What Is the Temple Arm & Why It Matters in Lacoste LA12626
Temple Arm for Lacoste LA12626: In eyeglass / sunglass frames, the temple arm (also called temple, arm piece, or earpiece) is the long side piece that extends from the hinge to curve behind the ear. Its primary job is to secure the glasses on your face and provide comfort and stability during use.
For a designer frame like Lacoste LA12626, the temple arm plays roles beyond function:
- It carries the branding, such as the Lacoste crocodile logo on the side.
- It helps balance weight distribution, so the glasses don’t slide down your nose.
- It influences aesthetic proportions (how the side profile looks).
- It must be sized properly to match your face size — too short and it’s painful; too long and it flexes or slides.
Because these frames are premium, using the correct temple arms — in terms of length, material, and fit — is crucial to preserve comfort, performance, and appearance.
Temple Arm Specifications for Lacoste LA12626
When searching information on Lacoste LA12626, here are some known or typical specifications relevant to its temple arms (from product listings and eyewear retailers):
- The frame is listed as Lacoste LA 12626 BE in one retailer.
- The temple (arm) length is grouped with other dimensional specs: e.g. “lens width — bridge width — temple length.”
- For similar designer sunglasses, temple piece lengths are commonly in the 120 mm to 150 mm range.
- On an eBay listing for this frame, the specification is “61-17-120”: that final number “120” refers to the temple length in millimeters.
Thus, for Lacoste LA12626, a temple length of about 120 mm is typical for the correct fit. Replacements or adjustments must match that dimension (or be very close) for optimal comfort.
Materials & Construction of Temple Arms for LA12626
The material and engineering of the temple arm affect durability, flexibility, and comfort. For Lacoste LA12626, here are relevant insights and best practices:
- Many designer frames use acetate (a type of plastic) or a combination of acetate and metal for temple arms — giving a balance of flexibility, strength, and aesthetics.
- Because the frame LA12626 is sold as a sunglasses frame, the temple arms may incorporate metal cores inside acetate to allow better adjustment and rigidity.
- The hinge area (where the temple arm attaches to the frame front) is critical — quality hinges (spring hinges, reinforced screws) reduce stress on the arms.
- The exterior finish, logo inlays, and surface treatment matter — any replacement arm should match the texture, color, and branding style, or the frame would look mismatched.
Using generic arms or wrong materials can lead to breakage, poor fit, or aesthetic mismatches.
When & Why You Might Need to Replace or Adjust the Temple Arm
Over time, temple arms can suffer wear or damage. Here are common reasons for replacement or adjustment, specifically for a frame like Lacoste LA12626:
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Breakage
- The arm might crack (especially near hinge or bend area).
- A snapped arm renders the glasses unusable until replaced.
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Loosened or Stripped Screws
- The hinge screw may loosen, leading to wobble or misalignment.
- Replacing the arm (with intact hinge or better hardware) is often easier.
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Wear & Bending
- Repeated folding/unfolding or heat exposure can cause warping.
- The shape might not sit properly behind ears anymore.
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Comfort Issues
- If the length or bend doesn’t match your head shape, you may feel pressure behind the ears.
- Slight adjustments or a new arm with proper curvature solves discomfort.
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Mismatch / Cosmetic Damage
- Scratches, discoloration, or branding damage may prompt cosmetic replacement.
- For a designer frame, mismatches degrade the premium look.
If you notice persistent looseness, misalignment, or discomfort, it’s a sign the temple arm should be inspected or replaced.
How to Replace & Fit a Temple Arm for Lacoste LA12626
Replacing or fitting a temple arm requires care. Here’s a step-by-step guide (for a frame like LA12626):
Tools you’ll need:
- Precision screwdriver (usually Phillips #00 or #000)
- Tweezers or small pliers
- Soft cloth or pad to lay frame safely
- (Optional) Magnifier lamp or good lighting
Replacement / fitting steps:
Secure the frame
Lay the frame on a soft pad with the hinge side accessible.
Ensure you don’t scratch lenses or fronts.
Remove the hinge screw
Unscrew the tiny screw connecting the temple arm to the frame front.
Keep the screw safe (don’t lose it!).
Remove the old or damaged arm
Gently lift off the temple arm — it should pivot off once the screw is removed.
If stuck, wiggle slightly while lifting — avoid twisting harshly.
Align the replacement arm
Place the new arm pin (the hinge pin) into the hinge slot on the frame front.
Align the screw holes correctly.
Insert and tighten the screw
Place the screw back in, tighten with the precision screwdriver.
Don’t overtighten — just enough so the arm moves smoothly without wobble.
Check movement and alignment
Open and close the arm slowly to ensure smooth swivel.
Put the glasses on and adjust the bend slightly behind the ears if needed (very minor pressure).
Professional vs DIY
If you feel unsure (due to hinge complexity or risk of damage), it’s safer to let an optician / eyewear technician perform the replacement.
For premium frames (like Lacoste), professional replacement helps preserve warranty, finish, and alignment.
Tips for Selecting & Caring for Temple Arms
To ensure your replacement or maintenance keeps your Lacoste LA12626 in top form, follow these practical tips:
- Always match temple length (e.g. 120 mm) as close as possible.
- Use genuine parts (from Lacoste or authorized dealers) to maintain structural integrity, branding, and finish.
- When adjusting bends, do so gently and incrementally — too much force in one move can crack acetate.
- Avoid exposing glasses to high heat (e.g. inside a hot car) which can warp temple arms.
- Clean regularly, especially near hinges, to avoid grit or debris causing wear.
- Tighten hinge screws periodically — they loosen over time with use.
- Keep a spare screw kit — hinge screws are tiny and easily lost.
Conclusion
The temple arm is a crucial, though sometimes overlooked, component of Lacoste LA12626 frames. With an accurate temple length (notably around 120 mm in many listings) and the right material / hinge quality, the side arms ensure comfort, stability, and the signature design aesthetic.
If your temple arm is damaged, worn, or misaligned, replacing it — with a compatible, high-quality arm — can restore the performance and prestige of your frame. Whether you choose to DIY or go to an optician, understanding the specs and careful handling are key.
