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Nose pads come in many shapes, sizes, and flavors. At Sunglass Fix we simplify this into three major categories.
Screw-In nose pads have a notch on them that goes into a metal stem that has a screw that goes through nose pad stem and the nose pad to hold it secure.
Push-In nose pads have a notch on the nose pad that is tapered. Once pushed through the nose pad stem loop it snaps in and remains secure.
These are perhaps the most diverse range of nose pads. They are a rubber moulded compound attached directly to the frame in various different ways.
Screw-In nose pads are installed by unscrewing the small screw (usually 1mm) in the nose stem just enough to release the old nose pad. Please don't completely remove the screw as they are hard to find if you drop them.
Then, insert the new nose pad in the same direction as the original, pushing the nose pad tab through the stem receiver. Line up the hole in the nose pad receiver the best you can, then re-tighten the screw.
Push-In nose pads are installed by first removing the original nose pad. Most of the time this can be done by pulling on the nose pad while firmly holding the nose pad stem. It's important to get a firm grip on the stem as stems will bend or break off if too much pressure is applied to them. You can also use a toothpick or optical screwdriver to push the nose pad tab through the receiver.
Once removed, insert the new nose pad into the receiver. Push firmly on the nose pad face while holding the back of the stem receiver. If it doesn't go all the way in, then get a set of pliers and cover the plier teeth with a cloth. Very gently squeeze the nose pad into the stem putting as little strain on the stem as possible.
Rubber Moulded nose pads are very similar to Push-in nose pads. There are many flavors of rubber moulded nose pads but most have a receiver on the frame that the rubber clips in to. You can firmly pull off the existing nose pad and push on the new nose pad on the same receivers. The biggest issues we find with rubber moulded nose pads is that there are so many designs on the market that are frame specific it's difficult to get replacements.
There are typically two choices:
First is to contact the manufacturer of the sunglasses directly and provide your model number and see if they have replacement nose pads. If it's a current model you might be able source nose pads from them.
Alternatively, Sunglass Fix has sourced a new product on the market called Sugru. We have been using it for about 4 years and it is a great alternative if you can't find an exact replacement from the manufacturer.
Sugru is similar to Play Dough. It is easily moulded into shape before it sets. You can mould it to your frames and put on your sunglasses to get a perfect fit to your nose. Once you are happy with the nose pads you let it sit for 24hrs and it secures itself to the frame and becomes a firm, long lasting, non-smearing rubber nose pad.
Sunglass Fix carries an extensive range of nose pads and other repair accessories which can be found here.
Alternatively, many optometrists carry nose pads. Or your original sunglass manufacture may be able to help.