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.
Quartz nails are made of quartz crystal, which has a strong ability to withstand high heat. Quartz nails tend to last longer than other nails because they hold up well under repeated heating.
When choosing a nail, many users choose quartz over titanium or ceramic because quartz heats up about three times as fast. Quartz is also valued for clean flavor. It heats quickly and, once it cools slightly, captures the natural flavors of the material well.
Quartz is well suited to lower temperature use on your concentrate rig. A domeless quartz nail can be heated quickly and then allowed to cool to a temperature that better captures flavor. This preserves your material and gives you a more even draw. As an important note, do not overheat quartz, because it can still break at extremely high temperatures.
Knowing When a Quartz Nail Is Heated Properly
It is easy to tell when a domed or domeless quartz nail is heated because you will see flecks of red begin to glow in the quartz. Do not heat quartz until the entire bottom is red, because that makes the nail too hot. Always allow a cooling time of 10 to 60 seconds. Use a carb cap for low temperature use so you are not wasting any of your concentrates.
Flavor
When it comes to flavor, a clean quartz nail has all the benefits of glass. You will not lose the character of the flavor with a quartz nail.
Cools Off Fast
You sometimes have to move quickly with a quartz nail because quartz cools off fast. Once you heat the nail, be quick to put it to use, otherwise you risk placing concentrate onto a surface that is no longer hot enough to create vapor.
Seasoning a Quartz Nail
Quartz is a food grade material, and you can improve the flavor off your quartz nail by seasoning it before use. Heat the nail and add a small amount of your legal concentrate to the edge of the quartz.
Some people use reclaim from a previous session to season their nail and preserve their material. Seasoning helps you avoid burnt tastes from an overheated quartz nail. It brings out the natural flavors of your concentrate and gives you room to experiment with different temperatures and tastes.
Conclusion
Depending on how you like to use your concentrates, you can find a quartz nail that works for you. Many people like domeless quartz nails that are lightweight and keep heat away from the face. TAG's selection of quartz nails is here:
https://www.thickassglass.com/collections/quartz-nails
A quartz nail has a strong ability to withstand high heat. Users can trust them to last, and depending on personal preference, many prefer them to glass and even titanium.
A few habits help a quartz nail perform its best over time. Match the joint size and male or female fit to your rig before ordering so the nail seats cleanly and heats evenly. Focus the torch on the base of the bucket rather than the walls or joint, which keeps heat where it belongs and reduces stress on the surrounding glass. Wipe the surface with a cotton swab while it is still warm after each use, since residue is far easier to clear before it hardens. With consistent low temperature use and regular wiping, a quality quartz nail holds its clean flavor for a long time and resists the burnt buildup that dulls cheaper pieces.