Can You Replace Dart Tips?
Key Takeaways
- Both soft and steel tip darts can be replaced
- A steel tip dart requires a re-pointing tool to replace the tip
- A soft tip can be unscrewed and replaced
- Keeping your dart tips sharp can prevent bounce outs and reduce wear on your dartboard
- Vinegar and alum powder can be used to dissolve a broken dart tip in the barrel
Can You Replace Dart Tips?
If you have found your way to this article, there is obviously a reason why you want the answer to the question “can you replace dart tips?”.
Maybe there isn’t a reason, and you’re just inquisitive, however I’m willing to guess it’s likely one of these reasons why you’re here:
- You have a bent dart tip
- The dart tip is blunt
- The tips are worn out
Let me get straight to the point.
Yes, you can replace the tips on both soft and steel tip darts. Steel tips need a re-pointing tool, while soft tips are usually screwed and unscrewed.
When Does a Dart Need To Be Replaced?
The more a dart is used, the more wear and tear the tip will experience.
Most notably, this shows up as a blunt or ‘dull’ point on the end of the dart. One of the big problems of dull tips, are bounce outs, which you may be experiencing more of.
This is worth pointing out because you may not need to replace a dull tip, it may just need to be sharpened.
A dart tip may need to be replaced if:
- You have sharpened it a few times, and it’s still blunt or has burs
- The tip has burs that cannot be removed when sharpening
- The tip is no longer as long as it used to be
- If the tip is bent or broken
If the tip is broken, it will need to be removed before being replaced using either vinegar, a re-pointing tool or Alum Powder, which I will get to further down.
Benefits of Replacing Dart Tips
- The benefit of replacing worn-out dart tips, blunt or damaged, are more likely to result in less bounce outs than sharpened ones.
- However, it’s not the only benefit, as it will also help with the longevity of your dartboard, especially if you play on a tradition bristle board.
When a properly pointed steel tip enters a sisal board, it nestles between the fibers.
As the darts are removed, the fibers close back in and self-heal.
Tips that are blunt, bang against the fibers, instead of separating them, which prevents them from responding the way they should.
Eventually, just through usual wear and tear, the fibers on a dartboard will begin to lack the natural ability to bounce back, this just expediates it necessarily.
How to Remove a Broken Dart Point?
From time to time, dart points break and when it happens, there is not much you can do but replace it.
The broken tip will have to be removed first, which is fairly easy to do.
If the broken point is still long enough to grip, you can use a repointing tool.
If it’s not long enough, it will need to be dissolved.
Two of the best ways to dissolve a broken tip uses either:
- Neat Vinegar
- Alum Powder
Using Vinegar to Dissolve Broken Point
Vinegar has been proven to be an extremely effective cleaning agents, but it also serves as a great option for dissolving broken points without causing any damage.
The only problem is, it can take up to 6 weeks to dissolve in the solution. If you are looking for a quicker option to dissolve your tip, I would skip this option and use alum powder.
Here’s how you can use vinegar to dissolve a broken point:
- Grab a small bowl with an airtight lid.
- Pour neat vinegar into the container, enough that it will submerge the dart tip completely.
- Place the dart tip in the container.
- Check the tip after 3 weeks.
- Replace the vinegar with fresh vinegar and reseal the lid.
- Check back in 2–3 weeks, which should have dissolved to dart point.
Using Alum Powder to Dissolve Broken Point
While vinegar can take weeks to dissolve a broken point, Alum powder dissolves dart points in a matter of hours.
To use alum powder to dissolve a broken point of a dart, follow these three simple steps:
- Grab a Pyrex bowl and fill with 4 cup of boiling water
- Mix 6 tablespoons of the alum powder to 1 cup of water
- Drop the dart into the solution.
- Leave boiling for 4–6 hours
- Add boiling water as necessary to ensure the dart remains submerged
- Rinse it off thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean towel
How to Replace Steel Tip Darts Using a Re-Pointing Tool?
A repointing tool is a clamp like device that is one of the easiest ways that a steel tip can be replaced.
To replace a broken tip with the tool, it will need to be long enough to be gripped. Using a re-pointing tool is relatively straight forward.
To replace steel tip darts using a re-pointing tool:
- Pop the barrel of the dart into the thread and screw in place
- Place the tip into the tip end and tighten using the Allen wrench
- Torque the point down into the barrel and tighten using the larger Allen Key
To remove old broken points, reversing the steps should separate the barrel from the point.
How Do You a Fix Bent Dart Tip?
Steel tips hard to bend, not impossible, however, it’s a much more common problem when using soft tips.
Luckily, you can fix soft tips back straight using your hands.
You will need to use your re-pointing tool to straighten a bent steel tip. You can also use a re-pointing tool on soft tips as well if you are having difficulty straightening by hand.
Dart points are relatively inexpensive, so unless you are on a very tight budget, you might be better off replacing them. The damage they suffer from bending due to force weakens the point, and soft tips especially will likely bend again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Dart Tips Can Be Replaced?
Both steel tip darts and soft tip darts have replaceable tips. Steel tip darts can be unscrewed and replaced, while soft tip darts often come with replaceable plastic tips.
Why Would You Need to Replace Dart Tips?
Dart tips can become dull, bent, or broken with regular use. Replacing the tip ensures optimal performance and reduces the chances of bounce-outs.
How Often Should Dart Tips Be Replaced?
The frequency of replacement depends on usage. Competitive players might replace or sharpen their tips more often, while casual players might do so less frequently.
Are All Dart Tips Universally Compatible?
No. It’s essential to ensure that the replacement tip is compatible with your dart’s brand and model. While many tips might fit, using the correct size and thread ensures the best performance.
How Do You Replace a Steel Tip Dart’s Tip?
Using a dart tool or wrench, unscrew the old tip and screw in the new one. Ensure it’s tightly secured but avoid over-tightening, which can damage the threads.
How Do You Replace a Soft Tip Dart’s Tip?
Soft tip darts typically have screw-in tips. Simply unscrew the old tip and screw in the new one. Some darts might have push-in tips, which can be pulled out and replaced.
Where Can You Buy Replacement Dart Tips?
Replacement tips can be purchased at sporting goods stores, specialized dart shops, or online retailers.
Is It Expensive to Replace Dart Tips?
Dart tips are generally affordable. However, the cost can vary based on the brand, quality, and type of tip.
Do Professional Players Replace Their Dart Tips Often?
Many professional players maintain their darts meticulously. They might replace or sharpen their tips regularly to ensure consistent performance.
References
https://www.shotdarts.com/blog/trouble-shooting-broken-points
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-repoint-your-darts-ghayyur-ul-amin-acca-finalist-
