Spring Hinge Eyeglasses

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Hinge design can affect the fit of eyeglasses. Hinges connect the front of frames to the temples or arms. Spring hinge glasses provide a flexible fit that hugs the sides of a wearer’s head and can open wider than 90 degrees when necessary. Spring hinges may be more durable than standard hinges. Frames with flexible hinges can be a good choice for safety or sport eyewear.

Spring Hinge Designs

Spring hinge eyeglasses are helpful for providing a close fit. These hinges may still feature barrels and screws, but also have springs that connect directly to the hinges. Hinges with springs may be more difficult to repair than standard hinges. Most eyeglasses repair kits do not include springs, and specialized components or tools may be necessary to fix or replace spring hinges.

Standard barrel hinges are the most common type of eyeglasses hinges. Spring hinges are the second most common hinge style. Newer hingeless glasses are designed to fit the wearer’s face and do not have barrels, screws, springs or other hinge components. Some sports glasses made of very strong material are hingeless. Plastic frames or designs with thicker rims may benefit from having spring frames to provide flexibility during wear.

Durable and Flexible Hinges

Spring hinges can be exposed to more mechanical forces than standard hinges and remain intact. Whereas standard hinges provide a looser fit that may result in glasses that fall off or hinges that snap if opened too far, spring hinge glasses are form-fitting and flexible. While these hinges are not indestructible, springs enable frames to be bent, stretched, twisted or withstand impact better than frames with standard hinges.

If spring hinges break or become damaged, a professional repair will probably be necessary. The right spring tension is essential for a comfortable fit and to allow for a suitable amount of flexibility for athletic or safety wear. Depending on the type of frames and hinges, repairs may need to be done by optical specialists.

Spring Hinge Eyeglasses FAQs

What is a spring hinge on glasses?

Spring hinges feature small springs connected to hinges that enable the temples or arms on glasses to provide a closer fit and extend outward beyond 90 degrees if necessary. These hinges may have barrels and screws, but the addition of springs allows for more flexibility and durability than standard hinges.

Are spring hinge glasses better?

Spring eyeglasses may be better suited for sports or safety eyewear. Flexible hinges increase the resilience of glasses to mechanical forces such as bending, impact, stretching or twisting. Hinges that allow the temples or arms of frames to hug the face can provide a more secure fit than standard hinges.

Can hinges on glasses be repaired?

Spring hinges typically require professional repair by an optician or manufacturer. Standard eyeglasses repair kits include components such as screws for reconnecting barrel hinges, but do not include springs. The comparative ease or difficulty of repairing spring glasses depends on the type of damage, brand of eyewear and hinge design.

How do I change the hinges on my glasses?

For the most reliable fit, it is best to wear frames with the type of hinges intended for the design. If hinges require replacement, an optician or manufacturer may be able to provide this service. Standard hinges are often easier to change or replace than spring hinges or hingeless designs.

What are flexi hinges on glasses?

Flexi or flexible hinges are spring hinges. Each hinge features a spring to allow frame arms or temples to gently squeeze the sides of a wearer’s head for a secure fit or flex outward further than 90 degrees. A barrel-based design may be used to connect frame fronts to temples.

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