Replacing a sight pin

[not on the rug]

I have to replace a sight pin on a bow sight. What is the best method to melt the end of the fiber optic to get the perfect little ball that will fit in the hole perfectly and still be clear? Somehow I've managed to never have to do this before

[BowhunterNJ]

I don't think you want to burn it. Might take away the light transmittance. I'd prob cut to fit and maybe try to glue it in place if pressure alone won't hold it.

[not on the rug]

I don't think you want to burn it. Might take away the light transmittance. I'd prob cut to fit and maybe try to glue it in place if pressure alone won't hold it.

That's what I was thinking, but it appears that the fiber optics are melted slightly at the ends. They're definitely a bit of a "ball" on the end.

 

I definitely don't want to touch heat directly to it, but I was thinking about moving a heat source close enough to it so that it just mushrooms

Edited January 4, 2016 by not on the rug

[BowhunterNJ]

Hmmm maybe using a hot knife might be best to avoid burning and clouding. You need a clean heat source for sure

[not on the rug]

Hmmm maybe using a hot knife might be best to avoid burning and clouding. You need a clean heat source for sure

That's what I was thinking. A hot knife or spoon or soldering iron

[beaverman]

Just melt the end slightly with a lighter.  It will flare out away from the center and does not affect light transmission.

[Matty]

Indirect heat. If you can hold it over a stove, that will work.

 

I usually use a lighter (you might be able to use a heat gun/hair dryer too). If you use an open flame don't get the flame anywhere near the fiber or it will burn. Work towards it and it will heat up and melt into a ball. If you get too close they can melt "foggy"...(best I can describe it)....

 

Some fiber seems easier to ruin than others. My suggestion is to have more material than you need and practice a few times. If you overheat it, some fiber tends to get brittle and break. When it cools it becomes rigid and fragile if it was way overheated.

 

You'll see...the fiber balls up really easily with just a little heat. Obviously make sure it's inserted into the pin before melting both ends.

Edited January 4, 2016 by Matty

[mattg1500]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kgGJ2SjsEY

 

 

hope this helps