Watch Us in Action Repairing Glasses in the Lab
Eyewear Repair Types
Soldering Metal Eyewear
Fusing Plastic Eye Frames
Rivet on Eyewear Frames
Broken Screws and Eyewear
Torch Soldering
There are several different torches that can be used. The most common for eyeglass repairs are The little torchï (aka. Jewelers torch) and the Butane soldering torch. The little torch is fueled by oxygen and propane or acetylene and requires gas hoses and regulators. This torch set up is preferred in high volume repair shop. The butane torch is a small compact easily transportable set up that requires frequent refills of butane gas. Out of the three gases acetylene burns the hottest and butane burns the least, but hot enough to solder most metals
This method also requires flux and solder and will solder most metals except for titanium, nickel and related alloys. This method radiates excessive heat, which will burn off finishes approximately one inch in diameter within the immediate area treated. If the frame has a metal plated finish (gold, silver, copper etc.) it may be polished and re-plated leaving a close to seamless finish. However, if the finish is a colored finish, acrylic paint is usually used to try and match the color. Please note that this finish is not a permanent coating and will eventually begin to chip off with time, exposing the metals true color (usually silver or copper)
Some of the first repairs served a functional purpose and were very noticeable. Through the years technology has developed many methods and techniques of soldering and welding to repair eyeglasses and sunglasses. Below are other methods and technology available that offer everything from functional solders on basic metal frames to virtually unnoticeable meticulous welds on practically any metal frame including titanium.