140mm and metal are the two figures that define arm fit on the Ray-Ban RB1971 Square, and they're what this aftermarket pair is built to. Despite the plain 'Square' name, the 1971's hinge position is specific to this model rather than shared with every square-metal Ray-Ban, so matching the model number matters as much as matching the general shape.

Metal hinges lose tension gradually rather than all at once, so a temple can go from holding an angle firmly to barely holding it at all over a year or two of normal use, without ever being visibly bent or damaged. That gradual loosening is often mistaken for a frame simply getting old, when replacing the arm — or having the hinge screw tightened — restores a firm hold without needing to guess at how many turns of the screw will fix it.

Frequently asked questions

Are these official Ray-Ban replacement parts?

These are compatible aftermarket arms, independently produced to match the 1971's hinge and 140mm length. They aren't manufactured or supplied by Ray-Ban, just built to the same measurements so they attach correctly.

What if the arms arrive and the hinge doesn't line up with my frame?

Because each pair is listed against a specific model, in this case the 1971, mismatches are rare, but you're covered by a 14-day return window if the 140mm arms don't align with your hinge.

What material are the arms made from, and will the color match my frame?

The arms are molded in an acetate or metal finish that matches the Square style of the 1971 closely, though very slight shade variation is possible since they're independently produced as separate aftermarket parts rather than cut from the same batch as the frame.

Is it worth buying new arms instead of a whole new frame?

Replacing both arms on the 1971 costs from €26.95 with free worldwide shipping, far less than a new frame, and it's backed by a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects on the 140mm hardware itself.