Replacing steel tip dart points used to be far from simple. If a point snapped, you only had a few options: return the dart to the manufacturer, visit a specialist, or invest in an expensive repointing machine. This made replacing dart points time consuming and costly.
With the introduction of screw-in dart systems, that has completely changed. In this blog we explain how the three most well known systems work, Swiss Points, Quick Points and Switch Points, what the differences are, how compatibility works and what to look for when choosing the right system. This blog ties in with our informative video about screw-in dart systems, which can be found at the bottom of this page.
A screw-in dart system allows you to easily unscrew and replace steel tip dart points using a special tool. This means you no longer need a repointing machine and can quickly change a point when it breaks or when you want to try a different length or grip.
It is important to know that these systems are specifically designed for barrels with internal threading at the front. They are not compatible with standard dart points.
The Target Swiss Point System was the first screw-in system to be adopted on a large scale. Before the introduction of Swiss Points, interchangeable steel tip points were hardly available to the average player.
Swiss Points can easily be unscrewed using a dedicated Swiss Point tool and offer the widest range of options of all systems.
What sets Swiss Points apart:
Largest range of lengths
Many different grip profiles
Available in multiple colours
Widely used within the Target range
For players who like to experiment with their setup or fine tune their throw, Swiss Point is the most versatile system.
Harrows Quick Points have a simpler mechanical design, but serve the same purpose: interchangeable and replaceable steel tip points without the need for a repointing machine.
Quick Points work most reliably when you combine Harrows Quick Points with Harrows barrels. This ensures the best fit and a stable setup.
Features of Quick Points:
Simple and functional design
Reliable when using the correct brand combination
Less variation than Swiss Points, but technically solid
Winmau Switch Points are the newest system. Just like Swiss and Quick Points, these points are specifically designed for screw-in barrels and must not be replaced with standard dart points.
Winmau barrels are designed more strictly than those from Target and Harrows. This results in a very precise fit, but also means compatibility is especially important.
Features of Switch Points:
Switch Points are the newest screw-in point system on the market
Points can only be changed using specially designed Switch Point tools
Not all screw-in dart points are interchangeable. This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a system.
The main rules:
Target Swiss Points do not work in Winmau barrels
Harrows Quick Points fit in multiple interchangeable barrels, but not always perfectly
Target and Harrows barrels are designed to be slightly more open
For the most reliable setup, always use the correct brand point with the correct brand barrel.
Each screw-in system uses its own tool. There is no single tool that works with all systems.
The Target tool works exclusively with Swiss Points
The Harrows tool works with Quick Points and Swiss Points
The Winmau tool works with Winmau Switch Points and Swiss Points
When purchasing a dart set with interchangeable points, the correct tool is almost always included. In most cases, you do not need to buy a separate tool.
You can always see which system a dart uses in two ways:
The screw-in system is mentioned in the product name
You can filter on the website for darts with interchangeable dart points
By using this filter, you avoid compatibility issues and ensure that the point, barrel and tool work together correctly.
Would you like to see the differences between Swiss Points, Quick Points and Switch Points visually and explained step by step? At the bottom of this page you will find the accompanying video, where all systems, tools and compatibility are clearly demonstrated.
The video ties in perfectly with this blog and helps you determine which screw-in dart system best suits your darts and playing style.
