Maya Ellison
Fixing broken plastic spectacles can be a tricky task, and sometimes they are damaged beyond repair. However, there are several ways to salvage them. The most common methods involve using glue, tape, or drilling holes to repair the frames. It is important to clean and prepare the broken area before gluing, and to protect the lenses from scratches during the repair process. Some people have also found success with more unconventional methods, such as melting plastic or using staples made from paperclips.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of glue | Super glue, epoxy, nail polish remover containing acetone, cyanoacrylate glue |
| Reinforcement | Thread, paper, paper clip, staple, wire, toothpick, tape, heat-shrink tubing, toilet paper, pin |
| Preparation | Clean and sand the broken pieces, rough up the surface with sandpaper, swab with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover, melt the plastic, pass the broken ends through a flame |
| Tools | Drill, needle, hobby knife, screwdriver, tweezers, magnifying glass |
| Time | Temporary fixes can last a couple of weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Use an eyeglass repair kit
An eyeglass repair kit is an essential tool for anyone who wears glasses regularly. These kits are designed to address common problems like loose screws, broken arms, or damaged nose pads. By learning how to use a repair kit, you can avoid expensive visits to an optician for minor issues and ensure your glasses are always ready to wear. Repair kits are compact and easy to carry, making them ideal for quick fixes at home, at work, or on the go.
Eyeglass repair kits are readily available at drugstores and contain everything you need to make a repair: screws, a tiny screwdriver, and sometimes a magnifying glass. Newer versions of the kit contain longer screws meant to be easier to handle. You insert the screws into the hinges, screw them in, and then \"snap off\" the bottom of the screw to fit the size of the hinge. If you're finding it difficult to line up the hinges on your temple piece and front piece, it could be because a hinge mechanism inside the temple piece hinge is holding it back.
To fix loose screws, first, inspect the screws by checking the hinges and frame for any loose screws. Then, use the screwdriver to gently tighten the screw. You can prevent future loosening by applying a small amount of thread locker or clear nail polish to secure the screw in place. If a screw is missing, replace it with one from the kit.
If your glasses arm is broken, assess the damage by determining whether the hinge is broken or the arm has detached. Align the pieces by positioning the arm and hinge properly. Then, insert a new screw from the repair kit and secure it with a screwdriver. If needed, apply a small amount of glue to stabilize the repair.
If your nose pads are damaged, remove the old pads by unscrewing or pulling them off carefully. Install new pads by aligning the replacement pads and attaching them using the screws provided in the kit. Secure the screws by tightening them gently with the screwdriver to avoid over-tightening.
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Melt the plastic
To repair broken plastic spectacles by melting, you can use a soldering iron, a heat gun, or hot water.
If you are using a soldering iron, you should ensure that the iron has a relatively flat tip or one that can be flattened. You can also make your own tip. When using a soldering iron, you need to melt the plastic in the joint so that both parts melt together, welding themselves. You can add a metal staple or paperclip to strengthen the join. You can also use a plastic strip to cover the join and weld it with the iron.
For a heat gun or hot water, you can use moldable plastic, which comes in pellet or sheet form. Warm the moldable plastic with the heat gun or hot water until it is pliable and clear, sticky, and gum-like. Then, mould the plastic over the broken area of the spectacles. As it dries, it will become hard and no longer sticky. You can reheat the plastic repeatedly until it takes on the desired shape.
You can also use a combination of melting and gluing. One method is to pass a paperclip through a flame, then push it into the plastic so that it melts in. You can also use epoxy glue, which dries clear, or super glue, which dries pale yellow. Before using glue, you should sand or scuff the surfaces to help the glue stick better. You should also clean the surface with alcohol or nail polish remover.
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Use epoxy or super glue
Epoxy or super glue can be used to repair broken plastic spectacles. Before applying the adhesive, it is important to prepare the surface by cleaning and drying the broken area. You can use lukewarm water mixed with dishwashing detergent and a clean cloth to clean the break. Ensure that the lenses are protected by covering them with painter's tape.
