Identifying the Cause of the Broken Arm
Having a broken arm on your glasses can be a frustrating experience, especially if it affects your vision. It can happen to anyone, regardless of how careful you are when handling your glasses. The good news is that with the right knowledge, tools and techniques, fixing a broken arm on your glasses can be less daunting. In this article, we’ll explore the different causes of broken glasses arms so that you can identify what caused your glasses to break. This is an essential first step in fixing your glasses effectively.
Poor Fit: One common cause of broken glasses arms is a poor fit. If your glasses don’t fit properly, the arms could be under excessive stress, causing them to break. A poor fit can happen for different reasons, including incorrect measurements, a manufacturing error or damage to the frames. If you’ve recently purchased your glasses, you should take them back to the optician or optical shop where you bought them from so that they can evaluate the fit and make adjustments if necessary.
Age: Another cause of broken glasses arms could be due to old age. Glasses are made of different materials, and over time, these materials can degrade, making the glasses brittle and more prone to breakage. The arm is usually the first part of the glasses to break because it’s the most exposed. Metal arms are more durable than plastic ones, but they can still break with age. If your glasses are more than two years old, you might want to consider replacing them entirely instead of just fixing the broken arm.
Physical Impact: A physical impact, like dropping or bumping your glasses, can cause the arm to break. This is one of the most common causes of broken glasses arms. Even a minor impact can cause significant damage to the frames and lenses. If you’ve dropped your glasses recently, check them thoroughly for damage, even if you don’t see any visible cracks or scratches. In some cases, the damage may not be immediately visible, but it could still cause the arm to break later.
Chemical Exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals, like hairspray, perfumes or cleaning products, can weaken the plastic frames on your glasses, making them more susceptible to breakage. The chemicals can eat away at the frame materials, causing them to become brittle and more prone to crack or break. If you regularly use hairspray or other chemicals near your glasses, you should clean them thoroughly afterward to remove any residue that could damage the frames.
Using Them as A Headband: Using your glasses as a headband is a bad idea. It’s a surefire way to damage the arms and hinges. You might think it’s convenient to wear on your head so that they’re always within reach, but it puts a lot of pressure on the arms, causing them to weaken and break over time. If you must take your glasses off, store them in a case, or in a safe place instead of using them as a headband.
In conclusion, identifying the cause of your broken glasses arm is essential in fixing them effectively. By knowing what caused the breakage, you can take preventive measures to avoid it from happening again in the future. So, whether it’s a poor fit, old age, physical impact, chemical exposure or misuse, understanding the cause is a crucial step in fixing your glasses and maintaining their longevity.
Gathering the Required Tools and Materials
If your eyeglasses have a broken arm, don’t worry, you can fix it yourself with the right tools and materials, even without prior experience. Here are the required tools and materials you need to gather:
Contents
Tools
- Small Screwdriver: Your glasses consist of two parts, frame, and temple. The temple is attached to the frame by small screws. Hence, a small screwdriver is required to tighten and loosen these screws. It would be best if you had a precision screwdriver set that includes different-sized heads, such as flathead and Phillips
- Nose Pads Adjuster: Nose pads keep your glasses comfortable and in place on your face, but if it’s broken, loose, or bent, you can adjust it yourself using nose pads adjuster. It comes in different shapes such as round, flat, or pointed. If you have multi-functional pliers or a kit, it can include them as well.
- Needle Nose Pliers:It’s a versatile tool, and they are an ideal choice for grabbing and twisting the tiny parts of your frames, including screws to maintain balance of the glasses.
Materials
- Replacement Screws: These are vital in fixing a broken glasses arm. Losing the screws is common, and buying a replacement is necessary. You can find screws in different sizes and lengths, so make sure to take your glasses to the store and match them according to your need.
- Glasses Repair Kit: These Kits consist of replacement screws, screwdriver, and nose-pad adjuster. You can buy them from your nearby optical store, or you can order them online. The kit is perfect for keeping handy and for those who regularly wear glasses.
- Clear Tape or Super Glue: You can use them as a temporary solution to fix the hinge if the screw is entirely missing, or you can use it as a backup in case your repair failed. But, do not use it if you have an expensive frame, or the glue residue can cause damage.
- Cotton Swabs: Cleaning is an essential part of repairing. Hence, you should clean your glasses thoroughly before repairing them. You can use a soft cloth, cotton swabs, or a specialized lens cleaning solution to avoid scratches.
- Rubber Bands: They are useful to adjust the glasses, which involve bending and twisting around the world to fit your face shape and size. You can use a rubber band as a temporary solution to keep the arms together and together until you restore the hinge. But do not twist too hard as it may cause further damage.
In conclusion, fixing your broken glasses arm is simple if you have the right tools and materials. Always remember to be patient and persistent while doing the repair. And, if you find it difficult, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional optician.
Preparing the Broken Arm for Repair
If you’ve had the misfortune of having your glasses arm snap off, don’t worry, it’s a common problem and can be easily fixed. Before you begin fixing the arm, it is essential to prepare it. Preparing the broken arm ensures that you have a clean surface to work with and that the adhesive sticks better. Here are the steps:
Gather Materials
The first step to preparing the broken arm is to gather all the tools and materials you will need. The last thing you want is to find out you are missing something halfway through the repair process. Some tools and materials you will need include:
- Alcohol wipes
- Clean cloth
- Sandpaper (optional)
- Plastic gloves (optional)
Clean the Area
Cleaning the area around the break will help ensure that the adhesive sticks well. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the arm’s surface thoroughly. Be sure to use a clean cloth to rub any debris or dirt left around the break. If there is a visible layer of glue from a previous repair attempt, use sandpaper to remove it gently. However, be cautious with how much you sand the area as over-sanding can weaken the arm further.
