Since 1952, Ray-Ban's Wayfarer sunglasses have graced the faces of American icons from Gen. Douglas MacArthur to Audrey Hepburn and Madonna. In 2007, the company released a new line of Wayfarers in bright colour combinations, but still constructed simply and sturdily. The hard plastic frames do not bend out of shape, but occasionally the glasses will loosen at the hinges from everyday use. Their simple construction makes Wayfarers easy to repair, should yours loosen.

  • Since 1952, Ray-Ban's Wayfarer sunglasses have graced the faces of American icons from Gen. Douglas MacArthur to Audrey Hepburn and Madonna.
  • The hard plastic frames do not bend out of shape, but occasionally the glasses will loosen at the hinges from everyday use.

Hold your glasses as if you were going to put them on. On both sides, where the bows meet the lens holders, you will see silver hardware that connects the bows to the glasses. Look at the top inside corner on each side for a small screw that holds the joint together. You may want to use a magnifying glass to help you see the screw.

Tighten the hinge screws using the small screwdriver from your glasses repair kit. If your Wayfarers are missing screws, use a screw from your repair kit. Tighten only until you feel slight resistance when you turn the screwdriver. Do this on both sides, then try on the sunglasses. If the are still loose, repeat the process until the fit feels right.

  • Tighten the hinge screws using the small screwdriver from your glasses repair kit.
  • If your Wayfarers are missing screws, use a screw from your repair kit.

Repair or tighten your spring hinge with your repair kit's screwdriver and a paper clip. Some of the newer Wayfarers have spring hinges. If the screw of your hinge is loose, simply tighten with your screwdriver while using the paper clip to maintain tension on the spring so it remains taught as you tighten the screw. If the screw has fallen out, use the paper clip to align the spring's centre with the screw hole and to maintain tension on the spring as you tighten the screw.

Replace your spring hinge when the spring is bent out of shape. Your repair kit may include replacement springs, or you may have to order spring hinges separately. Check with your local optician or look online for eyeglass spare parts. Place the new spring in the hinge and follow step 3 to replace the hinge screw.

TIP

Wayfarers come in several different sizes. Buy the correct size for the width and length of your face. Keep your repair kit handy as screws have a tendency to loosen with wear. Store your sunglasses in a snug case to avoid too much jostling, which can loosen screws.

WARNING

Don't overtighten your sunglasses. Doing so could cause breakage or stripping of the small screws. Don't attempt to bend your Wayfarer frames. The hard plastic will break before it bends. Buying the correct size will eliminate the need for reshaping the frames.