How to Fix a Broken Glasses Arm?

If your glasses arm has broken or come loose, don’t worry—you don’t need to rush to the optician right away. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can fix your glasses at home in just a few minutes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods for repairing a broken or detached glasses arm, including how to use an eyeglass repair kit for a hassle-free fix.

Table of Contents

Common Causes of a Broken Glasses Arm

Before diving into the repair, it’s helpful to understand why glasses arms break or become loose in the first place. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Wear and Tear – Daily use puts stress on the hinge, causing screws to loosen over time.
Accidental Drops – If your glasses fall, the impact may bend or break the hinge.
Improper Handling – Removing glasses with one hand or placing them on surfaces carelessly can weaken the arms.
Corrosion and Rust – Moisture, sweat, and exposure to chemicals can lead to rusting, making the hinge more fragile.

Now that you know what might have caused the issue, let’s look at how to fix it.

Method 1: Using an Eyeglass Repair Kit (Best for Loose or Missing Screws)

One of the simplest ways to repair a broken or detached glasses arm is by using an eyeglass repair kit like the Snapitscrew Standard Eyeglass Repair Kit. These kits come with a set of replacement screws and a screwdriver, making it easy to secure the hinge back in place.

Step 1: Choose the Right Screw

Open your repair kit and take out the double-ended screwdriver and the 5 SnapIt screws.
Each screw has a different colored tip to indicate size:
- XS = Silver
- S = White
- M = Blue
- L = Red
- XL = Black
Start with the XS screw (Silver tip) and move to a larger size if needed.

Step 2: Align the Hinge

Position the glasses arm and frame hinge so that the holes align perfectly.
If your glasses have a spring-loaded hinge, the holes may be slightly offset—hold the arm steady to keep them aligned.

Step 3: Insert the Screw

Drop the screw into the hinge hole.
For a regular hinge, the screw will fall straight in.
For a spring hinge, tilt the feeder tip slightly towards the arm and push it down.

Step 4: Secure the Screw

Use the screwdriver provided to tighten the screw into place.
If the screw goes in too easily, it might be too small—try the next size up for a snug fit.

Step 5: Snap Off the Feeder Tip

Once the screw is secure, snap off the extra feeder tip with your fingers.
Your glasses should now be as good as new!

Method 2: Using Super Glue (For a Completely Broken Arm)

If the glasses arm has snapped off completely, and there’s no way to screw it back in, super glue can be a temporary fix.

What You’ll Need:

Super glue (designed for plastic or metal, depending on your frames)
A toothpick or fine brush for precision
A clamp or rubber bands to hold the arm in place

Step-by-Step Guide:

Clean the Broken Area – Use a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and oil.
Apply the Glue – Using a toothpick or fine brush, carefully apply a small amount of super glue to the broken edges.
Align the Arm – Press the glasses arm into place, making sure it’s aligned correctly.
Hold or Clamp – Use a rubber band or a small clamp to hold the arm in place for at least 10-15 minutes (or as directed on the glue bottle).
Let It Dry Completely – Avoid using the glasses for at least 24 hours to ensure a strong bond.

Note: Super glue is a temporary solution—it may not hold well over time, and using too much glue can make future repairs difficult.

Method 3: Replacing the Hinge (For a Severely Damaged Hinge)

If your glasses hinge is bent or broken, replacing it might be the best long-term solution. Some repair kits come with hinge replacements, or you can ask an optician to install a new one.

Steps for Hinge Replacement:

Remove the Old Hinge – Use small pliers to detach the broken hinge.
Install the New Hinge – Position it carefully where the old hinge was.
Secure It With a Screw – Use the appropriate SnapIt screw to attach the new hinge.
Tighten and Test – Make sure the arm moves freely but stays firmly in place.

How to Prevent Glasses Arms from Breaking Again

To extend the life of your glasses and avoid future breakages:
Use Both Hands – Always remove your glasses with both hands to prevent strain on one hinge.
Store Them in a Case – Protect your glasses from drops and damage by keeping them in a sturdy case when not in use.
Tighten Loose Screws Regularly – Check your hinges every few weeks and tighten any loose screws.
Avoid Excessive Heat and Moisture – Heat can warp plastic frames, while moisture can cause metal hinges to rust.

Conclusion: Fix Your Glasses in Minutes!

A broken glasses arm doesn’t mean you need a new pair. With a SnapIt Eyeglass Repair Kit, you can secure a loose or missing screw in seconds, ensuring your glasses stay functional. For more serious breaks, super glue or hinge replacement can provide temporary or long-term solutions.