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Before you reach for the Super Glue, read this! Our expert technician explains the dangers of DIY glue repairs and offers three safe, temporary hacks to keep your glasses functional.

What to Know Before Attempting to DIY Eyeglass Repairs at Home

We’ve all been there. It’s 8:00 PM on a Sunday, or you’re halfway through a road trip, and snap—your glasses are in two pieces. In that moment of panic, your first instinct is probably to reach for the junk drawer and pull out the Super Glue.

Please, put the glue down. At All American Eyeglass Repair, our technician Brian has seen it all. While we understand the urgency of needing to see, some DIY “fixes” can turn a simple repair into a total loss. Here is the expert guide on what you should—and absolutely should not—do when your frames fail.

The “Absolute No” of Eyeglass Repair: The Glue Trap

It’s the most common mistake we see, and it’s often the most expensive one. Using household adhesives like Super Glue or Krazy Glue on your frames is a recipe for disaster.

 

 

Why Glue is the Enemy:

1. It Doesn’t Actually Hold

Eyeglass hinges and bridges are high-tension areas. Glue is brittle; the moment you try to put your glasses on, the tension will cause the glue to snap again.

2. The “Fogging” Effect

Super Glue releases chemical vapors as it cures. If those vapors touch your lenses, they can create a permanent, cloudy “fog” that ruins your expensive anti-reflective coatings.

3. It Prevents Professional Repair

Once glue gets into a metal hinge or onto acetate, it’s incredibly difficult for a professional to remove. In many cases, a frame that could have been laser welded in minutes becomes unrepairable because the glue has contaminated the material.

The “Safe” DIY Hacks: Temporary Fixes That Work

If a screw falls out and your temple (the arm) comes off, you don’t need glue—you just need a temporary “pin” to hold things together until you can get to us.

• The Toothpick Trick

If the hinge holes are still aligned, slide a wooden toothpick through the hole where the screw used to be. Snap off the excess wood so it’s flush with the frame. The friction of the wood is usually enough to hold the arm in place for a few hours.

• The Bread Tie Bypass

Strip the plastic or paper off a standard kitchen bread tie to reveal the thin wire inside. Thread that wire through the hinge and twist it tight. It’s not pretty, but it’s secure and—most importantly—it won’t damage your frames.

• The Paperclip Pin

A small paperclip can be threaded through the hinge and bent at the ends. This acts as a sturdy temporary hinge pin that is easy for a professional to remove later without leaving a trace.

When to Call in the Experts

Emergency hacks are meant to get you through a few hours, not a few weeks. If your frames have snapped at the bridge or the hinge is completely sheared off, it’s time for a permanent solution.

How All American Eyeglass Repair Saves the Day:

• Precision Laser Welding – We can fuse metal frames back together with a bond that is virtually invisible and stronger than the original.
• Authentic Parts – We carry an massive inventory of screws, hinges, and temples for brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Gucci.
• Same-Day Service – You can walk into any of our 17 locations or use our convenient Mail-In Service to get your glasses fixed and back on your face fast.

Conclusion

A break in your glasses is an emergency, but it doesn’t have to be a catastrophe. Skip the glue, use a temporary “pin,” and let a professional handle the rest. Your vision (and your wallet) will thank you.

Did your glasses just break? Don’t panic! Visit our store or mail in your glasses today for a professional restoration.