You can often make minor DIY adjustments to the temple ends of plastic glasses frames using hot water to make the material pliable.
DIY Temple Adjustment Using Heat
Adjusting glasses yourself, particularly the temple arms that curve behind your ears, can help improve comfort and fit. This method primarily works for plastic frames, as metal frames require different tools and techniques. The key is using gentle heat to make the plastic flexible enough to bend without breaking.
What You'll Need
To perform this DIY adjustment, gather a few simple items:
- A bowl
- Hot water (hot from the tap is usually sufficient, not boiling)
- A towel
- Your plastic glasses
Step-by-Step Adjustment Process
Follow these steps carefully to adjust the temple ends of your glasses:
- Soak the ends of the temples: Place your bowl of hot water on a towel. Carefully place one temple end piece (the part that goes over your ear) into the water. Ensure only the end you want to adjust is submerged, avoiding the lenses and frame front if possible. Soak it for about 30 seconds to make the plastic pliable.
- Adjust the temple ends: Remove the temple end from the hot water. While the plastic is still warm and flexible, gently bend the temple arm to achieve the desired curve or angle for a better fit behind your ear. Be slow and deliberate to avoid over-bending or breaking the frame.
- Cool and test your glasses: Once you have made the adjustment, let the plastic cool and set. You can briefly hold it under cool water or simply wait a minute or two. Then, try on your glasses to test the fit.
- Loosen the temple ends: If you find you've made the temple end too tight or the adjustment isn't quite right, you can repeat the soaking and adjustment process to make further tweaks or to loosen the curve slightly.
Important Considerations
This method is suitable for minor adjustments on most standard plastic frames. Always handle your glasses gently during the process. Avoid using excessive force, which can cause damage.
Adjustment Overview
Here's a quick look at the process:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soak in hot water | Make plastic pliable |
| 2 | Gently adjust temple end | Reshape for better fit |
| 3 | Cool and test | Set the shape and check fit |
| 4 | Repeat/Loosen (if needed) | Refine adjustment or correct fit |
Remember that significant adjustments or issues with metal frames are best handled by an optician.
