How To Remove a Broken Steel Tip Point

I’ve been asked many times by dart players how to remove a broken point when it’s snapped off flush with the barrel, or with only about 1mm sticking out — not enough for a repointer to grip and pull it free.

People often say things like, “Can I buy a single dart?” or “I guess I’ll have to throw the set away and buy a new one.” You can tell they’re gutted, especially when it’s their favourite set.

So, how do you get a broken steel point out of a dart barrel?

There are three common methods. Two are possible but not recommended. The third is the one we recommend and have used successfully several times.

1) Drilling (Not recommended)

Dart points are made from very hard steel. To drill one out, you’ll need a tungsten carbide drill bit. These bits are expensive and very brittle, and because they’re so small they will snap easily if there’s any wobble or too much pressure.

If you try this method:

• Apply a small amount of heat to the tip of the barrel to slightly soften the old point.

• Drill slowly and carefully through the centre of the broken point.

• Use minimal pressure and take your time.

If you can drill straight through the centre, what remains of the point should loosen and drop out.

2) Vinegar (Not recommended)

This method works, but it’s very slow.

• Pour neat white vinegar into a sealable container or jar — enough to fully cover the barrel.

• Drop the barrel in, seal it, and leave it to soak.

• Replace the vinegar at least once a week.

With patience, the old point should dissolve after about 5–6 weeks.

3) Alum Powder (Recommended)

This is the method we recommend.

What you need:

• Alum powder, readily available online throughout NZ or at your local grocery market in the spice aisle

• A non-ferrous saucepan (aluminium or glass/Pyrex). Do not use steel or stainless steel.

• Boiling water from a kettle

Steps:

1. Add boiling water to the saucepan.

2. Stir in enough alum powder until fully dissolved, creating a saturated solution.

   • Typical mix: 6 tablespoons Alum powder per 1 cup of water

3. Immerse the barrel so the broken-point end is fully covered.

4. Keep the solution on low heat, just below boiling point.

   • This is essential for the reaction to work.

5. Top up with boiling water as needed to keep the broken-point hole submerged.

You’ll see a stream of fizzy bubbles coming from the hole. That’s the alum dissolving the ferrous (steel) material.

It may take 3–4 hours, sometimes longer, of gentle simmering to completely dissolve the remains of the point.

Eventually the hole will be clear and shiny like new. There’s no nasty odour or chemical fumes — the steel simply dissolves away over time.

Quick check: Once done, you can test the hole depth with a pin. It should be around 9–10mm deep.

Tip: Keep the solution hot (just below boiling) and it will continue bubbling away until the point is gone. See video below for an example of what to look for:

Straight arrows everyone!

Paul Webber Owner – Bullseye Darts