Margaret, I have never used wood knitting needles. But, as I am a do it yourself kinda gal, I would try as you suggested. Nothing to loose... as it already looks like you might need to get new ones. ;)

Give us a report, on how it worked/didn't.

Moni

You can't use the needles now, so messing with them cannot make it worse. I agree with Moni, go for it.

Moni- Wood needles are soft and quiet and a real pleasure to use. Try them if you get the chance.

-Babka

I'd sure give it a try, as it's useless as it is...the tricky part will be where the tube ends and the wood begins, so I'd make sure the glue was well before this point so I could file the area of the join down, to try to remove the part that will catch the yarn....a fingernail file should be sufficient to try to smooth down the join.

After you have cut off the tubing and removed what was on the needle, if you heat the tubing with hot water--not boiling just hot--for 5 or 10 minutes, it will slip on to the needle better. Leave it in until it cools and then you should be able to pull it off and it will hold it's shape for gluing

Any I need help me I got idea I have cicaur knitting needles with ductin tape
Use sister fold half