Shorten circular needle?

I am trying to knit a hat and all I have is 29" needles so I ran out to hobby lobby and bought a acrylic circular needle.The package only has 5mm/8 on it so I told the lady what I was looking for.
She took it out the pack and assured me( so I thought) it was a 16" needle. Trusting her word I thanked her and proceeded to check out.
Here comes the problem:
When I got home,I started casting on 84 sts needed for hat to find out this is not a 16" needle but another 29" needle!

So my question is, Is there a way to shorten this needle without buying another one?
Thanks for your help!

Maybe, but… I’ve had my husband shorten straight needles, but never a circular. It would be hard to get the join nice and smooth.

But if you have 2 29" needles of the same size (8, or whatever) you could do the two circular needle method. I’m sure you could find a video somewhere, maybe even here on KnittingHelp. Check "Advanced Techniques for one. 2 circulars is not my first choice, but I’ve done it and it works fine.

Ok, I will check that method out. I was using double pointed needles but I kept loosing my sts! Lol Thanks again.

I do hats and socks on two circulars. Once you learn it you’ll love it! I might be able to talk you through it. I’m not sure if there is a video out there or not.

I don’t recommend it. It could ruin it. I’d go with learning magic loop. And then consider getting an interchangeable set like KP Options. Link at top of forum.

You can use both needles, Magic loop or the single loop version of ML.

the video is right here on this site under advanced techniques! gonna try to learn this method now!

do not shorten the needles.
The 2 circs method is good, all fine.