DIY Fixes You Can Do on Broken Glasses Frames
Broken glasses frames can be a frustrating experience. Instead of rushing to an optician, you can try a few simple fixes with items you may already have at home. This guide will walk you through some great DIY fixes for your broken glasses frames.
Tightening Loose Hinges
Loose hinges are a common issue with glasses. You’ll know you need top fix your hinges if your frames feel wobbly or the arms don’t stay in place. Use a tiny screwdriver from an eyeglass repair kit to tighten the screws on each hinge. Turn the screwdriver clockwise until the screws feel snug. Make sure the arms can still move without difficulty.
If you don’t have a repair kit, you can use the pointed end of a nail file as a temporary fix. If the screws are gone entirely, threading a twist-tie through the hinge hole can temporarily hold your glasses together. Snip off the excess and tighten it to secure the frame. While this method doesn’t provide a long-term solution, it should keep your glasses functional until you can replace the screws later.
Fixing a Broken Arm
A snapped arm can be repaired with the right materials. Use a strong adhesive, such as super glue, to reconnect both pieces of the arm. Apply a small amount of glue on the broken ends, press them together, and hold for a few minutes to bond.
Reinforce the connection using a thin strip of tape wrapped around the break. For a cleaner look, you can use shrink tubing. Slide a piece over the broken arm before gluing it back together. Once the glue dries, use a hair dryer to shrink the tubing snugly over the fix.
Repairing a Detached Lens
Loose or damaged frames can cause a lens to pop out of place. To address this issue, examine your frame for cracks near the area holding the lens. If the frame is intact, gently press the lens back into place. Wear rubber gloves for additional grip and to avoid smudging the lens.
If the frame has split, apply a small amount of glue along the crack and press it together. Hold the frame tightly while it sets and be careful not to get glue on the lens. Once the frame is back in shape, the lens should sit securely again.
Patching a Broken Nose Pad
Broken or missing nose pads can make glasses fit uncomfortably and uneven. Whether you’ve got a pair of stylish oversized glasses or classic men’s rectangle reading glasses, this issue is easy to fix. Most eyeglass repair kits include replacement nose pads and the tiny screws needed to attach them.
Use a screwdriver to remove the broken nose pad and insert the new one. If you lack replacement pads, a neatly folded piece of soft tape can make a temporary alternative. Mold it into place where the pad was and trim the excess for comfort.
Mending Cracked Frames
Cracked frames can lead to full-on breaks if not addressed early. For minor cracks, you can use super glue to seal the damage. Apply glue along the crack with care, press the edges together, and hold for a couple of minutes.
For added support, wrap clear tape around the area once the glue dries. If the crack is near a stress point, such as a hinge, combine glue and tape for a more secure repair. This will give the frame extra strength while remaining subtle enough not to draw too much attention.
Dealing With a Snapped Bridge
The bridge of your glasses—the center portion connecting the lenses—is critical for stability. To repair a snapped bridge, start with a high-strength adhesive. Apply glue to both broken ends of the bridge and press them together firmly. A paperclip bent into a supportive shape can offer reinforcement.
Insert the metal under the bridge before the glue dries to strengthen the connection. Another option is using resin tape for added durability. Apply the tape over the glued area and smooth it out to remove air bubbles. Trim any excess tape to keep the repair discreet but functional.
Reattaching an Arm Hinge
When an arm hinge separates from the frame, it can cause major frustration. This is typically due to loose screws or damage to the hinge itself. If the screws are missing, you can slide a small piece of wire through the hinge hole to hold the arm in place.
If the hinge itself has come off the frame, glue can secure it back in place. Apply a small amount of adhesive to the base of the hinge and press it against the frame. Hold it in place until the glue sets and replace the screws afterward.
Adjusting Misaligned Frames
Misaligned frames make glasses feel awkward and uncomfortable to wear. To realign them, carefully bend the arms back into their original shape. Heat helps, so try running the frame under warm water for a minute to make it more pliable. Gently adjust the arms and bridge to achieve even alignment.
Be cautious not to apply too much force, as over-bending can damage the frames. This method works for metal frames and some durable plastics, but avoid bending if your frames are particularly brittle.
Securing Loose Screws With Nail Polish
Loose screws can keep coming undone even after tightening. A dab of clear nail polish is a quick fix to lock screws in place. Tighten the screws first and apply a small amount of polish to the top. The polish acts like glue, keeping the screws from loosening over time.
If you’re looking for an alternative, a tiny drop of adhesive can work similarly. However, nail polish is less permanent, which makes future adjustments easier if needed.
When to Seek Professional Help
While DIY fixes can handle most issues related to broken glasses frames, some repairs require professional expertise. If your frame has multiple breaks or your lenses have severe scratches, it might be time to visit your optician. Professionals can source specific replacement parts and perform precise repairs that are impossible to achieve at home.
Professional services are also particularly useful and cost effective when dealing with high-quality frames or prescription glasses.
Your glasses are an extension of your style and keeping them in shape is worth the effort. For more durable and stylish options, AJ Morgan Eyewear offers over 2,000 frames designed to match every personality and need. Don’t wait—explore our collection and find your next favorite pair today!