Using a dab rig is easy with the right accessories. Nails, also known as bangers, are a must, and they come in various materials, including titanium or quartz.
Nails should be heated to a uniform temperature using a torch before use. Generally, the nail should be hot enough to vaporize oil but not so hot that it burns you.
What Are Dab Rigs?
Dab rigs are pretty much what they sound like—small, simple water pipes that can house a dab nail instead of a traditional bowl slide. Best dab rigs can be made of all sorts of materials and offer different percolators and filtration devices, but they all have one thing in common: they’re designed to help you get the most out of your dabbing experience.
Dabbing involves applying a small amount of concentrate to a nail or heating element, which is then inhaled through the mouthpiece. Nails heat up extremely quickly, so it’s essential to use a torch with care and not touch them after they’re hot. Using a dome or carb cap to prevent any residue from contaminating your hit is also a good idea.
While there are DIY instructions for turning a bong into a dab rig, you will want to invest in a dedicated piece of equipment if you’re serious about dabs.
What Are Bongs?
A diverse selection of bongs is available, varying in shape, size, and features. The simplest doesn’t require additional parts, while the more complex comes with designer touches that make for a smoother smoke.
A larger piece with multiple percolators is recommended when smoking dry herbs or flowers. For dabbing, a smaller, more straightforward setup is typically best.
You begin using a bong by placing a bit of concentrate on your nail or banger (often with a tool called a “dab claw”). Next, you apply heat to the nail via a torch until it reaches the desired temperature. The higher the temperature, the better the hit.
A carb cap (or “dome”) is placed over the nail to prevent vapor from escaping. This allows for a more concentrated hit with more flavor and potency. Glass nails are the most common, but ceramic works well and is less prone to breaking. They take the longest to reach temperature, however.
How Do Dab Rigs Work?
A dab rig vaporizes hash, oils, shatter, and rosin rather than burning and combusting plant material. The rig uses water to cool the vapor before it is inhaled. To do this, a dab rig has a nail or banger (which can be made of titanium, quartz, or glass) and a carb cap. The nail is heated with a torch until it reaches a high enough temperature to vaporize the concentrates but not so hot that the vapor becomes too hot for your lungs to inhale comfortably.
The nails are heated using torches, and they can usually be replaced if they break or become worn out. The rig also has a water chamber to help cool and filter the vapor as it passes through. Depending on the style of the rig, it may also have a series of holes or percolators to cool further and smooth out the smoke. Most rigs are male, meaning they have a dome, but you can buy female nails and accessories to convert a bong into a dab rig.
How Do Bongs Work?
The base of a bong holds water, which cools the smoke as it travels through the chamber. It also filters out tar and other fine particles that otherwise overwhelm the lungs. Then, the smoke passes through the mouthpiece, where you inhale the vapor.
A dab rig works like a traditional bong but has key differences. First, you’ll need a nail that can withstand extreme temperatures (think quartz or titanium). You’ll also need a blow torch (butane is best, as propane torches burn too hot and ruin concentrates) and a dabber to apply your wax or oil to the nail.
Heat the nail using your blow torch, then place your dabber on it. Depending on the type of nail, add a dome to help trap the vapor for more significant hits. Dab rigs can be expensive but offer a more powerful, potent experience than traditional bongs.
Conclusion
Dab rigs, equipped with high-quality nails and accessories, revolutionize the way we enjoy cannabis concentrates. By understanding the components, heating techniques, and usage guidelines, enthusiasts can embark on a journey of flavorful and potent hits. So, whether you’re a seasoned dabber or new to the scene, a well-equipped dab rig promises a premium experience.
