Often, a glasses arm hinge that feels "too wide" or loose can be fixed by simply tightening the small screw that connects the temple (arm) to the frame.
Understanding a "Too Wide" Hinge
When you say a glasses arm hinge is "too wide," it often means the hinge has become loose. This looseness allows the arm to swing outwards further than it should, making the glasses feel unstable or improperly fitted. The good news is that this is a common issue and is usually fixable by tightening the hinge screw.
How to Fix a Loose Glasses Hinge (Tightening the Screw)
The primary method to address a loose hinge that causes the arm to swing too wide is to tighten the hinge screw. This process requires a small, specialized screwdriver.
Required Tools
To tighten your glasses hinge screw, you will need:
- A small, jeweler's or eyewear screwdriver kit
- Adequate lighting
- Optional: A magnifying glass (as recommended in the reference)
Step-by-Step Guide to Tightening the Hinge Screw
Follow these steps carefully to tighten the hinge screw and secure the glasses arm:
- Prepare the Glasses: Open the glasses fully so the arms are extended.
- Locate the Screw: Find the small screw located at the hinge where the temple connects to the front of the frame.
- Align the Holes: Line up the holes in the rim and the temple. This is where the screw passes through.
- Ensure Visibility: Use plenty of light and a magnifying glass if necessary. Having clear visibility of the tiny screw and hole is crucial.
- Insert the Screwdriver: Select the correctly sized screwdriver from your kit and insert its tip into the screw head.
- Tighten the Screw: Insert the screw and turn it clockwise to tighten it.
- Stop When Snug: Tighten the screw only to the point where it stops turning easily. Do not tighten it too much. Forcing it can strip the screw head or damage the frame/hinge.
Important Note on Tightening
As the reference states, it's vital not to overtighten the screw. Overtightening can damage the screw itself, strip the threads in the hinge, or crack the frame material around the hinge. Tighten just enough so that the arm swings smoothly but no longer feels excessively loose or swings out too far easily.
If the screw is missing, you will need a replacement screw of the correct size. If tightening the screw doesn't fix the issue, or if the hinge itself appears bent or broken, it might indicate damage beyond a simple loose screw, and professional repair may be needed.
