How to Repair Prism Binoculars

Binoculars are simple devices cased in what appears to be complicated shells. A set of binoculars is nothing more than two linked and calibrated telescopes that operate using prisms. Due to the precision used by skilled technicians to calibrate the lenses, it is not recommended you work on the lenses themselves. Several repairs to the binoculars do not need any lens adjustments, and are doable at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Small optical screwdrivers
  • Clear epoxy
  • Fine brush
  • Small needle nose pliers
  • Dust free lens cloth
  • Lens cleaner
  • Can of compressed air
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the entire pair of binoculars and look for any tears or small rips in the rubber. Places to look include the eye pieces or on the ends of the optic chambers. These areas have soft rubber, and rips or tears develop over time and use. Pinch the tears together and add a line of clear epoxy to them and let them dry together, repairing the tears.

    • 2

      Unscrew the center focus dial if your style of binoculars has one. Brush off the dial and the connecting rod with a fine brush. Exposure to dust, dirt and grit lets the dial get clogged up and gummed causing difficulty in focusing. Cleaning the dial and rod corrects this problem. Replace the dial when done with the cleaning.

    • 3

      Inspect the strap holders and check that they are still enclosed under the binocular rubber or hard shell. If there are rips in the straps, replace with a new strap or stitch the old together at a sewing machine. If damage to the strap holder is present, use pliers to bend the holder back into position, then re-thread the strap through it.

    • 4

      Soak the end of a dust free cloth in lens cleaner and wipe down all lens surfaces. Go in a circular motion, gently rubbing way any smudges or smears that impede views.

    • 5

      Blow off remaining dust with compressed air. Take the time to blow off the entire pair of binoculars, getting into the tight spots, to free any remaining grit or dust.