Alexei Volkov
Widening the temples on plastic frames can be done at home, but it may be best to consult an optician, as plastic frames can be brittle and prone to breaking. To widen the temples on plastic frames, start by submerging the temple ends in hot water for 30 seconds to make them pliable. Then, apply outward and upward pressure on the end of the arms to loosen the fit. If your frames are too tight, you can also try bending the ends of the temples upwards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic, acetate, stainless steel, titanium, memory titanium, memory plastic, aluminum alloy |
| Tools | Eyeglasses repair kit, screwdriver, hot water, towel, needle-nose pliers |
| Adjustment Techniques | Soaking in hot water, tightening screws, bending arms, adjusting nose pads |
| Common Issues | Loose or tight fit, crooked frames, misalignment, pinching, slipping |
| Professional Adjustment | Recommended for certain materials and delicate frames; optician, optometrist |
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What You'll Learn
Soak the temple ends in hot water
So, you want to adjust your plastic frames at home? You can do it by soaking the temple ends in hot water. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the hot water and your glasses
Place your glasses on a flat surface and grab a bowl of hot tap water and a towel. Place the bowl of hot water on the towel. Make sure you only heat the frames and not the lenses, as hot water can damage the coating of the lenses. Keep the lenses out of the water.
Soak the temple ends
Take one temple end piece (the part that goes over your ear) and place it in the hot water for 20 to 60 seconds. This will soften the plastic, making it easier to adjust. Remember to keep the lenses out of the water!
Test the temperature
After soaking, carefully remove the temple end from the water and touch the end with your finger to make sure it's not too hot before proceeding to the next step.
Adjust the temple end
Now, it's time to adjust! Hold the glasses face-up with the lenses facing you. Use one hand to support the frames by wrapping it around the centre. Place your thumb on top of the heated temple end and your pointer finger below it. Gently push the temple end up to loosen it or down to tighten it. Make slight adjustments, as you can always adjust again later if needed.
Repeat with the other temple end
Once you're done with one side, repeat the process with the other temple end, ensuring both sides look and feel even.
Cool and test the fit
Place the glasses on a flat surface to let them cool. Then, try them on to test the fit and ensure they're comfortable and secure. If needed, you can repeat the above steps until you're happy with the adjustment.
And there you have it! You've successfully adjusted your plastic frames by soaking the temple ends in hot water. Remember, if you're unsure or dealing with extreme tightness, it's best to consult a professional optician for assistance.
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Adjust the angle of the bend
Adjusting the angle of the bend on your plastic frames is a delicate process, but it can be done at home. Before you start, check yourself out in the mirror to see which side is higher when you wear your glasses. This will help you identify which side needs to be adjusted.
Next, you'll want to soften the plastic by heating it. You can do this by running the temple under warm water for 20 to 60 seconds, or by using a hairdryer. This makes the plastic more flexible and reduces the chance of breakage. Be careful not to overheat the plastic, especially if you're using a hairdryer, as this could damage the frames.
Now, it's time to adjust the angle of the bend. Hold the glasses face-up, with the lenses facing you. Place your 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 can also adjust the temple up or down in relation to your index finger. Remember, all adjustments should be slight, and you should avoid using too much force.
If you need to widen the fit, apply gentle upward and outward pressure on the ends of the temples. Be careful not to over-bend the arms, as you don't want to snap them. Keep testing the fit as you go to find the perfect level of comfort. If you need a snugger fit, try bending the earpiece closer to a 90-degree angle after heating the arms.
Finally, test the fit of your glasses by trying them on and checking in the mirror. Make sure they're comfortable and aligned properly. If they're still not quite right, you can repeat the bending process, making small adjustments gradually.
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Push the ends of the arms outwards
To widen the temples on plastic frames, you can try the following method:
First, submerge the temple ends of your glasses in warm water for 30-60 seconds. This will help to soften the plastic and make it more pliable for adjustments. Hold the frame with both hands, placing your thumbs on the underside of the temple, right where the curve begins. You can also place the glasses face-up with the lenses facing you, and use your left hand to support the frames by placing your four fingers under the temple, with your index finger resting at the natural temple bend.
Next, use your right hand to slowly and gently push the ends of the arms outwards. You can also push the temple end up instead of down to achieve a looser fit. Ensure that you only make slight adjustments and avoid using excessive force, as plastic frames can be brittle and prone to snapping.
After making adjustments, cool the frames and test the fit. If needed, repeat the process until you achieve the desired width.
It is important to note that some frame materials, such as memory plastic, may resist adjustments. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a professional optician for assistance.
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Bend the temple arms at the hinge
To widen the temples on plastic frames, you can try bending the temple arms at the hinge. This method can be used to adjust the tightness of your glasses. It is important to remember that adjusting eyeglass frames is usually done by an eye care provider, but you can attempt to adapt the fit of your glasses at home.
Firstly, you need to make the plastic pliable by heating it. You can do this by immersing the temple ends of your glasses in warm water for 30-60 seconds. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to heat the frames, but do not use a hairdryer to warm the lenses as this could damage them.
Once the plastic is heated, you can begin to bend the temple arms. Stand in front of a mirror wearing your glasses and look down to check the alignment of your frames. If there is a noticeable misalignment, grasp the frame front with your non-dominant hand. Use your dominant hand to grasp the temple arm near the hinge. If the left lens is closer to your face, gently pull the left temple arm in or push the right temple arm out. If the right lens is closer to your face, gently pull the right temple arm in or push the left temple arm out.
Be careful not to apply excessive force when bending the temple arms, as your glasses can stand only a little bending. All adjustments should be slight. When one side is complete, repeat the process on the other temple end.
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Take to an optician for adjustments
While there are methods to adjust glasses at home, it is always safer to have an optician adjust them for you. This is especially true if your glasses are really crooked or poorly fitted, or if they are made of certain materials that resist adjustment, such as aluminium alloy, titanium, memory titanium, or memory plastic.
Opticians are familiar with the techniques and have a "feel" for bending frame materials. They also have special tools, such as pliers, that are designed specifically for adjusting glasses. If you are uncertain of your glasses' frame material, you can check the Frame SKU.
If you are experiencing discomfort, such as a pinching sensation on your nose, or if your glasses are sliding down your nose, it is recommended that you see an optician. Prolonged pressure on your nose from ill-fitting glasses can lead to headaches or migraines.
If your glasses have semi-rimless or rimless styles, they may be more fragile and prone to breaking when making adjustments, so it is best to leave these adjustments to a professional.
It is a good idea to visit a professional optician every three months for a "tune-up" to have your frames tightened and all screws checked for security.
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Frequently asked questions
To widen the temples on plastic frames, you must first heat the plastic by running the frames under hot water for 30-60 seconds. Then, apply gentle outward pressure on the end of the arms to get a more relaxed fit.
If your frames are still too tight, you may need to apply more heat and try adjusting again. Be careful not to use excessive force as plastic frames can be brittle. If this does not work, you may need to consult a professional optician.
Glasses that are too tight may cause discomfort and headaches. If your glasses are too tight, you may also find yourself frequently pushing them up your nose as they slip down.
