Thinking about dabbing? Get the best experience from your diamonds, wax, or shatter with a dab rig! These specialized water pipes are designed for vaporizing concentrates, and they’ve taken off in recent years with a ton of glass and high-tech options to choose from.
But with so many different styles, how do you figure out which one’s right for you? Where do you even begin? Follow along as we dive into the world of dab rigs and answer all your burning questions, like:
- How does a dab rig work?
- How long do you need to heat the glass?
- How much water should you use in a dab rig?
- How do you clean your dab rig?
…and plenty more. By the end, you’ll be ready to dab like a pro. Let’s get rolling!
How Does a Dab Rig Work?
Dab rigs are very similar to bongs, so if you’re already familiar with that classic cannabis setup, you’ll likely find them easy to use. However, if you’re new to the world of dab rigs, here’s a quick rundown of the key components:
Nail or Banger
The nail or banger on a dab rig is where you place your concentrate, such as wax, shatter, or oil, to vaporize it. It’s usually made from heat-resistant materials like quartz, titanium, or ceramic and heated with a blowtorch. Once the nail is hot, you drop your concentrate directly onto it—the heat will then vaporize the concentrate.
Technically, a “nail” is a roughly nail-shaped cone on which concentrate is placed, while a “banger” is a broader, bowl-shaped surface for the same purpose. Though the two are similar, we’ll continue to call them “bangers” in this guide.
Base and Chamber
Below the nail, you’ll find a glass stem leading to the dab rig’s chamber or base. If you’ve been wondering, “Do dab rigs need water?” The answer is yes! Like a bong, the base is filled with water, which helps cool and filter the vapor, making it smoother and less harsh when inhaled.
Mouthpiece
Above the base or chamber is the mouthpiece. As with a standard bong or water pipe, you place your mouth here to gently draw in the dab.
Dabbing Tool
While you don’t technically need a tool—or “pick”—to put your concentrate on the banger, it’s highly recommended. Most cannabis concentrates are sticky and difficult to manipulate. Using a small spike or spear allows you to transfer tiny amounts of concentrate to the banger smoothly.
How to Hit a Dab Rig: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to start using your dab rig! But before you dive in, make sure you’re set up for success by gathering everything you’ll need in advance:
- Dab rig
- Dabbing tool
- Torch
- Cannabis concentrate
Step 1: Add Water
Fill the base with water—just enough to cover the bottom of the downstem or, if your dab rig has one, the coiled percolator.
Step 2: Heat the Banger
It can be a bit tricky to determine how long to heat your banger, especially for first-timers. Lower temperatures usually yield tastier hits because the fragrant oils won’t burn off, but higher temperatures can produce stronger effects.
To heat it properly, use the torch to get the banger or dab nail glowing red—roughly 350°F – 600°F, depending on the type of experience you’re looking for. Once it’s heated, let it cool for about 30 seconds before dabbing.
Step 3: Add Concentrate and Inhale
With your dabbing tool, apply a tiny amount of concentrate to the banger—start with a dab no larger than a grain of rice. As you gently smear the concentrate onto the heated banger, place your mouth on the mouthpiece and slowly inhale.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Exhale and then sit back and enjoy the sensation! There’s no need to rush, especially when you’re just getting the hang of dabbing. The goal isn’t to fill your lungs with vapor all at once but to get a smooth and steady draw.
Keep in mind that the vapor is super potent, so take your time and enjoy it at your own pace.
Using a Dab Rig With and Without a Carb Cap
Just as some pipes have a carb hole to control airflow, some dab rigs use a carb cap that fits over the banger. The carb cap is a small, separate piece—kind of like a thimble—that sits over the banger to regulate airflow.
It works like this: After heating the banger and applying your concentrate, you simply place the carb cap over it while inhaling. Some models rotate to adjust the airflow, so experiment to find what works best for you.
Is it that different from using a dab rig without a carb cap? Not drastically. More important: Is it necessary? Some people swear by it because it helps conserve vapor, while others find they still get a solid hit without one, even if a bit of vapor is wasted.
Our advice? Try using your dab rig without a carb cap first, then try it with one to see which you prefer.
How to Clean a Dab Rig: Step-by-Step
Just like bongs, dab rigs tend to get a bit gunky over time. Here’s what you need to keep them looking their best:
- Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
- Coarse salt
- A sealable plastic baggie large enough to hold the rig
- Pipe cleaners or soft brushes
Got everything? Great! Follow these five easy steps for a squeaky clean rig:
- Rinse out your dab rig with plenty of warm water.
- Place the rig in your plastic bag and fill the base with rubbing alcohol and a handful of salt. Seal the baggie—we recommend gallon Ziploc bags.
- Shake vigorously to allow the salt to penetrate as far into the downstem and other areas as possible.
- For excess resin build-up, put those pipe cleaners and brushes to good use. You can soak them in rubbing alcohol before getting to the gunk.
- When the rig is clean to your satisfaction, rinse with hot water and allow it to air dry.
Voila! Your rig should look good as new and ready to vaporize all your favorite concentrates.
How to Clean a Dab Banger or Nail
When it comes to cleaning your banger or nail, there are two ways to go about it.
- Option One: Just like cleaning your glass dab rig, remove the banger, place it in a small plastic baggie, and then soak it in salt and rubbing alcohol. Shake the bag vigorously until the banger is sparkling, then rinse with warm water and allow to air dry.
- Option Two: Heat the banger gently until it’s warm but not hot, then swab it down with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Dab Like a Pro With Mission
As the essential tool for enjoying cannabis concentrates, dab rigs are relatively simple to use—but they do require regular cleaning and maintenance to stay in top condition. However, enjoying some truly out-of-this-world concentrates is well worth the extra elbow grease.
If you’re eager to take your concentrates knowledge to the next level, check out our detailed guide to enjoying wax with (and without) a dab rig. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer, this guide will help you elevate your experience.
Searching for the best selection of cannabis concentrates around? We’ve got you covered! Start your journey at the nearest Mission dispensary in Illinois or Massachusetts, where you’ll find a wide range of top-quality products to enhance your dab experience. We’ll make sure you’re all set up for your best dab yet!
