Learning how to repoint darts extends the life of your favorite set and lets you customize them for optimal performance; typically, this involves using a specialized tool to safely remove the old point and insert a new one, ensuring it’s firmly secured. This article will guide you through the entire process, from identifying when to repoint to choosing the right points and mastering the technique, so you can get back to throwing those perfect 180s.
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Why You Need to Know How to Repoint Darts
Darts points, also known as dart tips, take a beating. Hitting the board, bouncing off, and even the occasional unfortunate collision with the floor can all lead to damage. Knowing how to repoint darts is crucial for maintaining your equipment and ensuring optimal performance.
- Damaged Points: Bent, broken, or overly worn points can drastically affect your dart’s trajectory and grip on the board.
- Customization: Repointing allows you to experiment with different point lengths, styles, and grip to find what suits your throwing style best.
- Cost Savings: Instead of buying new darts, you can simply replace the points, saving you money in the long run.
- Improved Grip: Replacing old, smooth points with new, textured ones can significantly enhance your grip, leading to better control and accuracy.
Ignoring damaged points not only impacts your game but can also damage your dartboard. Sharp, clean points penetrate the board properly, while blunt or damaged ones can tear the sisal fibers. If you are curious about where professional darts is broadcast you can check darts the masters on tv.
Identifying When to Repoint Your Darts
Knowing when to replace your dart points is as important as knowing how to repoint darts themselves. Here are a few telltale signs that it’s time for a change:
- Bent Points: This is the most obvious sign. Even a slight bend can throw off your dart’s flight.
- Broken Points: A broken point is unusable and needs immediate replacement.
- Worn Points: Over time, points can become dull and lose their grip, leading to more bounce-outs. Look for a loss of texture or a rounded tip.
- Loose Points: If you notice your points wiggling or feeling loose in the barrel, it’s time to repoint. This can damage the barrel thread if left unattended.
- Excessive Bounce-Outs: Are your darts bouncing out of the board more frequently than usual? Worn or damaged points could be the culprit.
Choosing the Right Dart Points
Before you learn how to repoint darts, you need to choose the right replacement points. Points come in various lengths, materials, and styles. Consider these factors:
- Length: Point length affects dart balance and penetration. Common lengths range from 26mm to 41mm. Shorter points are generally preferred for front-weighted barrels, while longer points can balance out rear-weighted barrels.
- Material: Steel points are the standard. Consider also the coating or finish, which can influence grip and durability.
- Grip: Some points have textured surfaces (knurled, grooved, or ringed) to provide extra grip on the board. Others are smooth. The best grip is a matter of personal preference.
- Point Style: There are several point styles, including smooth, ringed, and trident. Ringed points tend to grip better but may also cause more damage to the board. Trident points are designed to deflect darts away from the spider (the wires separating the scoring segments) to reduce bounce-outs.
It’s worth experimenting with different point types to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try different lengths and grips until you find the perfect match for your throwing style. A suitable dartboard is essential for practice, so learn about dart board score zones.
Essential Tools for Repointing Darts
Having the right tools is essential for learning how to repoint darts correctly and safely. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dart Repointing Tool: This is the most crucial tool. It provides leverage and a secure grip for removing and inserting points. High-quality tools will have adjustable jaws to accommodate different barrel sizes.
- Replacement Dart Points: Choose the right points based on your preference and the factors discussed earlier.
- Hammer or Mallet: A rubber or nylon mallet is used to gently tap the point into place during insertion. Avoid using a metal hammer, as it can damage the barrel.
- Protective Eyewear: Safety first! Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Work Surface: A sturdy workbench or table is recommended.
- Optional: Point Protector/Cap: A small cap can be used to protect the new point during the hammering process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Repoint Darts
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how to repoint darts, step by step.
- Secure the Dart Barrel: Place the dart barrel in the repointing tool’s jaws. Ensure it’s held firmly but not so tightly that it could damage the barrel. Adjust the jaws as needed.
- Remove the Old Point: With the barrel securely in place, use the repointing tool to pull out the old point. This may require some force, especially if the point is stuck or bent. Apply steady, even pressure. Avoid jerking or twisting the tool.
- Prepare the Barrel: Once the old point is removed, inspect the barrel thread. Clean it with a soft cloth to remove any debris or residue. If the thread is damaged, you may need to consult a professional for repair.
- Insert the New Point: Place the new point into the barrel opening. Make sure it’s aligned straight.
- Seat the Point: Use the repointing tool to push the new point into the barrel as far as you can by hand.
- Hammering the Point: If the point is not fully seated, use a rubber or nylon mallet to gently tap it into place. Use a point protector/cap for extra protection. Strike the end of the point firmly but carefully. Rotate the dart barrel slightly between strikes to ensure even pressure.
