Alexei Volkov
Plastic sunglasses can be straightened at home by first heating the frame. This can be done by running the frame under hot water or using a hairdryer for 30-60 seconds. Once the frame is heated, gently bend it to the desired shape. It is important to note that metal pliers should not be used on thin wire frames as they may cause scratches or damage. Instead, a plastic hand clamp or forceps can be used to make adjustments. If the lenses are out of alignment, they can be gently twisted around the nosepiece until they sit correctly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to straighten sunglasses | When they slide down your nose due to perspiration or sunblock |
| What to use | Pliers with a soft plastic coating on the tips, a plastic hand clamp, or forceps |
| What to do before straightening | Extend the arms and place them flat on a table to identify which side is raised |
| What to do during straightening | Soak the arms of the glasses in warm water for 30-60 seconds, then apply gentle downward and inward pressure on the end of the arms |
| What to do after straightening | Try on the glasses, testing them out until you get the right amount of space |
| What to do if the straightening doesn't work | Use gripping wax or nose pads on the nose pelts to stop slippage |
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What You'll Learn
Heat the frames with hot water or a hairdryer
To straighten bent plastic sunglasses, you can use hot water or a hairdryer to heat up the frames and make them pliable. This method is suitable for thinner plastic frames and won't work on glasses with Optyl frames, which may warp out of shape when heated. It's also important to note that this method should not be used on prescription sunglasses, as the lenses may get damaged.
If you choose to use hot water, fill a shallow container with warm water. The water should be pretty hot to soften the plastic, but not boiling, as this may damage the frames. Test the temperature with your finger; if the water is too hot to touch, it's too hot for your glasses. Completely submerge the glasses in the water for 30-60 seconds, or hold the arms under a running tap for 20-30 seconds, which may be less risky for the lenses.
Using a hairdryer is another option for heating the frames. Hairdryers produce varying amounts of heat, so exercise caution to avoid overheating the frames. Hold the hairdryer a safe distance from the frames and use short bursts of hot air for 30-45 seconds at a time. Focus on heating the bridge of the sunglasses (where they sit on your nose) or the arms, depending on which area needs adjustment.
Once the plastic is softened by either method, you can gently bend the frames back into shape. Always handle the glasses with care and avoid using excessive force, as too much bending can damage the frames.
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Use pliers to make micro-adjustments
To straighten bent plastic sunglasses, one of the methods you can use is a pair of pliers. This method is more suitable for metal frames, but it can also be used for plastic frames if you take certain precautions.
Firstly, you should check your glasses for any cracks, loose screws, discolouration, or other signs of damage. This is important because you don't want to risk damaging your glasses further. If your glasses have screws, it's a good idea to check on them regularly so you don't lose them.
Next, place a protective cloth over the section of the frames that you'll be working on. This will create a buffer between the glasses and the pliers, minimising scratches and gouges. Make sure the cloth is unfolded and free of wrinkles or folds, which could cause it to shift unexpectedly while you're straightening the glasses.
Now, you can begin to use the pliers to make micro-adjustments. If possible, use a pair of pliers with a soft plastic coating on the tips, as ordinary metal pliers may scratch or snap thin wire frames. Position the tips of the pliers over the bent section of the glasses and gently squeeze the handles together to secure them. Then, slowly twist the pliers in the opposite direction of the bend, applying gentle pressure. Make your adjustments as small as possible to avoid breaking or over-correcting your glasses.
Once you're satisfied with the shape, try on your glasses to see how they feel. You may need to adjust them more than once to get them to fit properly. It's important to be gentle and avoid yanking, wrenching, or bouncing the frames, as this will likely result in breakage.
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Rotate the eyepieces in opposite directions
If your sunglasses are plastic, you can straighten them by rotating the eyepieces in opposite directions. This method can be used to straighten the glasses and return them to alignment. It is important to note that the nosepiece is the weakest point on any pair of glasses, so be careful not to put too much tension on the centre of the frames.
To straighten your plastic sunglasses, first try rotating the eyepieces in opposite directions. This will help to straighten the glasses and bring them back into alignment. It may take a few attempts to get it just right, so keep modifying and trying on your glasses until they feel comfortable.
If the lenses themselves are out of alignment, you can try twisting them gently around the nosepiece. This will help to adjust the angle of the lenses in relation to the nosepiece and bring them into alignment with your face. Again, this may take a few attempts, so keep modifying and trying on your glasses until they feel comfortable.
Once the eyepieces are straight, you can further adjust the fit by flexing the frames inward or outward. This will help you find a fit that feels secure and comfortable on your face.
It is important to note that applying too much force or tension can damage your sunglasses, especially at the nosepiece. If you are unsure about making these adjustments yourself, you can always take your sunglasses to an eyeglass retailer, who may be able to straighten the frames for a small charge.
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Adjust the angle of the earpiece
Adjusting the angle of the earpiece on plastic sunglasses can be done in several ways. Earpieces that poke out too far can be trimmed with clippers, or bent inward with pliers, to achieve a better angle. If the earpiece is too tight, you can pull the plastic earpiece outward, then cool it with cold water to retain its shape. This will reduce grip tension.
If the earpiece is digging into your skin, you can also try to reshape it so that it angles slightly away from your head. To do this, you can heat the earpiece with a hair dryer, then gently bend the end inward 10-15 degrees to tighten the temple grip. You can also wrap soft foam or tape around the ends of the earpiece to pad them and reduce tension.
If the earpiece is too loose, you can heat the plastic earpiece with a hair dryer, then bend it outward to create a wider fit. You can also soak the arms of the glasses in warm water for 30-60 seconds, then gently apply upward and outward pressure on the end of the arms to achieve a wider fit.
It's important to remember not to force the plastic of your glasses too much when making adjustments, as plastic is a brittle substance and can break easily if dealt with incorrectly. If you are struggling to adjust your frames, a professional optician will be able to help.
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Use a protective cloth to minimise scratches
When straightening bent plastic sunglasses, it is important to take the necessary precautions to avoid scratching the lenses. One way to do this is by using a protective cloth.
First, lay out a soft, unfolded cloth on a flat surface. This will be your workspace for straightening the sunglasses. Make sure the cloth is large enough to accommodate the glasses and any tools you'll be using, such as pliers or forceps. Place the sunglasses on the cloth, with the section you'll be manipulating facing upwards.
The cloth acts as a barrier between the glasses and any tools you use, minimising the risk of scratches and gouges. Choose a cloth that is smooth and free of any textures or patterns that could imprint onto the lenses. A microfiber cloth is an excellent option for this purpose, as it is designed to clean and protect delicate surfaces like sunglasses lenses and electronic screens.
Before placing the sunglasses on the cloth, ensure they are clean and free of any dust or debris that could cause scratching. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe down the lenses and frames. If needed, you can also use a lens cleaning solution recommended by an optician or a specialised lens cleaning wipe.
Once the sunglasses are in place on the protective cloth, you can begin the process of straightening the frames. Work slowly and carefully, ensuring that the cloth remains securely in place and does not shift during the adjustment process. If you need to rotate the sunglasses to access different angles, carefully lift and reposition them on the cloth rather than moving the cloth itself.
By taking these careful steps and using a protective cloth, you can effectively minimise scratches on your plastic sunglasses during the straightening process. Remember always to handle your sunglasses with care and take the necessary precautions to protect your lenses.
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