The concept of using a dab rig or oil rig has been gaining traction as the hobby grows. If you have never used one, it can be confusing and even risky to use a dab rig without fully understanding the right way. There is a torch, hot glass, and precise timing involved, so it pays to learn the steps before you start rather than figure it out as you go. Today we will take you through the basics of how to use a dab rig and break the process into nine easy steps. By the end you will know what gear you need, how to season and heat a nail, and how to keep everything clean. Let us get started.
This guide covers glass and hardware for use with legal products only, in line with your state's laws. TAG makes no health claims about any material you choose to use.
What Is a Dab Rig?
First things first. A dab rig (also known as an oil rig or dab pipe) is very similar in appearance and design to a glass water pipe. However, dab rigs are designed specifically for concentrates.
What Will I Need for a Good Dab Rig Setup?
Looking for the ideal setup? These are a few things you will need to have your dab rig set up correctly every time.
- Dab rig
- Dabber (wand)
- Rag or alcohol swab
- Dab nail
- Hand torch
- Bowl of water
- Tongs
- Concentrate
How To Use a Dab Rig
Now that you have everything you need, let us go over the simple steps of using your new dab rig.
Step 1: Water the Chamber
Begin by adding water to the chamber of your dab rig. Try blowing into the downstem to make sure the water bubbles. If water splashes up into your mouth, pour some out.
Step 2: Season Your Dab Nail
For an ideal setup, always season quartz nails or titanium dab nails. Brand-new nails contain trace elements of natural minerals. When heated, the nail's pores can leach out these metals, so an unseasoned nail can add an unpleasant metallic taste to the vapor. Seasoning fills the pores with carbon from burnt material, stopping the leaching.
To season, place the nail in the rig and heat it with your dab torch until it starts to turn red. Then use your dabber to apply a small amount of concentrate over the nail's head. Once coated, use tongs to remove it and place it into a bowl of water. Repeat at least three times before using your new nail for the first time.
Step 3: Prep Your Dab
Take your dabber (also known as a wand) and pick up a small amount of concentrate. A little goes a long way with this method. Set it aside for a minute.
Step 4: Heat the Dab Rig Nail
Take your hand torch and heat the nail, keeping the flame pointed away from the rig at all times. Otherwise the heat may crack the glass. Heat until the nail is red hot. Once it stops glowing, wait about 45 seconds.
Step 5: Continue To Wait
We wait until the nail is entirely red hot to get a reliable starting point for timing. Once it is no longer red hot, a known temperature has been reached, and you can count down consistently to hit the same temperature every time. The exact wait varies with your preference, rig, and nail. Experiment the first time and you will hone it with practice. Always wait at least 10 seconds. Some users get better results waiting 20 to 30 seconds before the next step.
Step 6: Place the Concentrate on the Dab Nail
After the nail has cooled slightly, pick up your wand and place the concentrate around the nail. Slowly rub the end of the wand around the interior edges of the nail. While doing this, pull air through the chamber, making the water bubble as vapor is produced.
Step 7: Inhale Through the Mouthpiece
You will see vapor filling the glass as the concentrate melts. Draw it in as it comes through the downstem. Keep drawing until you no longer see vapor in the chamber.
Step 8: Exhale and Repeat
Once the vapor is clear, lower the rig and exhale. Continue to heat the nail and add concentrate as many times as desired.
Step 9: Clean the Wand and Dab Nail
Take the hand torch and heat the end of the wand that touched the material. A second of heat should melt away the residue. Wipe clean with a rag or alcohol swab while the residue is still warm and easy to remove.
There are two popular ways to clean your dab nail so it will not harbor sticky residue:
- Option 1: heat your nail with the torch until all residue is gone.
- Option 2 (Quartz Only): for low-temperature dabs only. Immediately after inhaling, take a Q-tip and dip it in isopropyl alcohol. Use it to clean the inside of your banger, then use the other side of the Q-tip to wipe it dry. This popular method extends the life of your quartz nail and keeps flavor clean.
With time and practice, these steps become almost second nature.
Purchase Everything for Your Dab Rig Setup at Thick Ass Glass
Now that you know how to use a dab rig, trust Thick Ass Glass as your go-to source for affordable, reliable dab rigs, cleaning supplies, and more. Be sure to also check out our carb caps, bangers, and domeless quartz nails. Contact us today for more information or help finding the right product for your setup.