When eyeglasses break, it is a critical moment especially because it is not always possible to replace them quickly. Whether you have scratched a lens, lost a screw or broken the bridge, you can repair your glasses yourself while you wait for the optician to prepare the new pair you ordered.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Repair the Bridge with Glue and Paper
Step 1. Use glue and paper
For a makeshift but effective repair, you can re-assemble the frame by gluing the bridge (the part that rests on the nose).
- Clean up. Make sure the two pieces to be joined are clean. Remove any glue residue left over from previous attempts. If it's an extra strong quality, use acetone to remove the nail polish - it works, even if it's a little harsh on the surface of the frame.
- Prepare everything you need. Get extra strong glue (Locktite, Attak, etc.), pieces of glossy wrapping paper or made from thick enough pages of a magazine to fit the thickness of the frame, a sharp pair of scissors.
- Cut the paper in the shape of thin strips, approximately the same width as the bridge of the frame.
- Glue the paper to the glasses, one strip at a time. Use a shorter piece as a rod to join the two ends of the bridge, or wrap a longer strip like a bandage.
- Wait until each piece is dry before gluing the next one.
Method 2 of 5: Repair the Bridge by "Sewing It"
Step 1. Prepare everything you need
You need a needle, thread, drill, sandpaper, extra strong glue, stir stick, rubber bands, wax paper, cotton swab, denatured alcohol, nail polish remover, and utility knife.
Step 2. Clean and smooth the broken parts
Use sandpaper to remove any residue in the area to be bonded. Use denatured alcohol or nail polish remover to prepare the surface.
Step 3. Pin the two halves together
Cut a piece of the stir stick so that it takes up the space between the two arms. Protect the lenses from scratches with wax paper and wrap an elastic around the end of the stick to secure it to the frame. Do the same with the other end.
Line up the halves carefully and check that the rubber bands are holding them in place. If the broken parts don't fit together and you notice gaps, line them up as best you can, making sure there are points of contact
Step 4. Paste
Fill the fracture with glue. Use just enough to hold the bridge in place, but not too much to make it drip. Squeeze the tube slowly to avoid air bubbles. When you are done, make sure there are no gaps between the two halves. Dab a cotton swab to remove any excess glue. Remove them before they dry out and stick. Set the glasses aside for at least an hour to dry completely.
Step 5. Drill two holes
Choose a very thin tip, suitable for the thickness of the frame. With the utility knife, trace the reference points on both sides of the bonded bridge. Place the glasses on a soft cloth previously placed on the work table and, gently, drill the holes. They will need to be at the same height as you will need them to pass the thread.
Step 6. Wrap the yarn tightly
Use a thin needle and about 1.8m of thread in a color that matches the frame to "mend" the bridge and make it stronger. Pass the needle several times through the holes being careful not to pull it too hard to avoid compressing the parts you just glued. Stop when there is no more room to introduce the needle. Fix the thread with glue, soaking it well, and remove the residues with a cotton swab. Cut off the excess and let it dry for at least an hour.
Step 7. Add a bandage
If you want to further strengthen the repaired area, finish the job. Do not cut the excess thread. When the glue is dry, wrap it around the deck like a bandage. Try to flatten it as much as possible even if you will inevitably have to overlap it. However, do everything to make sure it doesn't turn out to be a lump. Leave a small tail to be trimmed later. Again, use glue to secure the bandage and let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Take the end of the thread that comes out on the other side of the glasses and wrap it around the bridge in the opposite direction to the first. Apply some more glue to secure it and wait a couple of minutes to cut the leftover thread. Wait 24 hours before using your glasses.
Method 3 of 5: Repair the Bridge with Heat and a Pin
Step 1. Boil the water
Fill a small saucepan with water and place it on the stove over high heat. For this method to work, the glasses must be plastic.
Step 2. Slightly melt the plastic
When the water boils, pull the broken ends of the frame together just enough to soften them.
Step 3. Insert a pin
Push a small pin into the bridge frame, then join the other half of the frame together. Since the plastic is still malleable, mold it over the pin.
Never put the plastic glasses in direct contact with the flame
Method 4 of 5: Replace a Screw
Step 1. Use an eyeglass repair kit
You can buy it at a hardware store. Contains everything you need: screws, small screwdrivers and sometimes even a magnifying glass. The new kits also come with very long screws which are easier to handle. Insert one into the zipper, screw it in and then snap the part that protrudes from underneath to fit the zipper.
If you have trouble aligning the temple with the front of the frame, there may be a mechanism in the temple hinge that triggers the temple. To fix this, use the end of a paperclip, insert it into the ring of the temple, and gently pull it out. To keep it in this position, insert another paperclip into the gap that has formed between the ring and the mechanism (in this way the ring will not be able to go back due to the effect of the spring). Line up the holes in the hinge, insert the screw and screw it in. When you're done, remove the paperclip and the ring will snap back into the zipper mechanism
Step 2. Try it with a toothpick
When you lose the screw that connects the front of the frame to the temple, you can use a toothpick to temporarily replace it. Line up the zipper and insert it as deeply as possible. Break off the excess.
Step 3. Replace it with a wire
Roll up a small piece of paper (like the one for bread bags). Line up the zipper and insert the tip of the twisted paper. Keep turning with a little pressure until it snaps firmly. Cut off the excess to avoid scratching yourself. You can also use a small safety pin (like the ones found on tags on newly bought clothes). Insert it into the hinge to hold the frame together.
Method 5 of 5: Remove Scratches from Lenses
Step 1. Use a product specially formulated for scratched lenses
Once applied, it will eliminate the anti-glare and anti-scratch layer of the shatterproof lenses, without damaging them. Use it only on this type of material, not on glass. Other products momentarily fill in surface scratches making them less visible, but leave a glossy sheen.
Avoid cleaning and polishing the lenses until their thickness changes. Any product or procedure that induces this type of change also changes the refraction and effectiveness of the lens
Step 2. Use a household cleaner
You can use an abrasive cleaner, baking soda, and toothpaste to polish the surface of the lenses. Wax-based products fill scratches with a thin layer and should be applied every 2 or 3 days. You can also try denatured alcohol or diluted ammonia. Once the treatment is finished, dry the glasses with a soft cloth, preferably the cloth provided by the optician.
Step 3. Prevent further scratches
The lenses are delicate and must be treated with care if you want to prevent them from scratching.
- Use the case. A hard, padded case will protect your glasses. Store them there instead of throwing them in your bag or putting them in your pocket.
- Wash your lenses. Wash them every day with soapy water and dry them with a soft cloth specially designed for this purpose.
- Avoid harsh products as they can damage the lenses. Do not clean them using make-up wipes, paper handkerchiefs, or even antibacterial soaps. Be careful when using lacquer, perfume or nail polish remover - they can remove the protective coating from your lenses.
Advice
- Avoid putting glue on your lenses and fingers.
- The quickest way to repair a broken bridge is to wrap some duct tape to join the two broken parts together. Choose one that matches the color of the frame or use a patterned tape.
- If white marks remain on your frame after using acetone, try applying an oily lotion.
