A broken glasses arm can be a major inconvenience, disrupting your daily routine and potentially leading to further damage if not addressed promptly. Fortunately, many common issues with glasses arms can be resolved at home with the right tools and techniques. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to repair your glasses arm, helping you save time and money while restoring your eyewear to its optimal condition.
Understanding the Structure of Glasses Arms
Glasses arms, also known as temples, are the side pieces that extend from the frame and rest over your ears, holding the glasses in place. They are connected to the main frame via hinges, allowing them to fold inward for storage. The arms are typically made from materials such as metal, plastic, or acetate, each offering different levels of flexibility and durability.
Common Causes of Broken Glasses Arms
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Wear and Tear: Over time, the constant opening and closing of the hinges can weaken the arm, leading to breakage.
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Accidental Damage: Dropping your glasses or sitting on them can cause the arms to snap or bend.
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Material Fatigue: Materials like plastic can become brittle with age, making them more susceptible to breaking.
Identifying the cause of the breakage can help in selecting the appropriate repair method and in preventing future occurrences.
Essential Tools for Glasses Arm Repair
Before attempting any repairs, gather the necessary tools:
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SnapIt Screw Eyeglass Repair Kit: This all-in-one kit includes a double-ended screwdriver and patented SnapIt screws with extra-long feeder tips, making it easier to handle than standard tiny screws.
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Super Glue or Epoxy: Useful for bonding broken parts, especially in plastic frames.
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Pliers: Small, precision pliers can help in bending metal frames back into shape.
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Toothpick: For applying glue precisely to small areas.
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Soft Cloth: To clean the glasses and protect the lenses during repair.
Having these tools on hand will prepare you for most common glasses arm repairs.
How to Fix a Snapped Glasses Arm?
If your glasses arm has snapped into two pieces, follow these steps:
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Clean the Broken Surfaces: Use a soft cloth to remove any dirt or oil from the broken ends.
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Apply Adhesive: Using a toothpick, apply a small amount of super glue or epoxy to one of the broken ends.
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Join the Pieces: Carefully align and press the broken pieces together. Hold them in place until the adhesive sets.
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Reinforce the Joint: For added strength, consider wrapping a small piece of shrink tubing around the repaired area and gently heating it to secure.
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Allow to Cure: Let the adhesive cure fully as per the manufacturer's instructions before using the glasses.
This method provides a temporary fix, but for a more durable solution, consider replacing the arm or seeking professional repair.
Repairing Loose or Damaged Hinges
Loose or damaged hinges can cause the glasses arm to wobble or detach. Here's how to address this issue:
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Inspect the Hinge: Check for missing or loose screws.
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Use the SnapIt Screw Kit: Select the appropriate SnapIt screw from the kit. The extra-long feeder tip makes it easier to insert the screw into the hinge and each screw size is colour coded to help with identification.
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Insert and Tighten the Screw: Align the hinge and drop the screw into place. Use the provided screwdriver to tighten it securely.
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Snap Off the Feeder Tip: Once tightened, snap off the protruding feeder tip with your fingers.
The SnapIt Screw Kit simplifies this process, allowing for quick and effective hinge repairs.
Dealing with Metal Frame Arm Breakages
Repairing a broken metal frame arm can be more challenging:
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Soldering: For a permanent fix, soldering the broken pieces together is effective but requires specialized equipment and skills.
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SnapIt Screw Kit: If the break is near the hinge, the SnapIt screws can be used to replace lost or loose screws, restoring functionality.
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Professional Repair: For complex breaks, it's advisable to seek professional assistance to avoid further damage.
Temporary fixes for a broken glasses arm when you're on the go
If your glasses break while you’re away from home, try these quick fixes:
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Tape the arm: Use clear tape to hold the pieces together temporarily.
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Tie a thread: Secure the broken pieces with a strong knot.
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Use a sleeve: If available, slide a rubber sleeve over the broken arm for additional support.
For a more reliable fix, consider carrying a SnapIt Screw repair kit. This compact glasses repair kit includes specially designed screws that make it easy to reattach a loose or broken glasses arm without any hassle. The screws feature a unique drop-in design that simplifies the repair process, ensuring your glasses are back in working order in no time.
Tips to prevent glasses arms from breaking in the future
Prevention is the best approach to avoid frequent repairs:
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Store glasses properly: Use a sturdy case when not wearing them.
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Avoid stress on the frame: Handle glasses gently and avoid placing heavy objects on them.
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Check for loose screws: Tighten screws regularly to maintain stability.
These habits will extend the life of your glasses and reduce the likelihood of damage.
When should you visit an optician instead of repairing your glasses at home?
While home repairs are convenient, there are situations where professional help is necessary:
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Severe damage: If the frame is bent or the lens is misaligned, an optician can ensure proper adjustment.
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Complex repairs: Issues like a broken hinge or missing parts may require specialized tools.
Opticians have the expertise to restore your glasses to their original condition safely.
That said, in most cases, a SnapIt Screw repair kit will do the job perfectly. With its easy-to-use screws and drop-in design, you can quickly fix common issues like loose arms or missing screws without needing professional assistance :)
