Ethan Clarke
Plastic sunglasses frames can be adjusted at home, but in some cases, a professional may need to be consulted. Adjustments may be required due to misalignment, heat deformation, or the sunglasses being purchased off-the-shelf. Metal frames are more pliable and easier to adjust, whereas plastic frames typically need to be heated before they can be adjusted. This can be done by running them under hot water or using a hairdryer or heat gun. However, caution must be exercised as excessive heat can damage the lenses. Small adjustments are recommended for a precise fit, and it is important to preserve the natural curve behind the ear.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to adjust | When glasses feel loose, are misaligned, or pinch your nose |
| Reasons for misalignment | Bumping glasses, dropping them, heat deformation, wearing them for a long time |
| Adjustment tools | Heat gun, hair dryer, hot water, pliers |
| Adjustment methods | Heating and bending, twisting, wiggling nose pads, pushing or pulling temple arms |
| Adjustment locations | Bridge, behind the ears, nose pads |
| Adjustment risks | Crazing lenses, snapping frames, damaging nose pads |
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What You'll Learn
Heat frames with a hairdryer or hot water
Using a hairdryer or hot water to heat plastic sunglass frames is a common method for adjusting their shape. This process involves heating the plastic until it becomes soft and pliable, at which point you can bend it into your desired shape.
Firstly, identify the part of the frame that you want to adjust. This is usually the temple or arm that wraps around your ear. Next, apply heat to this area. If using a hairdryer, set it to the highest temperature and hold it close to the frame until the plastic becomes soft and pliable. If using hot water, you can either heat the water in a pot on the stove or in a bowl in the microwave. Once the water has reached a high temperature, submerge the relevant part of the frame for 20-30 seconds.
After heating, the plastic should be soft and pliable, allowing you to gently bend it into your desired shape. Be careful not to overheat the plastic, as this can cause warping and damage. It is recommended to only heat the plastic slightly, just enough to make it bendable. Additionally, be cautious when applying heat to plastic lenses, as they may discolour or become damaged.
Once you have achieved your desired shape, allow the frame to cool. You can speed up this process by submerging the frame in cold water. The plastic should then hold its new shape once it has returned to room temperature.
While this method is effective for adjusting plastic sunglass frames, it is important to note that it may not be suitable for all types of plastic frames. Some plastic materials, such as memory plastic, are resistant to adjustment. Additionally, there is a risk of breaking the frame if you pass the point of bend, so it is recommended to be cautious and make small adjustments. If you are uncomfortable using a heat source, consider seeking a professional with the right tools and skills to reshape your frames.
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Bend frames to fit your temples
To adjust plastic sunglass frames to fit your temples, you can try the following methods:
Firstly, check if your frames feel loose or tight. If they do, you can use gentle, steady pressure to wrap the frames more tightly around your face. You can also try bending the temple tips inward if they are too big, or outward if they are too small.
If your frames are sitting lower on your nose than desired, the temples may be too wide. If they are sitting too high, the temples may be too narrow. In this case, you can adjust the temple tips by immersing them in warm water for 20-30 seconds to soften the plastic. Then, hold the glasses face-up with the lenses facing you. Place your four fingers under the temple, with your index finger resting at the natural temple bend to support the frames. Use your other hand to slowly and gently push the temple end down. You should feel it bend against your index finger. Repeat on the other side, ensuring that both sides look equal.
If you are still unhappy with the fit, you can try heating the frames' temples (or arms) by soaking them in warm water for 30-60 seconds. Hold the frame temple with both hands, placing your thumbs on the underside where the curve begins and your index fingers on top of the bend. Gently push downward with your index fingers while your thumbs push up.
It is important to note that some frame materials resist adjustment, such as memory plastic. Therefore, it is recommended to check the frame material before attempting any adjustments. Additionally, while it is helpful to have at-home options for practicality, it is ideal to consult a professional optician for frame adjustments to avoid damaging your glasses.
