Straightening titanium glasses requires care due to the material's strength and flexibility. While minor adjustments are possible at home, significant bends often necessitate professional repair.
Home Adjustment for Minor Bends:
For slight bends in the arms (temples) or a slightly crooked frame, you can attempt a gentle adjustment yourself. However, always proceed with caution to avoid causing further damage.
- Warm Water: Submerging the temples in warm water for a minute can slightly increase their flexibility.
- Gentle Pressure: Apply gentle, even pressure to the bent area, slowly bending it back into place. Use your fingers or a soft cloth to avoid scratching the frame. The Warby Parker video (How to Adjust Your Glasses at Home | Warby Parker - YouTube) provides visual guidance, though it may not specifically cover titanium. Remember to check the video timestamp (2:10 to 4:03) for relevant content.
- Small Adjustments: Work in small increments to avoid snapping the frame.
When to See a Professional:
For significant bends, cracks, or if you're uncomfortable attempting repairs yourself, take your glasses to an optician or eyewear specialist. Several sources suggest professional repair for titanium frames:
- Professional Expertise: Opticians have specialized tools and expertise in working with titanium and other frame materials (Quora, Reddit r/paramotor, OptiBoard, AlphaOmega, World Optic, Simplespex). They can properly straighten the frame without causing damage.
- Specific Tools: Professional repair often involves specialized tools, such as a three-point plier, to carefully crimp the metal back into shape (OptiBoard).
- Warranty Considerations: Professional repair may be necessary to maintain your warranty (AlphaOmega, World Optic).
Repair Options:
- Laser Welding: For more serious damage, such as broken nose bridges, laser welding is a common repair method (fixmyglasses, World Optic).
Remember, attempting to forcefully straighten significantly bent titanium frames can lead to irreversible damage. Always err on the side of caution and seek professional help when needed.
