3 replies to this topic

[EcstaticFool]

We have these aluminum trash cans just filled with darts (standard Nerf brand darts, hopefully I dont cause any eye twitches but we mixed all types. Elite, accustrike, zombie, etc. etc. Trying to get owner to look at off brand or to use just a single type in future). Not only do some of the darts get squished from hanging out too long at the bottom of can, staying loaded in mags too long, or just getting stepped on and whatnot.
I've heard two common methods to 'fluff' em back out:
1. Dip em for a few seconds into boiling water
2. Toss em in a pillowcase into a dryer on low (or a paper bag then use hair dryer)

Hoping hear your experiences and suggestions since I'm about to do a big
ol round up and give it a try. Is melting an issue? How long would you recommend?

Bonus round: I've heard arguments both for and against using plastic straws inside darts. Some say it helps keep shape and protects the darts from wear (all I can think of is 'hey, a reverse condom for darts') and others say it messes things up, doesnt fire right, and "messes up weight/balance". Gonna test it out a bit myself but figured I'd see if anyone else already gave it a go? I mean, I dig the general idea, but is it practical? Would 3D printing a thin sleeve do any good (although I can already see that getting expensive and getting shattered)? Or is it best to use a method above and/or just buy more? Any other dart life-expanding ideas? I kindof wanna spray a few with truck bed liner just to see what happens...


P.s - my bad if this has been covered, I didnt see it but my search-fu sucks and I may have missed it.

[Kidoke1]

The method I used to use for large quantities of darts is putting them in a big bucket (home depot style) and cutting a hole in the lid. I make sure that when I shake the bucket tht edarts have plenty of space to move, your max capacity may vary as its never the same for me. I then place the end of the hairdryer in the hole and masking/duct tape it to the lid. I use a hairdryer that is adjustable for temp and speed independently, and then set it to high speed low temp and shake. I do it until the majority of darts are acceptably straight. 

Edited by Kidoke1, 04 February 2020 - 07:39 PM.

[JohnB]

The idea is that by heating the darts you can cause the air trapped inside the foam (it's closed-cell) to expand and the dart forms back to its original shape.

If you're not careful, yes you can melt darts. I've heard of people finding melted dart in their pants after laundry mishaps.

 

To be perfectly honest it would be easier, simpler, and safer to just go and buy new ones. Offbrand is a great idea, look for "Adventure Force" waffle head darts at Walmart. They're green with blue heads and they're better than hasbro's. Performance is comparable to Accustrike.

Edited by JohnB, 06 February 2020 - 02:47 PM.

[Daniel Beaver]

I don't think either method is really going to revitalize the darts as much as you think. Darts are super cheap now, I would buy some from China.