Spring hinge--busted!

[drk]

We've all seen these. You know, the metal in the box breaks off, and the temple comes off with only a nubbin left.

What are any temporary fixes?

I've even tried pushing in that smelly putty that turns into metal (didn't work).

I usually use fabric tape for the ultimate nerd effect.

[Fluegge Optical]

if a metal you can weld it, if not you could drill the nub and pin it, just don't let the customer be a "one hander" any more. Easy for us cause we're a lab. You may be S O L...

[CME4SPECS]

I solder them quite often. Sometimes using a staking press you can "pinch" the box enough, that it will grab the nubbin, and hold very temporarily. Shrink tubing with a little metal for support can be used also.

[ak47]

Its a bird...its a plane...its SUPER GLUE !!

[Tallboy]

JB Weld. Careful filing down of any part of the hinge that would stop it from opening or closing since there will no longer be a spring action to the hinge, just as you would do if you were soldering it.

[lensmanmd]

Why bother? If it’s under warranty, replace it. If it’s not, sell a new frame. Why spend the time on non-revenue building projects?

[Tallboy]

Why bother? If it’s under warranty, replace it. If it’s not, sell a new frame. Why spend the time on non-revenue building projects?

Very good point. I usually only do this in an emergency, and usually to make do until a new pair is fabricated.

[TEdFitz]

Try this:

https://www.amconlabs.com/product/5871/605/Screw-and-Rivet-Tool-by-Amcon/

Place the inside portion of the spring hinge (reassembled to frame) on the lower part of the press 2-3mm in to catch the nubbin. Carefully bring your upper punch down to make a shallow divet, on or around nubbin, making sure not to pierce the metal. You may need to make a couple of divets on both sides of the spring hinge barrel; just flip the frame. It's awkward at first, so run some trials on some samples.

There you go...a cheap, temporary fix that takes 10 seconds. Gets the patient back on the road (stress:temporary) and gives you time to order a suitable replacement.

Nubbin...

[Robert Martellaro]

Why bother? If it’s under warranty, replace it. If it’s not, sell a new frame. Why spend the time on non-revenue building projects?

That's what I do.

RM

[Quince]

Shrink tube! My fave temporary fix for this situation if I don't have a spare junk temple.

Spending time on a simple repair, that won't cost you anything, can turn a person in need into a customer for life.

[gaspoweredrobot]

Why bother? If it’s under warranty, replace it. If it’s not, sell a new frame. Why spend the time on non-revenue building projects?

Current ustomer retention is revenue-building.
New customer acquisition is revenue-building.
Charging for services outside of the warranty and/or other guarantee windows is revenue-building.
Charging for work for outside clients is revenue-building.

And that's before we even start talking about the patients!

[ajonesgirl]

I'll do a quick repair with Superglue. I find a fresh tube will hold indefinitely, though I tell the customer to count on a week or two at most. Then, I bend the temple in pretty dramatically, so it will still sit straight on their face. Then, I sell them a new pair.

[AngeHamm]

Current ustomer retention is revenue-building.
New customer acquisition is revenue-building.
Charging for services outside of the warranty and/or other guarantee windows is revenue-building.
Charging for work for outside clients is revenue-building.

And that's before we even start talking about the patients!

+1

[jefe]

+1

+2

[Tallboy]

yes shrink tube is the best if possible as a short term fix.