How to (finally) fix your broken glasses
Broken glasses are a bummer. Seriously, on the 1-10 Bummer Scale (patent pending), they rank between stubbing your toe and stubbing your toe because your glasses were broken and you couldn't see the table leg. Replacing broken glasses can get costly unless you have some awesome digital coupons. Fortunately, there's a lot you can do to fix broken glasses before you need to give up on them.
Get ready to try some DIY fixes
If you pay for glasses with your own money, DIY fixes are very attractive as a first choice. This can be done, but you need to get ready first. Here's what you might need to fix a pair of glasses on your own.
Inspect and assess
Step one is to inspect the damage and assess what it is you're up against. Some fixes are easy and fun to do, while others will take several hours and involve glue. Others just need a professional's attention. Know what you're getting into before you start, and you'll be a lot happier 2 hours from now.
Get your tools together
Fixing glasses might need special tools. Frames usually have very tiny parts, and the usual home improvement toolkit might not get there for you. Before you start, gather these tools:
- A tiny screwdriver
- A different tiny screwdriver that will almost certainly require a special trip to the hardware store
- Something to poke with
- Tweezers
- CA glue
- Nail polish remover for getting the glue off your fingers after you're done
Typical DIY-able glasses issues
Tools assembled, here are some problems that lend themselves to at-home fixing for your glasses.
- Lens(es) popped out: Popped-out lenses are probably the most common problem with glasses you can fix yourself. Gently press the lens back into the frame and make sure it's snug. This will leave fingerprints on the lens, so wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth.
- Bent frames: Some frames can just be bent back into shape after you sit on them. Others take some twisting to get back into shape. For plastic or celluloid frames, you can do this fast with a heat gun, but be careful about that, and keep checking the temperature to make sure they're not getting too hot.
- Broken hinge: This one is easy. You either have the tiny screw and can put it back in, or you don't. If it's the frame that's broken, you may have to glue it in place and let it set overnight.
- Loose nose pad: Loose nose pads can be pushed back into shape with a press of the thumb, fixed in place with CA glue, or replaced with some cheap-o aftermarket pads.
- Cracked down the middle: Tape. Wrap tape around the bridge of the nose. We know what this looks like, but it's your best quick fix until you can glue them.
When do you need help from a pro?
No matter how good you are at glasses-fixing, some problems call for a pro. Here's when you know it's time.
- The damage is complex or extensive: There's only so much you can do at your workbench. Extensive or overly complicated damage calls for expert help. This is especially true if a stress-bearing part of the frame has broken, like the round part around the lens.
- Specialty tools are required: If there's a tool you need, but that you don't have, that's it. Professionals have a specialty toolkit that's probably not worth building for yourself for a one-off fix.
- Your lenses are damaged: You almost certainly can't regrind lenses at home, and handling broken glass is not fun. In this case, you need new lenses, and those call for professional help.
Zen and the art of glasses repair
Fixing your own eyeglasses is totally within the scope of most people who are average-level handy. Ironically, you might need glasses to see what you're doing, but otherwise, there are few issues you need to see a professional for. Speaking of eye care professionals, did you know you can get an eye exam online? It's true, it's easy, and it's even fun! (Not really, but whatever.)
FAQs
Can I use super glue to fix my broken glasses?
Superglue is a trade name for cyanoacrylate adhesive (CA) glue. You can totally use it, but remember, it will get stuck to your fingers.
Can I replace a missing screw in my glasses on my own?
If you have a screw that fits, you can replace the missing one, but the hinge could be looser or tighter than it was if you don't have the perfect size. Be careful here because using too big of a screw risks cracking the frame, while a too-small one will just jump out again.
What are the risks of attempting to fix prescription lenses at home?
Prescription glasses are engineered for your specific vision issue. Altering them in any serious way can alter the prescription, which changes how you see and can make some conditions worse over time. Definitely call a pro for this one because prescriptions are not the sort of thing you can whip up at home.