Buying eyewear is like buying a car. It’s something you use every day, and you want to keep it in the best shape possible. And if there’s an issue, it’s always good to have some simple tools on hand, like screwdrivers, pliers, and a jack. Replace pliers with tweezers and jacks with nose pads, and you’ve got your glasses repair kit!
If you’ve been thinking about getting a glasses repair kit, buckle up! Let’s learn where to buy the tools you need and how to use one of these kits!
Why Buy Your Own Kit?
A simple glasses repair kit is always good to have on hand. Your eyeglasses are an investment in your eye health. You’ll always need them, and you want to be able to repair them quickly if they break.
A glasses repair kit is your go-to in case your trusty glasses give in to wear and tear. It’s your first aid kit. Trust me, buy one today, and you’ll thank yourself later!
Where to Buy Glasses Repair Kits
Now, this part is as straightforward as it can get. That’s because you can find these kits practically everywhere. Here are some sure places and online spaces to start your search:
Online Retailers
You can count on platforms like Amazon to carry glasses repair kits. Check out the Amazon Best Seller: Best Eyeglass Repair Kits to find your best options.
The array of choices here is fascinating. They offer simple sets that contain a tiny screwdriver and tiny screws, boxes with tiny screws of all shapes and sizes, and so many mini tools!
Of course, unless you intend to open up a glasses repair shop, you won’t really need a big box of eyewear tools and screws. For simple at-home repairs, you’ll just need the basics.
Major Retailers
Large general merchandise stores, like Walmart, carry eyeglass repair kits. This is true for both their online store and brick-and-mortar locations. You’ll likely find these in their eyewear accessories or health and beauty sections.
Hardware Stores
Some hardware stores also carry glasses repair kits. For instance, some Ace Hardware locations offer the Home Plus Eyeglass Repair Kit as store merchandise.
Of course, it pays to check out their online store first before heading to your nearest branch. See if they have it in stock at a nearby store, and if not, you could order your kit online.
Specialty Eyewear Stores
Some eyewear stores, like Sunnies Studios, carry their own branded repair kits. For Sunnies, you can find it under Merch.
Pro Tip
Can’t find a glasses repair kit that you like? You can also put together your own. Here’s what you need:
Precision screwdriver set
Screw set
Nose pads
Professional tweezers
You can find these items in online stores, like Amazon, or at a nearby hardware store.
How to Use a Glasses Repair Kit
Using a glasses repair kit is generally intuitive. You just need to know how to use a screwdriver and screws. Remember: lefty loosey, righty tighty.
- First, pinpoint the issue. Check if a hinge screw is loose or if a nose pad has fallen off. It could also be that the frame is slightly bent. This happens if you accidentally sit or lie down on your glasses. To check, place your eyeglasses on a steady table. If the eyewear sits unevenly, then you have bent frames.
- Next, get the right tools together. This will most likely involve a screwdriver and some screws. Your tweezers are lifesavers, especially when you need to handle those tiny screws.
- For loose screws, just tighten them by turning clockwise. Avoid over-tightening. This can damage the frame and the screw.
- For missing nose pads, retrieve and replace them in their slots. Tighten the screws to keep them in place.
- Loose hinges? Tighten them with your precision screwdriver.
- For bent frames, you can try to unscrew the arms from the hinges and then replace them evenly. This is a pretty complex undertaking, though. Assess if you can do it safely, without damaging your frames. Otherwise, you might be better off getting your eyewear fixed by a professional.
Other Common Issues
Here are some other common glasses issues you may run into:
- For an old, rusty, or deteriorated screw nut, look in your screw set for nuts that match. Replace the screw and nut pair with a new set.
- For a stripped hole, you can use dental floss or a piece of thin wire as a temporary fix. Thread the wire through the stripped hole, and tie a knot to secure it. However, you’ll most likely want to go to a professional for a more permanent fix.
- For scratched lenses, a popular home remedy is to gently wipe your lenses with baking soda paste (two teaspoons of baking soda + a few drops of water), wax-based filler, or toothpaste. After washing off these materials with lukewarm water, dry and buff your lenses using a clean microfiber cloth.
Note that this is only a temporary aesthetic fix. The scratches will still be there and can worsen if you don’t handle your lenses with care.
- Remember to always clean your lenses with a lens cleaner and lens cloth after handling them.
What Should You Keep In Mind
Super glue is not your friend. Yes, it can be a quick fix, but it’s super glue! You don’t want to permanently glue your hinges or even your nose pads. There is a good reason why screws are used for those; you should be able to remove and replace them when needed.
Some DIY tips tell you to use a wooden toothpick for eyeglass hinges if you’ve lost a screw or two. This is only a temporary solution. Get replacement screws or go to your eyewear shop to have your glasses fixed.
Finally, remember that doing DIY repairs on your glasses comes with risks. You might accidentally scratch your lenses or damage your frames. If you are unsure or if the situation is too complex to DIY, have a professional do the work for you.
TL;DR
- A glass repair kit can be a lifesaver for every eyewear user.
- You can buy them practically everywhere, including online stores like Amazon, major retailers, hardware stores, and specialty eyewear shops.
- If you can’t find one, you can put together your own kit using items you can find online or at your favorite hardware store.
- Most of the fixes that you’ll do for your glasses make use of precision screwdrivers and spare screws.
- Be careful with your repairs. If it’s too complex, be sure to get professional help.