Avoid Oils and Lotions
When repairing glasses, oils and lotions can be your worst enemy and prevent the adhesive from sticking well. Ensure you do not use oily or greasy creams a few hours before you start the repair process. Likewise, mineral-based makeup and sunscreen should also be avoided during the repair process.
Wear Gloves (Optional)
It is advisable to wear plastic gloves during the whole repair process, especially during the arm preparation stages. Oils and skin cells from your hands can make gluing more challenging, reducing the effectiveness of the adhesive. Wearing gloves helps prevent these substances from getting on the broken arm’s surface, hence improving the repair’s success rate.
Handle with Care
Finally, handle the broken arm gently when preparing it for repair. Excessive bending or tugging on the remaining arm segment may cause more damage. Likewise, try to avoid applying too much force on the arm’s surface when cleaning or sanding, as excess pressure may weaken the plastic or leave scratches.
It is crucial to prepare the broken arm well before starting the repair process. Following these simple steps will ensure that you have a clean surface to work with, increasing the adhesive’s effectiveness and improving the repair’s success rate.
Repairing the Arm with Epoxy or Superglue
If the arm of your eyeglasses is broken, you can fix it using epoxy or superglue. These adhesives are very strong and can hold the two parts of the arm together. Here’s how to do it:
First, you need to gather the materials that you will need for the repair. You will need a small amount of epoxy or superglue, a piece of sandpaper, and a small clamp or clothespin.
The first step is to clean the broken parts of the arm with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. This will remove any dirt or oil on the surface of the plastic that could prevent the adhesive from bonding properly. Let it dry for a few minutes.
Next, apply a small amount of epoxy or superglue to one of the broken parts of the arm. Use a toothpick or a similar tool to spread the adhesive evenly over the surface of the plastic. Be careful not to apply too much, or it will take longer to dry.
Then, fit the two broken parts of the arm together and press them firmly. Hold them in place for a few seconds to allow the adhesive to start bonding. Use a small clamp or clothespin to hold the two parts together firmly.
Let it dry for at least an hour. Once the adhesive has dried, remove the clamp or clothespin and gently sand the edges of the joint with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out any rough spots and make the joint less visible.
Before you wear your glasses again, be sure that the adhesive is completely dry and that the repaired arm is sturdy and safe to use. Check the joint carefully for any signs of weakness or separation.
If the arm of your glasses is metal, you can still use epoxy or superglue to repair it. Just be sure to clean the broken parts thoroughly and apply the adhesive carefully.
Repairing a broken arm on your glasses with epoxy or superglue is a simple process that can save you time and money. With just a few tools and a little patience, you can have your favorite pair of glasses back in working order in no time. Don’t throw them away – give them a second chance by fixing the broken arm!
Reinforcing the Arm for Long-Term Use
If you have worn glasses long enough, you know how quickly the arms can break. One minute your glasses are fine, and the next, the arm has snapped in two. But do not worry because with the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can easily fix your broken glasses arm. Here are some tips for reinforcing the arm of your glasses to ensure long-term use:
1. Identify the Type of Material
Before you start fixing your glasses, determine the type of material your frames are made of. Different materials require different methods of repair. For instance, if your glasses are made of plastic, regular super glue may melt the plastic and cause it to deform. If your glasses are made of metal, you may need a different type of adhesive. Therefore, take caution and identify the type of material before proceeding with the repair.
2. Fix with Superglue
If the arm of your glasses has snapped cleanly in two, you can easily fix it with super glue. First, make sure to clean both ends of the broken arm before applying the glue. Afterward, apply the glue to one end of the break and gently press it to the other end. Hold the two pieces together for a few seconds until the glue has set. Be careful to avoid getting the glue on the lenses of your glasses as this may cause a smudge.
3. Use a Thin Wire
If the break on your glasses arm is more severe, you may need to reinforce it with a thin wire. First, shape the wire to match the curvature of your glasses arm. Then, use sandpaper to roughen the broken edges of the arm and apply super glue to one end. Insert the wire into the glued end of the glasses arm, and then apply glue to the other broken edge. Press both ends of the arm together and hold for a few seconds until the glue sets.
4. Create a Splint using a Zip Tie
If you do not have access to super glue or a thin wire, you can create a splint using a zip tie. Cut the zip-tie to a size that perfectly fits over the broken area, leaving enough room for it to wrap around the arm of the glasses one or two times. Hold the zip-tie in place tightly and heat it gently using a hairdryer. The heat will soften the zip-tie and allow it to bend to the shape of your glasses frame. Once the zip tie has cooled and hardened, it will act as a splint for your glasses arm.
5. Reinforce with Epoxy Resin
If you are looking for a more permanent solution for your broken glasses arm, you can reinforce it with a two-part epoxy resin. Epoxy is a strong adhesive that can bind different types of materials together and is often used for industrial purposes. To use epoxy resin, mix equal parts of the resin and the hardener. Use a toothpick to apply the mixture to the broken edges of the arm and press them together. Hold for a few minutes until the epoxy sets and leave it to dry overnight. Epoxy resin provides a strong and long-lasting bond that can withstand wear and tear, making it ideal for reinforcing the arm of your glasses.
With these tips, you can easily reinforce the arm of your broken glasses for long-term use. Remember to handle your glasses with care and visit your optician if you have any doubts about the proper way to repair your glasses.