How to Fix Glasses Arm Hinges?

Did you just hear that dreaded snap? One minute you're adjusting your glasses for the perfect fit, and the next, you're holding an arm hinge that has come loose or broken. It's a common problem that can turn your daily essentials into a frustrating challenge.

Broken hinges on your glasses can be a real headache. Whether it’s due to wear and tear, an accidental drop, or simply overuse, a loose or broken hinge can make your glasses uncomfortable and even unwearable.

Glasses’ arms are part of the glasses frames that keep the glasses on the face securely. The temples or the arms are hooked behind the ears and hold the glasses in place. Hence they are essential for the glasses.

Glasses’ arms hinges or barrel hinges are the most common type of hinges on eyeglasses. The barrel hinge design consists of a series of metal rings that fit into each other like a zipper, with a small screw that slides to the barrels in place.

Information On Bent Glasses Hinges Arms

Here’s how to fix bent glasses arm hinge

There are different materials used in making prescription glasses frames these days including plastic, acetate, metal, wood, and the list goes on. However, in most cases, the hinges of the glasses are very delicate. They should be taken proper care of. Even a slight mishandling can result in bent arms. Acetate frames are usually more durable and they do not break easily. However, bending them won’t take long if you don’t handle it with care.

Now when it comes to fixing the glasses arm hinge? Well, it’s not an easy task to do as you can cause even more damage if you don’t do it properly. What we can do is position the pliers over the bent section of the frames. Hold the frames securely but not very hard while you adjust the glasses. Try the glasses frames on to see if they fit properly. If it is not, continue to straighten and align as per requirement.

Now Let us see what other ways we can fix the bent glasses hinges

How to fix bent glasses’ arm hinges metal?

Most glasses have metal hinges that are fused in and can be extracted and replaced with a new one. You can attempt to fix a bent metal glasses hinge yourself, but be careful as applying too much pressure can break it further. Here's what you can try:

Inspect the Bend: Hold the glasses with the arms folded and look for the bend. Determine which direction you need to gently push the metal to straighten it.

Apply Pressure: Use your thumb and forefinger to slowly and carefully bend the metal back into place. Avoid using pliers or other tools as they can scratch or damage the frame.

Test and Refine: Put on the glasses and see if the arms feel even and sit comfortably on your face. If not, repeat steps 1 and 2 with minor adjustments.

How to fix glasses arm hinges with glue?

While glue can be a temporary fix for loose glasses hinges, it's not ideal for bent metal hinges. Here's why:

Limited Movement: Glue creates a permanent bond, which prevents the hinge from moving freely, making your glasses uncomfortable to wear and potentially damaging the frame.

Uneven Application: Applying glue evenly on a small hinge area is tricky. Excess glue can seep out and create a mess, or clog the hinge mechanism.

However, if your hinge issue is due to a loose screw or a small plastic piece detaching from the metal hinge, then glue might be a temporary solution. Here's what to consider:

Glue

Epoxy: This is the strongest option for plastic repairs. Choose a clear epoxy specifically designed for plastics.

Super Glue: A faster option, but the bond might not be as strong as epoxy.

Important Considerations:

Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the hinge area with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and oils that can weaken the glue bond.

Minimal Glue: Use a very small amount of glue and apply it precisely with a toothpick or a pin.

Drying Time: Let the glue dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually a couple of hours).

Temporary Fix: Remember, this is just a temporary fix. The hinge might become loose again, and the glasses might not fold properly.

How to fix broken glasses arm hinges?

Plastic eyeglasses tend to bend more easily than other glasses. The flexibility of plastic prevents it from breaking but it can change its shape if you apply pressure. Metals are considered to be stronger and harder and are less prone to damage. However, there is a threshold for every material and metal frames can also bend if you don’t take proper care of it. In case, you have broken your glasses arm hinges, the best option is to visit your nearest optician.

How to fix glasses hinges without screws?

Take a regular desktop staple and straighten one leg. Then put it in the screw hole and bend both legs over the hinge as far as possible and make sure the ends of the stape do not poke the skin anywhere. This is the easiest and most convenient way to get your glasses fixed without a screw.

How to fix the glasses arm with spring?

Fixing a glasses arm with a spring hinge requires a bit more finesse than a regular hinge. Here's how you can attempt it yourself:

Tools you might need:

• Small precision screwdriver (usually included in eyeglass repair kits)
• Replacement screw (check size and compatibility)
• Paperclip or pushpin

Steps:

Identify the Problem: Is the spring loose, causing the arm to flop around? Or is the screw stripped or missing, preventing the arm from attaching to the frame?

Open the Spring Hinge: Here's the tricky part. The spring tension makes it difficult to align the holes for the screw. You'll need to hold the hinge open to insert the screw.

Paperclip/Pushpin Method:

• Straighten one leg of a paperclip.
• Insert the straightened leg into the screw hole on the temple arm.
• Gently pull the paperclip outwards, wedging it in the gap created. This holds the hinge open.

Align and Replace Screw (if needed):

• If the screw is missing or stripped, use a replacement screw with the same size and threading.
• Using the precision screwdriver, insert the screw and tighten it gently. Don't overtighten or you might damage the threads.
• Remove Paperclip/Pushpin: Once the screw is secure, carefully remove the paperclip or pushpin, allowing the hinge to close.
• Put on your glasses and see if the arm feels secure and opens and closes smoothly. If not, repeat steps 2-4 with minor adjustments.