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Dab rigs (also referred to as “dab bongs” or “oil rigs”) are devices that resemble bongs and water pipes, although use a different method specifically for heating and vaporizing cannabis concentrates. These include products such as natural oils, wax, shatter, budder, crumble, and so on.

The term “dab” refers to the dose of concentrate that you vaporize. “Dabbing” refers to the process of consuming the concentrate by vaporizing it and inhaling the vapor.

The user does not directly smoke the dab concentrate in the traditional sense. Instead, the process of consuming the product is vapor-based. No combustion occurs with dabbing and, therefore, there is no smoke inhalation.

If you’re thinking about getting into dabbing, start by finding the right type of dab rig that will give you the best dabbing experience possible.

There are many different types you can choose - from handy and portable designs to more percolation for higher temperatures and smoother dabbing.

Our guide will help you understand the common types and the several components that make up a dab rig so you can make the best decision for your dabbing experience.

What are the Different Types of Dab Rigs?

There are several types of dab rigs available on the market today. Each type of dab rig has unique features and benefits that slightly change your dabbing experience.

The key to choosing the right dab rig is finding the type that caters to your needs. No single dab rig setup is better than another - it really all depends on your dabbing preferences.

There are 5 common types of dab rigs that we will look at in this blog:

Glass Dab Rigs

What are the Pros & Cons of Glass Dab Rigs?

Silicone Dab Rigs

What are the Pros & Cons of Silicone Dab Rigs?

Recycler Dab Rigs

What are the Pros & Cons of Recycler Dab Rigs?

Mini Dab Rigs

What are the Pros & Cons of Recycler Dab Rigs?

E-Rigs ( Electronic Dab Rigs )

What are the Pros & Cons of E-Rigs?

What are the Components of a Dab Rig?

A dab rig is the combination of tools and accessories needed to vaporize cannabis concentrates. A dab rig typically includes the following components:

Explore more about the components of a dab rig over on this page.

Dab Rig

The glass water pipe. Both dab rigs and bongs are considered rigs. In addition to containing a water chamber, a rig must also connect to a dab nail or bowl.

Dab Nail (or Banger)

This is the attachment where dabs are vaporized when heated. There are many different styles that change the rate of vaporization and the amount that can be dabbed at one time.

Nails are made out of glass, quartz, titanium and ceramic.

Blow Torch

A butane hand torch needed for heating the nail (if you are using a traditional dab nail).

Carb Cap

A carb cap is a glass, ceramic, quartz, or titanium cap with a small hole that covers the top of the nail.

This lowers the pressure in the nail or banger, acting like an oven to trap the heat and reduce the vaporization temperature.

Dabber

A dabber (also known as a “wand”) is a pen-like tool used for placing your chosen dab concentrate inside the nail or banger for vaporization.

Dabbers are generally stainless steel, glass, or ceramic and come in various shapes and styles.

Typically you choose a shape based on the consistency of the concentrate you’re dabbing - such as scoop, pick and paddle styles.

E-Nail

A heating element powered by electric current that serves as an alternative to traditional torched bangers or dab nails.

Electronic nails consist of a controller box that drives the flow of electricity to a coil, which heats the nail.

This offers butane-free heating which lets you dial in a specific temperature and then electronically heats the nail with the touch of a button.

How Do Dab Rigs Work?

• You use a dab rig by applying a blow torch on the dab nail to light it up.
• By heating up the dab nail for a specified amount of time, you create a red hot surface that turns your dab concentrate into a vapor that you inhale.
• You can then take a deep hit from the mouthpiece, giving you sensational effects.
• As you inhale, the vapor is drawn through a water chamber and inhaled into your lungs as you would a typical hit of dry herb from a water pipe.

How to Use a Dab Rig

There is a lot to consider when you’re a newcomer to dabbing - from the technique to the number of accessories involved.

Once you’ve got the hang of the process, using a dab rig can be an easy and enjoyable experience.

We’ve provided a brief guide highlighting the key steps to help beginners use a dab rig.

Head over to read our more detailed step-by-step walkthrough on using a dab rig.

