The time required to fix a broken glasses arm, also known as the temple, depends entirely on the nature of the break and the chosen repair method. A simple adjustment can take mere minutes, while a complex structural repair or professional service can range from an hour to several days. Estimating the repair time requires understanding the distinction between a minor functional issue and a full material break. Quick solutions often involve minor mechanical adjustments performed at home, but more severe damage necessitates waiting for materials to set or for professional service turnaround.
Instant DIY Solutions
Fixing a loose glasses arm is one of the quickest repairs, often taking less than five minutes, provided the correct tools are readily available. This common problem occurs when the screw holding the arm to the frame’s hinge loosens from constant use. Tightening the screw back into the barrel hinge requires a micro-screwdriver, typically found in eyeglass repair kits. The active repair time is minimal, but success depends on the screw being present and the hinge metal not being stripped.
Minor realignments for bent metal frames are another fast fix, often completed in under a minute. If a metal arm is crooked, applying gentle, steady pressure near the bend can slowly return it to its original shape. For plastic frames, minor adjustments require warming the plastic with warm running water or a hairdryer for 30 to 60 seconds to increase malleability before bending. These quick solutions restore function but do not address material breaks.
Time Required for Structural Repairs
Structural repairs, where the frame material has snapped (such as a plastic arm broken in half), require time for materials to cure, even if active application is short. Using cyanoacrylate adhesive, commonly known as super glue, involves pressing the pieces together for 30 to 60 seconds. However, manufacturers recommend a curing time of one to two hours before wearing the glasses again to achieve sufficient strength for daily use.
For a more durable fix, a two-part epoxy is often used, which substantially increases the waiting period. While mixing and applying the epoxy may only take five to fifteen minutes, the total time commitment is much longer because the adhesive needs a full chemical reaction to reach maximum strength. Many two-part epoxies require a full 24 hours to completely cure and harden. Putting any strain on the repair before this time risks immediate failure. Specialized UV-curing adhesives offer a much faster structural repair, bonding in as little as five seconds when exposed to ultraviolet light.
Professional Repair Turnaround
When a glasses arm cannot be fixed at home, the waiting period for a professional repair varies based on the service provider and the damage complexity. Simple fixes, such as replacing a missing hinge screw, adjusting a bent metal frame, or replacing a nose pad, can often be completed by an optician in under 30 minutes. These quick turnarounds are possible because the required tools and parts are readily available on-site, sometimes allowing for same-day service.
More complex repairs, such as laser welding a broken metal frame or replacing an entire arm, require more time and may involve an external lab. Some specialized mail-in repair services offer a repair and return time of 24 to 48 hours once they receive the glasses. However, if the optician needs to order a brand-specific replacement arm or send the frame out for intricate work, the total turnaround time can extend to several business days or even a week. This longer period factors in shipping and lab processing time.