Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.
A self-aligning eyeglass screw is a specialized replacement screw designed to make repairing glasses much easier. Unlike a standard tiny screw, this version features an extra-long, unthreaded point at the bottom. This long tip acts as a guide to help you line up the hinge barrels before you start tightening the screw.
read more about self aligning eyeglass screw ...Repairing eyeglasses can be frustrating, especially if the frame has spring hinges. When a screw falls out of a spring hinge, the internal spring pulls the holes out of alignment. Trying to push the holes back into place while balancing a microscopic standard screw is very difficult. The self-aligning screw was invented to solve this specific problem.
The defining feature of this screw is the "snap-off" or "break-off" tail. The bottom half of the screw is a long, smooth pilot shaft. You insert this shaft through the misaligned hinge holes to lever them straight. Once the hinge is aligned, you thread the screw in. Finally, you use pliers to snap off the long bottom part of the screw that is sticking out, leaving a flush finish.
Because the screw is longer, it is much easier to hold with your fingers or tweezers. You do not have to struggle to get the very first thread to catch immediately. The guide portion slides in first, stabilizing the whole assembly. This prevents the common frustration of dropping the screw on the floor multiple times during a repair.
While these screws are very helpful, they are not truly "universal." Eyeglasses use different thread thicknesses, commonly 1.2mm or 1.4mm. You still need to match the width of the screw to your specific frame. However, optical repair kits often contain an assortment of self-aligning screws in the most common industry sizes to cover most repairs.
Some premium self-aligning screws come with a special coating on the threads, often blue or red. This is a thread-locking compound, similar to Loctite. As you tighten the screw, the friction activates the coating, turning it into a glue that hardens. This prevents the screw from backing out due to the constant opening and closing of the temple arms, keeping your glasses tight for much longer.
You need a small optical screwdriver to tighten the screw. You also need a pair of pliers or a special snapping tool to break off the long tip once the screw is tight.
No. Once you snap off the long guide tip, it becomes a regular screw. If you take it out, you lose the self-aligning benefit for the next time.
If installed correctly, they look exactly like a normal screw. The break-off point is designed to snap cleanly so it is flush with the bottom of the hinge.
If you find it difficult to fix your glasses even with a self-aligning screw, or if the screw keeps spinning without tightening, you should visit an optician. The threads inside the hinge might be stripped. An optician has professional tools to re-thread the barrel or use a nut-and-bolt system to secure your frames safely.