Abstract: A straight wire length is bent against a mandrel into an obtuse V-shape and then into a C-shape at a first station, and against another mandrel into an oval shape at a second station. When making the V-shape bend the leading edge of the wire length is thereby contained against perpendicular movement. The wire length is then bent into a C-shape and when it is moved from the first station to the second station the stop is pivoted against the force of the spring by a bar transforming the V-shape to the C-shape. When the emerging C-shaped link clears the support surface of the stop element, the spring returns the stop element to its initial position in the first bending station, against a stop. The surface of the stop element contacting the stop may serve as an electrical contact for process control.