- Check the Point: Once the point is fully seated, inspect it to ensure it’s straight and flush with the barrel. If it’s not, repeat steps 6 and 7.
- Repeat for Other Darts: Repeat the process for your remaining darts.
Tips for a Successful Repointing
Mastering how to repoint darts takes practice. Here are a few extra tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Use the Right Tool: Investing in a high-quality repointing tool is crucial. Cheap tools can damage your darts or make the process more difficult.
- Apply Even Pressure: When removing and inserting points, apply steady, even pressure to avoid damaging the barrel or bending the point.
- Don’t Force It: If a point is particularly difficult to remove, don’t force it. Try using a penetrating oil or lubricant to loosen it.
- Protect Your Hands: Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts or scrapes.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually master the technique.
You can also experiment by having a dart flight design your own and customize your darts even further!
Troubleshooting Common Repointing Problems
Even with the best techniques, you may encounter problems when learning how to repoint darts. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Point Won’t Come Out: If the old point is stuck, try using a penetrating oil or lubricant to loosen it. Let it soak for a few minutes before attempting to remove it again. You can also try using a heat gun to gently warm the barrel, which can help to loosen the point.
- New Point Won’t Go In: Make sure the barrel thread is clean and free of debris. If the point still won’t go in, check to make sure you’re using the correct point size and that the point isn’t bent.
- Point is Crooked: If the point is crooked after insertion, use the repointing tool to gently straighten it. You may need to repeat the hammering process to ensure it’s fully seated and aligned.
- Damaged Barrel Thread: If you damage the barrel thread, you may need to consult a professional dart repair service. They can re-thread the barrel or replace it altogether.
Maintaining Your Dart Points
Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your dart points and avoiding frequent repointing. Here are some tips:
- Sharpen Your Points: Use a dart point sharpener to keep your points sharp and improve their grip on the board.
- Clean Your Points: Clean your points regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris.
- Store Your Darts Properly: Store your darts in a dart case or holder to protect them from damage.
- Avoid Throwing at Hard Surfaces: Avoid throwing your darts at hard surfaces, such as walls or floors, as this can damage the points.
Consider using a Mobile dart scorer to keep track of your games. After all this work to maintain your darts, you will want to use them!
When to Seek Professional Help
While how to repoint darts is a skill you can learn at home, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help:
- Damaged Barrel Thread: As mentioned earlier, damaged barrel threads often require professional repair.
- Stubborn Points: If you’re unable to remove a point after trying various techniques, it’s best to avoid forcing it and risk damaging the dart.
- Extensive Dart Damage: If your darts have sustained significant damage, such as a bent barrel, it’s best to consult a professional for repair or replacement.
Local dart shops or online retailers often offer dart repair services. They have the expertise and tools to handle more complex repairs and ensure your darts are in top condition. While you are at it, why not check out information about darts stand koto.
Advanced Techniques for Dart Customization
Once you’ve mastered how to repoint darts, you can explore more advanced customization options:
- Point Conversion: Some players convert their soft-tip darts to steel-tip darts by installing conversion points. This allows them to use the same darts for both soft-tip and steel-tip games.
- Point Coating: Experiment with different point coatings, such as titanium or nitride, to improve grip and durability.
- Weight Adjustment: Some players add weight to their dart points to adjust the overall balance of the dart. This can be done by using specialized weight-adding tools or by consulting a professional dart technician.
Conclusion
Knowing how to repoint darts is a valuable skill for any serious darts player. It allows you to maintain your equipment, customize your darts for optimal performance, and save money in the long run. By following the steps outlined in this guide and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to repoint your darts with confidence and keep your game in top form. Remember to always prioritize safety and use the right tools for the job. Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, it’s time to grab your darts, experiment with different points, and elevate your game to the next level. Ready to get started? Invest in a quality repointing tool and a selection of replacement points, and get ready to transform your darts!
Hi, I’m Dieter, and I created Dartcounter (Dartcounterapp.com). My motivation wasn’t being a darts expert – quite the opposite! When I first started playing, I loved the game but found keeping accurate scores and tracking stats difficult and distracting.
I figured I couldn’t be the only one struggling with this. So, I decided to build a solution: an easy-to-use application that everyone, no matter their experience level, could use to manage scoring effortlessly.
My goal for Dartcounter was simple: let the app handle the numbers – the scoring, the averages, the stats, even checkout suggestions – so players could focus purely on their throw and enjoying the game. It began as a way to solve my own beginner’s problem, and I’m thrilled it has grown into a helpful tool for the wider darts community.