What should you know first?
A missing glasses screw may need a correctly sized replacement, but repeated loosening can point to a damaged thread or hinge. Keep loose pieces and photograph the joint. Do not force an oversized screw into place: the right repair depends on the fastener and the part it holds together.
Hinge: the joint where the arm folds.
Temple: the arm extending toward the ear.
Bridge: the connection between the lenses.
Nose-pad support: the mount for a separate pad, where fitted.
Is it a hinge screw or a rim screw?
A hinge screw connects the temple to the front and allows it to fold. A rim screw closes certain metal frame rims around a lens. If the rim screw is missing, a lens may become loose even though the temple still works. A nose pad may have its own smaller screw. Identifying the location helps the repair team distinguish a simple fastener issue from a problem with the surrounding assembly.
Why does the same screw keep coming loose?
Possible causes include an unsuitable screw, worn threads, a distorted hinge or movement elsewhere in the frame. Tightening harder does not diagnose which cause is present. Stop if the screwdriver slips, the screw turns without gripping or the joint binds. A hinge assessment is more useful than repeatedly replacing a screw that will not stay secure.
What you can check without dismantling the frame
- Place the glasses on a clear, well-lit surface and find the loose or separated joint.
- Keep the original screw if you have it; a small sealed bag prevents it from being lost in the box.
- Check whether the matching hinge on the other side looks different.
- If a lens is loose, protect the whole pair rather than pushing the lens back into a distorted rim.
What to include in the repair form
Take one photo of the complete frame, one close-up of the screw location and one of the opposite intact side. Mention whether the screw is missing, snapped, stuck or repeatedly loosening. Include any previous attempted fixes. Use the frame repair form; after acceptance, follow the free prepaid inbound-label instructions. The team will assess the joint and invoice for the recommended work.
When a screw is not the whole problem
If the hinge barrel has broken away or the temple has cracked near the joint, a replacement fastener alone will not restore the structure. The temple guide explains arm damage. Our cost guide explains why a small visible missing part does not always mean a small repair.
Common questions
Are eyeglass screws universal?
No. The correct fastener depends on the particular hinge, rim or nose-pad fitting. A screw that looks close can still be unsuitable.
Should I keep the old screw?
Yes, if you have it. Put it in a sealed small bag and include it with the request number when sending your frame.
Can a missing screw let a lens fall out?
In some metal frames, a rim screw holds the eyewire closed. A missing rim screw can leave the lens unsecured; protect the frame and avoid forcing it back into shape.
About this guide
Published by EyeglassesRepair.com to explain its VintageOptika-connected services. This is general eyewear-service information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for individual frame assessment, prescription or fitting advice. Availability and suitable work depend on your specific pair. For request-specific answers, contact VintageOptika.