Adjusting Plastic Sunglasses: A Safe Diy Guide

how to safely adjust plastic sunglasses

Adjusting your plastic sunglasses can be done at home, but caution is required to avoid breakage. Plastic frames typically need to be heated before they become flexible enough to adjust. You can heat the frames by running them under hot water for 30 seconds to a few minutes, or using a hair dryer. If your frames have loose screws, you can use a small screwdriver to tighten them. Once the frames are heated, you can make adjustments by gently bending the arms or earpieces, ensuring that you do not apply excessive force. It is important to note that some plastic frames may resist adjustment, and significant adjustments or bends may lead to breakage. If you are uncertain about the process or your frame material, it is recommended to consult a professional optician for assistance.

Characteristics Values
When to adjust When glasses are too loose, too tight, crooked, or uneven
When to seek professional help When a screw falls out or an arm detaches
What to use Eyeglasses repair kit (small screwdriver)
What to do Check for loose screws first
How to adjust Soak arms in warm water, then apply gentle pressure on the ends of the arms
Run plastic parts under hot water or heat with a hair dryer, then carefully bend
Hold the frames face-up, place fingers under the temple, then slowly push the temple end down
Bend the temple arm at the hinge
Wiggle nose pads outwards
Place in hot water, then place on a flat surface to cool
Frame materials to avoid adjusting Titanium, memory titanium, memory plastic, and aluminum alloy

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Plastic sunglasses can be adjusted at home

If your plastic sunglasses are feeling loose, a quick and easy fix is to tighten the screws at the temple corners, often referred to as the hinges of the frames. Regularly checking on the screws will also prevent them from falling out and causing your frames to wobble or become uncomfortable.

For more significant adjustments, plastic frames typically need to be heated before they become flexible enough to be bent. This can be done by running the plastic parts under hot water for 30 seconds to a few minutes or by using a hair dryer or heat gun for a few seconds. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are created equal, and some may melt or burn when exposed to heat. Always exercise caution and consider seeking professional help for major adjustments to avoid damaging your sunglasses.

Once the plastic is heated, you can carefully bend the frames to achieve your desired fit. If your sunglasses are sliding down your face, you can bend the earpiece closer to a 90-degree angle to tighten the fit. Conversely, if the earpiece is too tight and hurting your ear, you can reduce the angle to loosen the fit. You can also adjust the nose pads by gently wiggling them outwards until they sit comfortably against your nose. Remember to make only slight adjustments at a time, as too much bending can damage your frames.

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Heat frames with hot water or a hairdryer before bending

To adjust plastic sunglasses, you can heat the frames with hot water or a hairdryer before bending. This method is ideal for stainless steel or plastic/acetate temple arms with embedded stainless steel rods. Some frame materials, like titanium, memory titanium, memory plastic, and aluminum alloy, are not adjustable.

To heat the frames with hot water, fill a bowl with hot tap water and submerge the temple ends of your glasses for 30-60 seconds. You can also use a kettle to boil water and then place it in a mug before putting the temple ends in for half a minute. Ensure that the lenses do not touch the water.

Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to heat the frames. Turn on the hairdryer and blow hot air onto the temple ends of the frames for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat the frames, as this can cause damage.

Once the frames are heated, you can carefully bend and adjust the temple ends to achieve your desired fit. Small adjustments are recommended to avoid overcorrection and damage to the frames.

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Adjust the arms to prevent sunglasses from sliding down your nose

Adjusting the arms of your sunglasses is a common way to prevent them from sliding down your nose. This process can be done at home, but it is recommended to have an optician adjust them professionally. If you choose to adjust them yourself, here are the steps you can follow:

First, identify if your sunglasses have metal or plastic frames. This is important because the adjustment process differs for each type. If you have plastic frames, you will need to apply heat to make the plastic pliable before bending it. This can be done by running the frames under hot water for 15 to 30 seconds, or by using a hairdryer on its highest heat setting. You can also use a heat gun, but be careful not to apply too much heat as the plastic can snap.

Once the plastic is pliable, you can adjust the arms. Hold the sunglasses with the lenses facing you and use your fingers to gently bend the earpieces inwards towards your head. This will make the sunglasses tighter on your face and prevent them from sliding down your nose. Be careful not to bend the plastic too much, as it can break.

If you have metal frames, you can adjust the arms by gently bending them with your fingers or with pliers. You can also use a hairdryer or heat gun to apply heat to the metal, making it easier to bend. Again, be careful not to bend the metal too much, as it can snap.

After adjusting the arms, place the sunglasses on a flat surface to cool down. Then, try them on and look in a mirror to check if they appear even and fit comfortably. If they still feel loose or uneven, repeat the adjustment process until you achieve the desired fit. Remember to always be gentle and cautious when adjusting your sunglasses to avoid damaging them.

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Tighten loose screws at the temple corners

If your plastic sunglasses feel loose, it may be due to a loose screw at the temple corners. To tighten the screws, you will need an eyeglass repair kit or a small screwdriver that fits the screw head.

First, locate the screws at the temple corners, or hinges, of your sunglasses. Insert the screwdriver into the screw and twist it clockwise until you feel some resistance. Be careful not to over-tighten the screw, as it can strip the screw or damage the frame.

If the screw does not stay tight, you can use a small drop of glue or clear nail polish to secure it in place. Apply a small amount of clear nail polish around the screw and let it dry completely before wearing your sunglasses again. Alternatively, you can use a drop of glue, such as Gorilla gel glue, on the ends of the screws.

If you are hesitant to work with the screws or are uncomfortable with making adjustments, it is best to take your sunglasses to an optician for professional adjustments.

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Bend the temple arms to adjust the tightness

To adjust plastic sunglasses by bending the temple arms, you must first heat the plastic to make it pliable. You can do this by either running the arms under hot water for 15 to 60 seconds, or by using a hairdryer.

Once the plastic is warm, hold the glasses face-up with the lenses facing you. Then, place the four fingers of your non-dominant hand under the temple, with your index finger resting at the natural temple bend to support the frames.

Next, use your dominant hand to slowly and gently push the temple end down. You should feel it bend against your index finger. Be careful not to push too far, as all adjustments should be slight.

Repeat this process on the other temple end, ensuring that both sides look equal. Place the glasses on a flat surface to let them cool, then put them on to test the fit.

If the glasses are now too tight, you can always adjust them again by repeating the above steps and bending the temple ends upwards instead of downwards.

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