Can a permanent link from an AP RO bracelet be removed/put back?

[theflywrist]

Hello there ladies/gents,

Hope everyone is well.

I figure, we do have a lot of experienced AP collectors and potentially some watchmakers too, and so I would like to ask.
I have recently acquired an RO that has an issue I had previously not seen. I have asked some other dealers, and they had seen it in the past with some other vintage APs.

One of the permanent link on the bracelet has the inner pin that is welded inside the link slightly protruding out.
I have no idea how this would have happened, however it is a 30 year old watch.
It is relatively rare, and after hunting it for so long, I have decided that I can live with it if it is not salvageable.

I am however going to try to see if it can be "fixed".
I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with removing/opening up a permanent link. Is it possible to do so without damage? And will re inserting the link back also be possible, again without causing any damage or stretch?
I am already prepared for the worst case, being that it will have to remain as it is, and I cannot salvage it, however I am definitely going to try(not myself of course).