Screw in points explained

01/15/2026
Guide to quick changing dart points, featuring tools and dart point brands: Target, Harrows, Winmau. Includes correct and incorrect installation icons.

Screw-In Dart Systems Explained, Swiss Points, Quick Points and Switch Points

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.

What are screw-in dart systems

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.

Target Swiss Point System

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

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

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

Compatibility between screw-in systems

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.

screw in points

Which tools do you need

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.

tools

Frequently asked questions about screw-in dart systems

Examples of darts per screw-in system

Target Swiss Point darts

Winmau Switch Point darts

Harrows Quick Point darts

How to tell if a dart is compatible

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.

Watch the explanation video

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.

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