What Are Bayonet Temple Tips?

Bayonet temple tips are the straight, low-profile temple ends commonly found on American Optical sunglasses, especially military-style and aviator frames. Unlike curved temples, bayonet temples slide easily under headgear, helmets, or earmuffs—making comfort and proper grip essential.

Over time, these plastic tips can:

• Crack or split
• Become slippery
• Harden and cause pressure points
• Fall off entirely

Replacing them brings your sunglasses back to life.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following:

• Replacement bayonet plastic temple tips (compatible with American Optical frames)
• A mug or bowl of hot (not boiling) water
• Towel or cloth
• Optional: needle-nose pliers (used carefully)

? Avoid open flames or boiling water—excessive heat can damage the frame or weaken the metal temples.

Step 1: Remove the Old Temple Tips

1. Heat the old tips
   Place the temple ends into hot water for 30–60 seconds. This softens the plastic and loosens its grip on the metal.
2. Grip and pull
   Using a towel for traction, firmly twist and pull the temple tip straight off the metal bayonet arm.
3. Stubborn tips?
   If the tip won’t budge:
• Reheat for another 30 seconds
• Gently use pliers over a cloth to avoid scratching the metal
• Pull slowly—do not bend the temple

Once removed, dry the metal temples completely.

Step 2: Install the New Bayonet Temple Tips

1. Heat the new tips
   Submerge the replacement temple tips in hot water for 30–45 seconds until pliable.
2. Align the opening
   Make sure the internal channel of the tip lines up straight with the metal bayonet temple.
3. Push into place
   Firmly slide the new temple tip onto the metal arm until it is fully seated and snug.
4. Set the fit
   Hold the sunglasses in place for a few seconds as the plastic cools and tightens.

Step 3: Final Fit Check

• Confirm both temple tips are seated evenly
• Put the sunglasses on and check comfort behind the ears
• Make sure there’s no slipping or pressure

That’s it—your American Optical sunglasses should now feel secure and comfortable again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Using boiling water (can warp plastic)
• ❌ Pulling without heating first
• ❌ Bending the bayonet temples during removal
• ❌ Installing tips that are the wrong size or style

If the tips feel loose after cooling, reheat and push them on slightly farther.

When to Replace Bayonet Temple Tips

You should consider replacement if:

• The tips are cracked or missing
• Your sunglasses slide down your nose
• You feel pressure or discomfort behind your ears
• The plastic has hardened with age

Replacing temple tips is far cheaper than replacing the entire frame—and often makes old sunglasses feel brand new.

Installing replacement bayonet plastic temple tips on American Optical sunglasses is an easy, at-home repair that improves comfort, stability, and longevity. With the right replacement tips and a few minutes of your time, you can extend the life of your favorite sunglasses significantly.