The history of sunglasses dates back to the ancient Inuits who used bone ‘lenses’ with thin slits to protect their eyes from the sun’s glare on the white snow. Since then, history has seen countless iterations and reinventions of protective eyewear, leading to the incredible sunglasses options we have today. Nonetheless, modern sunglasses still need to be tightened every now and then.
To tighten a pair of sunglasses, you may need to adjust the screws or gently bend the frame to better fit your face. Heat plastic sunglasses in hot water or use a hair dryer to make the frames more malleable. The height and width of the nose pads can also be adjusted with a screwdriver.
Several adjustments can help improve the fit of your sunglasses. Mostly, these involve carefully bending the frame or adjusting the fit using the tightness of the screws. Let’s look closer at your options for tightening your sunglasses at home.
How to Tighten Sunglasses
When it comes to tightening a pair of sunglasses, there are a few options to consider:
Tighten the Screws
Sunglasses are usually held together by screws that can become loose over time. To tighten the screws, you will need a small screwdriver. A glasses repair kit (on Amazon) should come with the size you need.
Look for the screws that hold the temples (the arms that rest on your ears) to the frame of the sunglasses.
Using the screwdriver, tighten the screws by turning them clockwise. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws; doing so could strip the screw or damage the frame.
Apply Heat
In some cases, the frame of your sunglasses may have become warped or deformed over time. To restore the shape, you can apply heat to the frame.
That will make the plastic more malleable and easier to manipulate. Place your sunglasses in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes, or use a hair dryer to heat the frame.
Once the frame is warm, gently bend it back into shape using your fingers. Be careful not to burn yourself or damage the lenses. Keep in mind that this method won’t work on all plastics.
Use Adhesive
If your sunglasses are still loose after tightening the screws and applying heat, you may need to use adhesive to secure the temples to the frame.
You can use a few different types of adhesive, such as super glue or epoxy. Follow the instructions on the adhesive carefully, and apply it sparingly to avoid damaging the frame or lenses.
How to Adjust Sunglasses Arms
Sometimes your sunglasses’ arms can become loose or uncomfortable, making it difficult to wear them properly. Fortunately, adjusting the arms of your sunglasses is a simple task that you can do at home with a few basic tools.
1. Identify the Problem
Before you begin adjusting the arms of your sunglasses, it’s important to identify the exact problem. For example, are the arms too loose or too tight? Do they sit too high or too low on your ears?
Understanding the issue will help you make the necessary adjustments to improve the fit.
2. Adjust the Temples
The temples or arms of your sunglasses can be adjusted in several ways to improve their fit. To adjust the length of the temples, look for small screws on the hinges of your sunglasses.
Using a small screwdriver, tighten or loosen the screws to adjust the length of the temples. If your sunglasses don’t have screws, you may be able to gently bend the temples to adjust their length.
3. Adjust the Angle of the Temples
The angle of the temples can also affect the fit of your sunglasses. To adjust the angle, look for the hinges where the temples meet the frame.
You can gently bend the temples up or down to adjust the angle. However, be careful not to apply too much pressure or you risk damaging the frame or hinges.
How to Adjust Sunglasses Nose Pads
Fortunately, adjusting the nose pads of your sunglasses is a simple task that you can do at home with a few basic tools.
How to Locate the Nose Pads
The nose pads are the small, padded pieces that sit on the bridge of your nose. They are typically made of silicone or rubber and can be adjusted to improve the fit of your sunglasses.
Adjusting the Width of the Nose Pads
To adjust the width of the nose pads, use a small screwdriver to gently loosen the screws that hold the nose pads in place.
Once the screws are loose, you can move the nose pads closer together or further apart to adjust the width. Tighten the screws once you’ve adjusted the width to the desired position.
Adjusting the Height of the Nose Pads
To adjust the height of the nose pads, use a small screwdriver to gently loosen the screws that hold the nose pads in place.
Once the screws are loose, you can move the nose pads up or down to adjust the height. Tighten the screws once you’ve adjusted the height to the desired position.
