So I think Im going to do that going forward and may be worth a try if you run into the same issue. It helps to cover the non-adhesive side of bottom protector with clear tape to line it up more easily. It bends them and will eventually lead to cable failure so unfortunately for the larger headphones this wont work unless you collapse them. Ive had about three pairs of these - very comfortable (one of two shoe styles that feel great with my plantar fasciitis), but the treads wear off after a few months. They flake a little bit of glitter but it doesnt come off unevenly and leave patches, I think it actually looks better when it’s not as thick as brand new anyway. I feel like some of the frustration people are having is due to misunderstanding the tech, which is a shame. [Update 2]:The replacement piece also broke from the hinge after 6 months of usage 🤦‍♂️ Second, how are we supposed to screw in the screws when we cant see what were screwing into?Third, the instructions say to "push firmly. Slide the detached bracket from right to left on the back of the main holder, carefully be sure to push it all the way till you hear a click. Im so glad I purchased these, since I love the sound and low latency of the earbuds they are covering.