Chloe Zhang
Plastic eyeglass frames are lightweight and come in a range of colours. They are usually made from zylonite, cellulose acetate, or nylon. Most plastic frames can be bent to modify the fit and are easy to adjust when done properly. However, it is important to note that plastic frames can become brittle with age and may break if not adjusted carefully. To bend a plastic lens, the frames must be heated using hot water or a hairdryer before they can be adjusted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic, stainless steel, titanium, memory titanium, memory plastic, aluminum alloy, cellulose acetate, nylon, zylonite |
| Tools | Hair dryer, sink or bowl, water |
| Temperature | Hot, warm |
| Time | 20 seconds, 30-60 seconds |
| Actions | Bend, straighten, curve, tighten, loosen, soak, press, push, pull, wiggle |
| Body Parts | Thumb, index finger, ear, nose, face |
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What You'll Learn
Warm the plastic lens with water or a hairdryer
Warming a plastic lens with water or a hairdryer is a good way to make it malleable and easier to bend. If you are using water, submerge the lens in warm water for 30-60 seconds. If you are using a hairdryer, set it to the lowest setting possible. Too much heat can cause the plastic to warp or crack. Wear gloves when handling a heated lens to avoid burns.
When bending a plastic lens, it is important to be cautious. Even if you don't intend to heat the plastic, hot air may cause it to soften and bend. If you do try to heat it, the plastic may become too hot, crack, or be difficult to handle.
To bend a plastic lens, first mark where you want to make adjustments. Then, heat the plastic until it becomes pliable. You can do this with warm water or a hairdryer. Once the plastic is soft, gently apply pressure and bend it to the desired shape. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this may cause the plastic to crack.
When using a hairdryer, direct the hot air onto the area you want to bend. Work slowly and evenly, moving the hairdryer back and forth. If you are bending the arms of glasses, straighten out the existing bend before creating a new one.
Once you have achieved the desired shape, set the new position with cold water. Test the fit and make adjustments as needed.
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Bend the curve of the temple
To bend the curve of the temple of a plastic lens, you must first heat the plastic to make it pliable. You can do this by immersing the temple ends of your glasses in warm water for 20 to 60 seconds. You can also use a hairdryer, holding it at least 10 inches away from the frames and moving it around for at least 20 seconds.
Once the plastic is heated, you can start to bend the curve of the temple. Hold the glasses face-up with the lenses facing you. Place your thumb on top and your pointer finger below the heated temple corner. Adjust the temple up or down in relation to your index finger. If the side you are adjusting sits too low on your face, gently bend the temple corner down by pushing down with your thumb and anchoring with your pointer finger. If the side you are adjusting sits too high, bend the corner up by pushing up with your pointer finger, anchoring with your thumb.
To tighten the temple, bend the end of the temple downwards. To loosen the temple, bend the end of the temple upwards. The temples should ideally bend at about 45 degrees, starting just behind your ear. Ensure you maintain the natural curve shape behind your ear to avoid overcorrection.
You can also use pliers to adjust the temple. There are special pliers designed for this purpose, such as the Temple Bending Pliers – Premium Model #2004, which features Delrin plastic jaws that cradle the metal and plastic components for consistent pressure.
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Adjust the nose pads
Adjusting the nose pads on your glasses can be a simple fix to make your glasses more comfortable and secure. It is recommended to have an eyeglasses repair kit, which usually includes small screwdrivers, replacement screws, and a magnifying glass. Before you begin, wrap a cloth around the lenses to prevent any lens damage or scratches.
First, hold your glasses by the bridge, which is the piece in the middle of the frame that sits on your nose. Use your non-dominant hand to do this, and be careful not to put pressure on the lenses. You can also use your thumb and forefinger to grip one nose pad. If your glasses feel too loose or sit too low on your face, gently push or bend the nose pad inwards, tilting its top portion away from the lens and towards your nose. Conversely, if your glasses feel too tight or sit too high, use the same method to bend the nose pad outwards, tilting its top portion towards the lens and away from your nose.
If your glasses are crooked, hold them up at eye level and check if the nose pads look symmetrical. If they are uneven, adjust them slightly to the side so they fit better. You can also try pulling the nose pad towards the centre of your frames and away from the lens to prevent your glasses from sliding down. Be careful not to bring the nose pads too close together, or they may pinch your nose.
For plastic frames, you can apply controlled heat and re-bend areas causing discomfort. Use a hairdryer or hot water to soften the bridge area, then pinch inward for a more contouring grip around your nose. You can also stretch rigid plastic frames gently to relieve pressure.
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Modify the temple arms
To modify the temple arms of a pair of glasses with plastic frames, you will need to soften the plastic by heating it. You can do this by running the temple arms under hot water for 20 to 60 seconds, or by using a hairdryer. Avoid using a hairdryer if your glasses have plastic nose pads, as this can damage them.
Once the plastic is soft, you can start to bend the temple arms. 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. Only a slight adjustment is needed. Repeat on the other side.
To tighten the temple arms, bend the ends of the temples downwards. To loosen them, bend the ends upwards. The temples should bend at about 45 degrees, starting just behind your ear.
If your glasses are still too tight at the temples after adjusting, you can try again. Stand in front of a mirror and mark where the glasses are too tight. Take off the glasses and use hot water or a hairdryer to soften the plastic. Carefully press on the marked place from the inside to move the frame out from the area. After adjusting, use cold water to set the new position of the frames.
If your glasses have plastic nose pads, you can adjust them by heating the nose pads with a hairdryer and then applying a little pressure to move them closer together or further apart. Move them closer together if your glasses are sliding down your nose, and push them apart if the nose pads are sitting too high. Once you've made your adjustments, cool the nose pads with cold water to set them in place.
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Avoid overcorrection
To avoid overcorrection when bending plastic lens frames, it is important to make small, subtle adjustments.
Firstly, always ensure the frames are clean before attempting any adjustments. Check for any damage, especially to the parts of the frames you intend to bend. Look closely for fine cracks or discolouration. If the frames show any signs of damage, do not attempt to reshape them.
When heating the frames, use warm water or a hairdryer for 30-60 seconds. Do not overheat the frames, as this can cause the plastic to become brittle and break. Work in small, subtle movements, reheating the frames as necessary.
When bending the frames, use gentle, slow, and careful pressure. Make small adjustments and try on the glasses after each change to ensure you do not overcorrect.
If you are unsure about adjusting your frames or are worried about overcorrection, it is best to consult a professional optician. They are highly capable of modifying any type of plastic frame with precision.
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Frequently asked questions
To adjust the temple arms, or the part of the frames that rest over each ear, you must first heat the frames. You can do this by running the arms under hot water or using a hairdryer. Once the frames are warm, gently bend the curve of the temple over your index finger. Work in small, subtle movements, reheating the frames as necessary.
If your plastic glasses have plastic nose pads, you can adjust them by heating the nose pads with a hairdryer. Then, apply a little pressure to move the nose pads closer together or further apart. Move them closer together if your glasses are sliding down your nose. Push them further apart if the nose pads are sitting too high on your nose.
To loosen your plastic frames, heat the frames and hold them so that the lenses face toward you. Curve the frames out by pushing in on the center and pulling the outer edges toward you.
If the arms of your plastic frames are too tight, heat the arm where it bends over the ear. Straighten out the existing bend and use cool water to set the arm. Place the glasses on your face and mark where you need to bend the arm. Heat the area and bend the arm so there is a slight curve behind the ear.
