How to Disassemble Binoculars

binoculars image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com

Getting your birding or nature watching binoculars cleaned is an expensive proposition, but cracking your own pair of precision binoculars open and cleaning them yourselves can be a daunting process. Disassembling binoculars requires patience and meticulous work to avoid scratching the sensitive glass parts or warping the delicate metal rings, but it can be done at a work bench with a few standard tools.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Strap wrench
Spanner wrench
Jeweler's screwdriver
Screwdriver
Crescent wrench or pliers

Step 1

Twist off the protective rings that form a cap on the front end of the binoculars. There will be one above each objective lens, or forward-facing lens. If you cannot do this by hand, use a strap wrench. Do not use a crescent wrench or pliers, as this will badly scratch and possibly deform the rings.

Step 2

Remove the retaining rings inside the binocular's front optic with a spanner wrench.

Step 3

Insert a jeweler's screwdriver into the objective ring and rotate it. This is the notched ring inside the objective cell, and it controls the movement of the objective lens. If successful, this will move the objective cell and enable you to remove the objective ring and cell.

Step 4

Loosen and remove the objective bell housing from the outside of that optic. Use your hands or a strap wrench.

Step 5

Set all of the removed parts aside and repeat the process on the remaining optic.

Step 6

Unscrew the central objective end cap, or the cap covering the end of the central tube that the binoculars optics are mounted too.

Step 7

Remove the exposed fastener with a wrench or pliers.

Step 8

Insert a flat-headed screwdriver with a head wide enough to fit into the notches inside the hollow tube. Rotate that tube like a screw and extend the eyepieces out of the binoculars housing. Keep rotating until the eyepiece assembly comes free, and then pull that out.

Step 9

Unscrew the objective end caps, or the strips of metal holding down the objective lenses, that rest under where the eyepieces were.

Step 10

Pull out the prisms.

Tips & Warnings

Disassemble only one of the two optical sets at a time. That way you have a second, assembled optic to serve as a model if you become confused during re-assembly.

Avoid touching the glass parts of the binoculars with metal tools at all times.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...