Identifying the Type of Break
Whether it’s due to rough handling or normal wear and tear, it’s not uncommon for eyeglass arms to break. When this happens, it can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your glasses to see properly. The good news is that most arm breaks can be easily fixed with a few simple tools and some patience.
The first thing you need to do is identify the type of break. Most arm breaks fall into one of three categories:
- Hinge Break
- Arm Break
- Screw Break
Each type of break requires a slightly different approach to fix, so it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.
Contents
Hinge Break
A hinge break occurs when the arm of the glasses breaks at the hinge where it connects to the frame. This type of break is usually caused by the constant opening and closing of the glasses. The good news is that it’s one of the easiest breaks to fix.
The first step to fixing a hinge break is to remove the arm from the frame. This can usually be done by gently pulling the arm away from the frame. If the arm is stuck, try using a pair of pliers to gently wiggle it loose. Once the arm is removed, take a closer look at the hinge. If the hinge is broken or cracked, you will need to replace it. You can usually find replacement hinges at your local eyewear store. If the hinge is not broken, but only the screw is defective, it can be replaced. If the screw has simply fallen out, you can use a tiny screwdriver to put it back in place. If the screw is stripped, you will need to replace it. Take the hinge to a local eyewear store and ask for replacement screws.
The next step is to reattach the arm to the frame. Make sure you have the right size screwdrivers for the job. Use one hand to hold the hinge in place and the other to insert the screw. Tighten the screw gently, making sure not to overtighten it. Test the glasses to make sure the hinge is working properly before wearing them.
Arm Break
An arm break is when the entire arm of the glasses breaks away from the frame. This type of break is usually caused by rough handling or a sudden impact. Arm breaks can be a little trickier to fix than hinge breaks because you will need to replace the entire arm.
The first thing you need to do is remove the broken arm from the frame. This can be done by gently pulling the arm away from the frame or by unscrewing the arm from the frame. Once the arm is removed, you will need to take it to an eyewear store to find a replacement arm.
When you have the replacement arm, the next step is to reattach it to the frame. This can usually be done by simply screwing the arm back into place. Make sure you are using the right size screwdriver for the job. Once the arm is attached, test the glasses to make sure they are working properly.
Screw Break
A screw break is when the screw that holds the arm onto the frame breaks or falls out. This type of break is usually caused by normal wear and tear or over-tightening the screw.
The first step to fixing a screw break is to remove the broken screw from the hinge. This can usually be done with a pair of pliers or a tiny screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, take it to a local eyewear store and ask for a replacement screw.
The next step is to reattach the arm to the frame. This can usually be done by simply inserting the new screw and tightening it gently. Make sure you are using the right size screwdriver for the job. Test the glasses to make sure they are working properly.
Identifying the type of break is the first step to fixing your broken glasses. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can take the necessary steps to fix them. Always make sure you have the right tools for the job, and if you’re not comfortable making the repair yourself, take your glasses to a professional.
Tools and Materials Needed
If you have a broken arm on your glasses, don’t worry, it’s a relatively simple problem that can be solved quickly and easily. You don’t need to go to an optician or buy a new pair of glasses. Here’s what you need to fix your broken glasses arm:
Tools
- Needle-nose pliers
- Flathead screwdriver
- Gorilla glue or a similar strong adhesive
- Small clamps or rubber bands to hold the arm in place during the drying process
Materials
- Replacement arm: If you don’t have a replacement arm, you can try to use the arm from an old pair of glasses that you no longer use. Otherwise, you can order a replacement arm online or find one at a local eyeglass store.
- Alcohol wipes or rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Sandpaper or a nail file
It’s important to have all these materials at hand before starting repairing your glasses, as this will ensure that the repair process goes smoothly and efficiently. The tools and materials listed above are readily available at most hardware stores or online and cost only a fraction of what a new pair of glasses would cost.
Always make sure to work in a clean and dry area before you start the repair process. You don’t want any dirt or debris to damage your glasses or interfere with the glue’s adhesion. Clean your glasses arm and the broken area thoroughly with an alcohol wipe or rubbing alcohol and let it dry before proceeding.
Now, let’s move on to the next section to learn how to fix a broken arm on glasses.
Realigning the Frames
One of the common problems that people encounter with their glasses is when the frames become out of alignment. This can happen due to various reasons such as accidental drops, mishandling or prolonged usage. The first sign of misaligned glasses is when they sit askew on your face or they feel uncomfortable to wear. Fortunately, realigning the frames of your glasses is both easy and practical. Here are some simple steps to help you fix your broken glasses:
Step 1: Identify the Problem
The first step in fixing your glasses is to identify the problem. Gently shake the glasses or examine them closely to determine where they are uneven. Look at the hinges, nose pads, and sometimes even the lenses themselves to find the cause of the misalignment. Once you’ve found the root of the problem, you can tackle the issue with precision.