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Adjust the nose pads
Adjusting the nose pads of plastic sunglass frames can be done in a few simple steps. Firstly, it is important to identify whether the nose pads are too loose or too tight. If the glasses feel too loose or sit too low on your face, you can adjust the nose pads inward, towards each other, and towards your nose. On the other hand, if the glasses feel too tight or sit too high on your face, you can adjust the nose pads outward, away from each other, and away from your nose.
To adjust the nose pads inward, hold the bridge of the frame firmly with your non-dominant hand, ensuring that you do not put pressure on the lenses. Then, use your dominant hand to gently bend the nose pad towards the centre of the frame and towards your nose. You can use your thumb or pliers to make this adjustment, being careful to only move the nose pad a few millimetres at a time.
To adjust the nose pads outward, hold the glasses so that the temples are facing you and the lenses are facing away. Use your index finger and thumb of your opposite hand to clasp the nose pad. Gently bend the nose pad outwards, tilting its top portion towards the lens and away from your nose.
After making these adjustments, it is important to test the fit by trying on the glasses and checking if they feel more comfortable on your face. You can also hold the glasses up at eye level to check if the nose pads look symmetrical. If they do not, simply bend them into the correct position. Remember to always make small adjustments to achieve a precise fit and avoid exerting too much force on the delicate nose pads to prevent breakage.
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Bend the arms at the hinge
To adjust plastic sunglass frames by bending the arms at the hinge, start by heating the plastic to make it pliable. You can do this by running the arms under hot tap water for 15 to 60 seconds or by using a hairdryer for 30 to 60 seconds. Be careful not to melt the plastic or snap the frames.
Once the plastic is pliable, hold the glasses face-up with the lenses facing you. Place the four fingers of your left hand under the temple, with your index finger resting at the natural temple bend to support the frames. Use your right hand to slowly and gently push the temple end down. You should feel it bend against your index finger. Repeat this process on the other side if needed.
If the left side of the frame is higher than the right, bend the right arm down at the hinge. Conversely, if the right side is higher than the left, bend the left arm down at the hinge.
By bending the arms at the hinge, you can adjust the fit of your plastic sunglass frames to ensure maximum comfort and vision. Remember to be gentle and avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging your frames.
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Take to a professional for help
While there are several ways to adjust plastic sunglass frames at home, it is always best to seek professional help. Opticians are trained to adjust frames and will ensure that your glasses are not damaged in the process. Many opticians will adjust your glasses for free, and they will also be able to replace nose pads if necessary.
If you are experiencing issues with your frames, such as discomfort or headaches, it is a good idea to consult a professional. They will be able to adjust your frames to ensure a comfortable fit. Opticians have the necessary tools and techniques to adjust your frames correctly. For example, they may use a frame heater to heat the frame at the bridge to adjust the width, or they may use pliers to bend an arm that is higher than the other.
Additionally, opticians can adjust the nose pads to ensure the frames sit higher or lower on your nose. They may also adjust the temples of your glasses, also known as the glasses' arms, to troubleshoot issues with tightness or looseness. Opticians are skilled in adjusting frames to fit your unique facial features, such as ensuring the frames sit flat and straight on your face, even if one ear is higher than the other.
While you may be tempted to adjust your plastic frames at home, it is important to remember that incorrect adjustments can lead to further issues or damage to your frames. Seeking professional help ensures that your frames are adjusted correctly and safely, saving you time and money in the long run.
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Frequently asked questions
Adjusting plastic sunglass frames at home is simple. First, submerge the temple ends of your glasses in hot water for 30 seconds to a few minutes. Then, hold the frame temple with both hands, placing your thumbs on the underside and your index fingers on top of the bend. Finally, gently push downward with your index fingers while your thumbs push up.
If you have access to a heat gun or hair dryer, you can apply heat to the frames to make them more malleable. You can also use a hot salt pan to concentrate the heat on the frame, avoiding the lenses.
If you are making significant adjustments to plastic frames, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional. Professionals have the necessary tools, such as frame heaters and pliers, to make precise adjustments without damaging your sunglasses.
