with.
Some enamel dials are held on with three small protrusions of metal, which when placed onto the front plate of the movement, are then bent slightly to keep the dial in place.
Not sure if they are brass or copper.
These legs or wire, have to be straightened to go through their respective holes in the movement plate, when removing the dial.
On some occasions, I have heard a slight cracking/splintering sound when straightening these pegs, which can only be the enamel dial itself.
I worry that in attempting to straighten these pegs to get the dial off, I may damage the dial itself, resulting in cracks or chips.
These dials are usually fitted to small wooden Buren desk clocks, or similar French wooden desk clocks.
Is there a way to remove this risk of damaging the dials?
Thank you in advance for any hints on this matter.

 

[Simon Holt]

Welcome to the forum!

I avoid bending those pins. I don't think they are there to secure the dial to the front plate; I think they are there only to prevent mis-alignment of the dial. In the ones that I have encountered (disclaimer: I'm only a hobbyist), the dial is effectively held against the front plate by the bezel/glass assembly.

Needless to say, I'm happy to be corrected by other more experienced members...

Simon

 

[JTD]

I also have always thought of these pins as locating pins rather than securing pins.

JTD

 

[Mojo]

I also have always thought of these pins as locating pins rather than securing pins.

JTD

 

[Mojo]

Thank you for your replies gentlemen it certainly makes sense.
Any clock of that type dial I work on, always seem to have these pegs bent over.
I will leave them straight on the next one and see how secure the dial is, but once again thank you both for your replies.