I know exactyly how you fix it. I also bought a sidewinder and had investigated a little before buying it. I knew sometimes people had this problem. But cobra sells pins just for the sidewinder and they will have the fiber optics already attached to the pin just install. The only thing is at sporting good stores and pro shops they want about $8 for one. It is worth it because I know a person who tried to melt them and the fiber optics turn out irregular compared to the other pins.