1. Ensure Dab Rig & All Components are Clean

• Properly cleaning and maintaining your dab rig gear before and after use will guarantee smoother and tastier hits whilst lasting for a longer time

2. Heat the Dab Nail

• Use a heating element to heat up your nail - such as a dab torch
• Apply the flame of the dab torch directly to the nail for about 30 seconds
• Make sure that the flame is pointed away from the dab rig at all times as the heat may crack the glass
• Heat until the nail is red hot
• Alternatively, if you are using an e-nail, use the interface to input your desired temperature and wait until the device heats up the nail

3. Wait for the Dab Nail to Cool Down

• Move the flame away once the dab nail is red hot
• Allow the dab nail to cool down, letting the heat disperse throughout the nail
• Once the dab nail stops glowing, wait for about 30-60 seconds for the nail to cool down - this is so you don't scorch your dab concentrate
• The nail will retain much of the heat of the torch even minutes after heating, so keep the nail away from your bare skin to avoid burns
• The amount of time you need to wait is dependent on the thickness and material of your dab nail
• Your target temperature should be around 300-450 degrees Fahrenheit (149-232 degrees Celsius) to get the most flavor out of your concentrates
• If you're using an e-nail, you don't need to wait for it to cool down. The e-nail will heat the nail to the precise temperature you set it to

4. Place Dab Concentrate on the Surface of the Nail

• After your dab nail has slightly cooled down, use your dab tool to take a small fragment of concentrate and apply it to the surface of the nail
• Rotate the dabber tip on the hot dab nail to avoid wasting any substance
• Ideally, the dab should be small enough for you to vaporize and inhale the whole amount

5. Inhale the Vapor

• Slowly inhale the vapor from the mouthpiece on the dab rig
• Continuously inhale until you no longer see vapor in the chamber of the dab rig
• Dabs require a long, slow inhale as the majority of the concentrate does not vaporize instantly
• Then, exhale without holding the vapor in your lungs
• Be careful not to inhale (or exhale) too quickly, or you might irritate your throat and lungs
• If you cough in response, this may be a sign that the dab nail temperature was too high before you applied the dab
• You may start to experience the effects of the dab within seconds of exhalation
• Inhale, exhale and repeat

6. Cover With a Carb Cap

• Place a carb cap on the dab nail or banger to better vaporize the dab while inhaling
• The carb cap helps regulate airflow, containing all of the heat in the dab nail to ensure better hits
• When you're ready to clear all the vapor out of the rig, lift the carb cap
• Cover the dab with a carb cap and finish inhaling

7. Clean Your Dab Rig & Dab Tools

• Always keep your dab nail clean before and after use
• Take the dab torch and heat the end of the dab tool that touched the concentrate
• It should only take a second of heat in order to melt away the residue - this will prevent any remaining residue from changing the flavor of your dab concentrate
• Allow the nail to cool down a bit and then swipe the inside of the warm nail with a cotton swab
• For a deeper clean, dip a cotton swab in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and rub it along the interior of your warm nail
• Wipe clean with a Q-tip or alcohol swab while the residue is still warm and easy to remove
• For detailed cleaning instructions, see our guide

How Do I Choose a Dab Rig?

Although it’s always worth looking at a variety of dab rigs, the final choice ultimately comes down to your personal needs.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your dabbing experience as possible, you should look out for these key features.

If you would like more helpful info on choosing a dab rig, have a read of our article on  .

Or you can have a scroll through our   - everything you need to know about the numerous dabbing tools.

Durable & High-Quality Materials

Budget is a consideration when buying your first dab rig. However, buying the cheapest dab rig you can find will likely result in breaking either from mishandling it, dropping it, or even due to heat cracking the glass.

Durability is one of the most important qualities when looking for a dab rig. Invest in a dab rig made from strong and high-quality materials - such as borosilicate glass. This is a sturdy type of glass that can withstand thermal shock.

Also make sure that your piece has the right dab nail or banger as this is also a crucial part of the device. These are similar to a bowl, but are made with materials that can withstand high heat. The best nails are made with materials such as quartz, ceramic, or titanium. Generally, all dab rigs will have one of these, but you can also buy one separately.

Sizes & Styles

Some users like carrying their dab rig wherever they go. Choose a smaller dab rig if you want a handy and portable option - such as a mini dab rig.

On the other hand, if you want something stylish and fancy that will enhance your dab hits, try a recycler dab rig with a large percolator downstem

If you are looking to taste your vapor, you should choose a smaller dab rig as they are known for giving more flavor. Larger pieces are recommended for bigger and more powerful hits - although smaller pieces can still pack a punch.

Also consider extra features such as percolators if you want your hits to feel even smoother (see below).

Filtration (Percolators)

You don't want to be taking dry hits when dabbing as this can burn your lungs - look for a dab rig with percolators. Water filtration (or percolation) is vital in getting those smooth hits.

The water cools the smoke down as it travels through the piece for a more enjoyable and safe smoking experience.

Percolators come in all shapes and sizes. Some rigs only have one percolator while others have multiple. For the smoothest hit possible look for a rig with two to four percolators.

Consider a Hybrid Dab Rig

You can find dab rigs that are capable of using both cannabis flower (dry herb) and cannabis concentrates.

These “hybrid” devices allow you to switch out your glass bowl for a banger whenever you want. This makes them incredibly practical for users who want to smoke weed and dab their favorite extracts all with one device.