How to Remove a Broken Soft Dart Tip from Your Barrel
A broken soft dart tip is one of the most common issues dart players encounter. When a tip breaks, a small piece often remains stuck inside the barrel, making it impossible to screw in a new one. The good news is that in most cases, the broken piece can be removed quickly and easily.
In this guide, we’ll show you several effective methods for removing a broken soft dart tip or shaft from your dart barrel, from simple techniques that require no special tools to proven solutions used by experienced players.
Method 1: Remove the Remaining Piece by Hand
If part of the broken tip is still visible, try pressing firmly on it with your thumb and turning it counterclockwise. Sometimes the remaining piece can be unscrewed without any tools.
Method 2: Use a Tip Removal Tool
A dedicated tip remover or extractor tool is designed specifically for this problem. Insert the tool into the broken tip and carefully turn it counterclockwise. This is often the quickest and most reliable method.
Method 3: Use a Heated Soft Tip
Another popular method is to heat a new soft dart tip and gently press it onto the broken piece inside the barrel. Once the plastic cools and bonds together, both pieces can usually be unscrewed as one.
Method 4: Use a Small Screwdriver
A small flat-head screwdriver can also help. Carefully heat the tip of the screwdriver and press it into the broken plastic. After it cools, gently turn the screwdriver counterclockwise to remove the stuck piece.
Conclusion
A broken soft dart tip doesn’t mean your dart is ruined. With the right technique and a little patience, the remaining piece can usually be removed in just a few minutes. For regular players, carrying a tip removal tool is highly recommended, as it can save time and frustration during practice sessions and matches.