If you are using epoxy, it is supplied in two parts: the resin and the hardener. These must be mixed before application. Epoxy is strong and durable but can be messy and challenging to work with for precision repairs. It is important to be careful and not apply too much epoxy, as it can spread to the lenses and cause damage. After applying the epoxy, you may need to sand it down to smooth out any rough areas.
Super glue is another option for repairing plastic spectacles. It forms a strong, impact-resistant bond and dries clear. When using super glue, ensure that the broken pieces are properly aligned and clamped together. You can use a stick wrapped in wax paper or a soft cloth to protect the lenses during gluing and rubber bands to hold the pieces together. After applying the glue, use a cotton swab to absorb any excess.
Both epoxy and super glue can effectively repair broken plastic spectacles when used correctly. However, it is important to note that super glue may provide a quicker and more straightforward solution for simple repairs, while epoxy is better suited for filling in missing pieces or sculpting sections of the frame.
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Wrap with tape
If your plastic eyeglasses are broken, one quick and easy solution is to wrap tape around the break to hold the two pieces in place. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Firstly, choose a tape that matches the colour of your frames. This will help the repair to be less noticeable. Alternatively, you could use decorative duct tape to make a fashion statement! Before applying the tape, ensure that the lenses are protected. You can do this by covering them with painter's tape or masking tape.
Next, wrap the tape around the broken area, ensuring that it covers both pieces of the break. Press the tape down firmly, smoothing out any air bubbles. If the tape is longer than the length of the break, cut off any excess.
To ensure a stronger hold, you can use adhesive or glue in addition to the tape. Apply a small amount of adhesive or super glue to the break, then quickly press the two pieces together. Hold them firmly in place for at least 30 seconds to help the bond set.
Using tape is a simple and effective way to temporarily repair your broken plastic spectacles. While it may not be a long-term solution, it can be a quick fix to help you get by until you can find a more permanent repair solution.
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Drill holes and use thread
To repair your broken plastic spectacles using the "drill holes and use thread" method, follow these steps:
First, gather your materials. You will need a small-gauge drill bit, a soft cloth, a fine needle, thread, and superglue. You may also want to use a clamp, such as a piece of a stir stick, rubber bands, and wax paper or a soft cloth to protect your lenses from scratches during the drilling process.
Next, prepare your glasses for drilling. Lay your glasses on a soft cloth to prevent scratching the lenses. Carefully determine where you will drill the holes, ensuring they are parallel and on either side of the break. If using a clamp, cut a piece of a stir stick to fit between the temples of your glasses, protecting the lenses with wax paper or a soft cloth, and secure it with rubber bands.
Now, you are ready to drill. Gently drill two holes on each side of the break, being careful not to stress the frames or lenses. Ensure the holes are not too close together or too far apart to achieve a pleasing, elongated shape.
Once the holes are drilled, it's time to sew a tension band. Cut a length of thread, about 4 to 6 feet, and thread your needle. "Sew" the two sides of the break together by passing the needle and thread through the holes as many times as possible without stressing the joint. Stop when there is no more room.
Finally, secure your repair with glue. Fill the drilled holes with superglue, soaking the thread and blotting any excess. Ensure there are no air bubbles in the thread or holes. Allow the glue to dry for at least an hour. You can also wrap thread soaked in glue around the bridge of your glasses for added strength.
Your spectacles are now repaired and ready for use!
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to stick broken plastic spectacles. You can use super glue, epoxy, or adhesive to stick the broken parts together. You can also use a combination of tape and adhesive as a temporary solution.
You will need a thread, needle, drill, sandpaper, superglue, painter's stir stick, rubber bands, waxed paper, cotton swabs, alcohol or nail polish remover, and a hobby knife. You may also need an eyeglass repair kit, which includes screws, a tiny screwdriver, and sometimes a magnifying glass.
There are several types of adhesive that can be used to stick broken plastic spectacles. Super glue is a common option, but it can be weak and may not create a strong bond. Epoxy is a stronger option that dries clear and creates a longer-lasting bond. Adhesive or nail polish remover containing acetone can also be used as a temporary solution.
