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Tools for Adjusting Eyewear
Do not be tempted to buy any kind of “tool-kit,” since it will certainly contain tools you will never need.
There are hundreds of specialty tools available, and many are very good for their intended purposes.
Others are just plain silly.
Wait, learn, and decide what tools you need as you go.
Be sure to order a hard copy and go through page-by-page optical supply catalogs like SIOS Santinelli International Optical Supply, Hilco and 800-OptiSource that will give you a better idea of what is available.
For the adjustments I have outlined below, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the six following tools: your hands, an optical screwdriver with various size blades, soft-hard optical pliers, temple angling pliers, fine point needle-nose round-round, long nose pad arm adjusting pliers and a prescription alignment gauge.
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers like these provide you with good control and great feel. Most optical shops will have a dozen or more screwdrivers of different styles and with different blades available for use. You should have a few with a medium flat blade, a few with a small flat blade and a few with phillips head.
Soft – Round Pliers
A soft – round plier is used to adjust the open temple angle and repair alignments. On one side it has a smooth tapered round piece and on the other a soft non-marring plastic block. Failing to use the proper plier will result in damaged frames. You will use this tool a lot!
Wide Jaw Temple Angling Pliers
Wide jaw pliers are used to adjust temple tilt (see below) and repair alignments. The wide jaw pliers provide the grip and strength necessary to get the job done right. They have a hole cut out to clear the head of hinge screws to avoid damage.
The Rx Aligner
The Rx Aligner is actually a critical tool. You will use it for much more than checking “seg” heights. It gives you a great reference for checking almost all your frame alignments. For the beginner it will help you “see” what your adjustments are doing to the frame.
Nose Pad Adjusting Pliers
Nose pad adjusting pliers are another tool you will use on a daily basis. They can also aid in popping in stubborn push-on style pads. I highly recommend a long-nose/thin nose style over the larger style.
For nose pad adjustments I also like this plier from Vigor. The fine rounded points allow excellent access to the guard arm and allow for fine adjustments in multiple planes.
Don’t forget about a place to store your tools so you will always know where they are!
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