Spring Hinges vs Standard Hinges: Are They Worth It?
Frame Construction
Spring Hinges vs Standard Hinges: Are They Worth It?
The hinge is the smallest working part of a pair of sunglasses and the one that takes the most stress. Spring hinges are often sold as a premium feature. Here is what they actually do and whether you need them.
In this article
- What is the difference between spring and standard hinges?
- What are the benefits of spring hinges?
- What are the downsides of spring hinges?
- Who should choose spring hinges?
- How can you tell which hinge a pair has?
- How do you make any hinge last longer?
- Rawbare frames to compare
- Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between spring and standard hinges?
A standard hinge opens to a fixed stop and goes no further. A spring hinge, also called a flex hinge, contains a small spring that lets the temple bend outward past that stop and then pull back into place.
| Feature | Standard hinge | Spring hinge |
|---|---|---|
| Opens past 90 degrees | No | Yes, then snaps back |
| Grip on the head | Set by frame shape | Light inward pressure |
| Handles knocks | Can bend or loosen | Absorbs some force |
| Parts | Fewer | More, including a spring |
| Repair | Simple screw tightening | Harder; spring can lose tension |
| Cost | Lower | Usually higher |
See where the hinge sits among the other parts in the anatomy of sunglasses.
What are the benefits of spring hinges?
They absorb accidental force, fit a wider range of head sizes, grip more securely and reduce how often the frame needs adjusting.
- Knock protection: if the pair is pulled off roughly or sat on, the temple flexes instead of bending the frame.
- Wider heads: the temples open further, so a slightly narrow frame can still fit. See sunglasses for a wide face.
- Secure grip: light inward pressure helps during sport and movement.
- One-handed use: easier to put on and take off with one hand, for example while riding or driving.
What are the downsides of spring hinges?
They cost more, have more parts that can fail, can lose tension over time and are harder to repair than standard hinges.
A good standard hinge with multiple barrels and a properly tightened screw is very durable. Its weak point is a loosening screw, which takes seconds to fix. A failed spring usually needs a replacement part or a new frame. Spring hinges can also make the temple slightly thicker near the hinge.
Who should choose spring hinges?
People who are hard on their sunglasses, people with wider heads, athletes and parents buying for children benefit most. People who handle their pair carefully do fine with standard hinges.
| You | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Often take pairs off one-handed | Spring |
| Have a wider head than most frames | Spring |
| Play sport or ride daily | Spring or wrap frame |
| Buying for a child | Spring if available |
| Use a case and handle pairs gently | Standard is fine |
For children, also read sunglasses for kids.
How can you tell which hinge a pair has?
Open the temple fully, then press it gently outward. If it bends further and springs back, it has a spring hinge. If it stops firmly, it has a standard hinge.
How do you make any hinge last longer?
Open and close with both hands, store the pair in a case and tighten loose screws early.
- Use two hands to take sunglasses off, pulling both temples evenly.
- Do not push sunglasses up onto your head; it stretches the hinges.
- Keep them in a case, not loose in a bag. See how to care for sunglasses.
- Tighten a wobbling hinge screw with an eyeglass screwdriver before it falls out.
Rawbare frames to compare
Ask Rawbare customer care about the hinge type of any frame before ordering. All in stock with UV400 lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Q1 What are spring hinges on sunglasses?
Q2 Are spring hinges worth it?
Q3 Do spring hinges break more easily?
Q4 Can spring hinges be repaired?
Q5 How do I know if my sunglasses have spring hinges?
Q6 Do spring hinges help sunglasses fit a wide head?
Key takeaways