Step 2: Adjust the Nose Pads
If the glasses are too high or low on your nose or are pressing too hard on your nose, adjusting the nose pads is one of the best solutions. You can use your fingertips to gently push the nose pads inward or outward to realign the frames. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure to the nose pads to avoid breaking them off. Additionally, you can adjust the nose pads’ angle to tilt the frames more or less as you prefer.
Step 3: Fix the Hinges
Hinges may play a crucial role in keeping the frames of your glasses in place. They can get loose or tighten up, causing the glasses to misalign. In this case, you can use your fingertips, a pair of needle-nose pliers, or even a small screwdriver to loosen or adjust the hinge. If you need to tighten a loose hinge, you may need to tighten the screws that hold the hinge in place. However, be careful not to overtighten and strip the screws, causing more damage.
Step 4: Use Heat to Bend the Frames
If your glasses won’t align by adjusting the nose pads or hinges, they may need a gentle bend. This is where using heat can come in handy. You can use a hairdryer to warm the frames for a few minutes until they are flexible and bendable. Carefully bend them with your fingers close to the hinge or temple to ensure you get the right amount of bend. Be careful not to heat them for too long to avoid damaging or melting the frames.
Step 5: Seek Professional Repair Assistance
If your glasses are still not aligned despite your efforts or are too damaged to repair yourself, you may need to enlist the help of a professional. Opticians or eyeglass repair shops are experts in fixing these issues and can help get your glasses back to their proper alignment. Additionally, they will have specialized tools to ensure your glasses are back to their former glory so you can wear them comfortably and confidently.
Realigning the frames of your glasses is easy and practical, especially with these simple steps. Remember to go through each step carefully, avoiding applying too much pressure or heat to the glasses, which can cause more damage. It’s better to take some time and adjust them gently until you get it right.
Reattaching the Arm
Your glasses are like a good friend – always there ready to help you see the world with clarity. But just like a good friend, sometimes they can get broken and need some fixing up. If you’ve broken your glasses by snapping off one of the arms, don’t worry – there’s an easy fix. All you need is a little patience, some glue, and a steady hand. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Before you can start fixing your broken glasses, you need to assess the damage. Examine how the arm snapped off and determine if it’s possible to fix it on your own. If it’s just a clean break, you’re in luck – it can be fixed easily with glue. However, if the arm has been completely detached or is damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to replace it entirely.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
You won’t need many materials for this fix – just a few things you probably already have around the house. You’ll need some clear waterproof glue, a toothpick, and some masking tape. Make sure the glue you use dries clear – any visible glue residue will be unsightly and can affect your vision.
Step 3: Apply the Glue
Apply a small amount of glue to the break, being careful not to use too much. A little goes a long way in this case. Using the toothpick, spread the glue evenly over the break. Make sure to get the glue into all the small crevices to ensure a strong bond.
Step 4: Tape it Up
Once the glue is in place, use the masking tape to hold the arm in place while the glue dries. Wrap the tape around the arm and the frame, securing it tightly. Make sure to let the glue dry completely before removing the tape – this can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight.
Step 5: Clean it Up
Once the glue is dry and the tape has been removed, your glasses should be fixed and ready to wear. However, you’ll want to clean any excess glue that may have seeped out of the break before wearing them. Use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to clean up any visible glue residue.
Now that your glasses are fixed, make sure to take good care of them to prevent any future breaks. Store them in a protective case when not in use, and avoid bending or twisting them too much. And remember, accidents happen – but with a little patience and some glue, you can fix them up good as new!
Reinforcing the Repair
If you’ve repaired your glasses arm, you’ve come so far. But now you need to reinforce it so that it doesn’t break again in the future. Here are a few tips:
- Use epoxy glue. Apply some epoxy glue along the break and clamp the two sides together. Put the glasses in a clamp or vise, and let the glue dry overnight. This will make the repair strong and durable.
- Use paper clips or wire. You can also reinforce the arm by attaching a paper clip or a thin piece of wire to the inside of the arm. Bend the wire to conform to the shape of the arm, and attach it to the broken area using some glue. This will add extra strength to the arm and prevent it from breaking again.
- Use a toothpick or matchstick. If you don’t have any wire or paper clips, you can use a toothpick or matchstick as a reinforcement. Dab some glue on the toothpick or matchstick and insert it into the arm’s hollow center. Let the glue dry completely before wearing the glasses.
- Replace the arm. If your glasses arm is completely broken, you may need to replace it. You can order a replacement arm from the manufacturer, or you can take your glasses to a local eyewear store to see if they can replace it for you. Additionally, some eyewear stores have a small workshop in the store where they can fix or replace the arm for you quickly.
- Keep your glasses clean. Finally, to prevent your glasses from breaking in the future, it’s important to keep them clean. Dirty or oily glasses can weaken the frames and lead to damage. Clean your glasses regularly with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner, and store them in a safe place when you’re not using them.