Use Adhesive Pads
If your sunglasses don’t have adjustable nose pads, you can use adhesive pads — like these ones from GMS Optical (on Amazon) — to improve the fit.
Adhesive pads are small foam pieces that can be attached to the underside of the nose pads to provide additional cushioning and improve the fit.
Simply peel off the adhesive backing and attach the pads to the nose pads.
How to Adjust Crooked Sunglasses
- Identify the Problem: Check the position of the lenses and the arms of the sunglasses to identify the problem. Determine which part of the sunglasses is causing the crookedness.
- Bend the Arms: Hold the sunglasses by the frame and gently bend the arms until they’re even. Be careful not to bend them too much. Doing so can damage the frame or the hinges.
- Adjust the Nose Pads: If the nose pads are causing the crookedness, adjust them by gently bending them up or down until the sunglasses sit straight on your face.
- Tighten the Screws: If the arms are loose, tighten the screws on the hinges of the sunglasses using a small screwdriver. That will help to keep the arms in place and prevent them from becoming crooked again.
Tips for Adjusting Metal Sunglasses Frames
The key to successfully adjusting metal sunglasses frames is to use the right tools. You will need a small screwdriver, pliers, and a soft cloth to protect the lenses and frame from scratches (if you don’t want to go through the hassle of adjusting them yourself, click here).
The arms of the sunglasses should be adjusted to fit the width of your head. Use a pair of pliers to gently bend the arms in or out, depending on your needs. Be careful not to bend the arms too much, as this can damage the frame or the hinges.
Loose screws can cause the frame to become misaligned, so tightening them is important. Use a small screwdriver to tighten the screws on the hinges and other parts of the frame.
It’s important to take it slow when adjusting metal sunglasses frames and make small adjustments at a time. That will help you avoid damaging the frame or the hinges and ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Tips for Adjusting Acetate Sunglasses Frames
Acetate sunglasses frames are a popular choice for their lightweight and stylish design. However, due to their material, adjusting acetate frames can be more challenging than adjusting metal frames.
Unlike metal frames, acetate frames shouldn’t be bent while cold. Instead, heat them to make the material more pliable and easier to adjust.
Again, you can do this by placing the sunglasses in hot water for a few minutes or using a hair dryer in a low heat setting. Use a soft cloth to cover the lenses and protect them from scratches while adjusting the frame.
Start by adjusting the nose pads to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Then, use a small screwdriver to gently adjust the nose pads’ width and height to fit your nose’s bridge.
Use gentle pressure to adjust the arms of the sunglasses to fit the width of your head. However, be careful not to apply too much pressure, as acetate frames can crack.
Adjusting acetate frames requires patience and precision. Make small adjustments and check the fit frequently to avoid damaging the frame or the hinges.
If you feel resistance while adjusting the acetate frames, stop and reheat the frame before trying again. Do not force the frame into a position, as this can cause it to break.
What Causes Sunglasses to Slip Down Your Nose?
Even if you’ve tightened you sunglasses properly, you may still notice that your glasses keep slipping down your nose. Here are few possible reasons why:
- Sweating: When you sweat, the moisture can cause the sunglasses to slip down your nose. Unfortunately, that is a common problem during hot and humid weather.
- Incorrect Fit: If your sunglasses are too loose or tight, they are more likely to slip down your nose. This is particularly true if the nose pads are not adjusted properly.
- Oily Skin: If you have oily skin, the oil can make the nose pads of your sunglasses slippery, causing them to slide down your nose.
- Physical Activity: When you engage in physical activity, your body produces more sweat, and your face tends to move more, which can cause your sunglasses to slip down your nose.
- Poor-Quality Frame: If the frame of your sunglasses is made of poor-quality materials, it may not be able to grip your nose properly, and it can slip down easily.
- Poorly Positioned Temples: The temples, or arms, of your sunglasses may not be positioned correctly, causing the weight of the frame to shift forward and making the sunglasses slip down.
- Improper Cleaning: Certain cleaning agents can leave a residue on your sunglasses, making them slippery and more prone to slipping down your nose.