When used correctly, a dab rig offers an amazing experience. However, using a dab rig requires caution and proper care since the flame is involved. First, fill your dab rig with water. You want enough water to prevent splashing when you take a hit. You also need to add your nail or banger.

Heat the Nail

A dab rig, sometimes called an oil rig or wax rig, is a type of water pipe that houses a nail instead of a bowl slide to hold your concentrates. The most important part of a dab rig is the nail, which must be heated to enjoy your dabs. It would help if you also had a container to hold your concentrates and a tool called a dabber to scoop up your dab and apply it to the nail.

A typical dab rig has a nail made of titanium, ceramic or quartz to withstand the high heat needed for efficient vaporization. The nail has to be inserted into the rig’s joint and secured so it doesn’t move. The nail can be heated with a butane torch. You can also buy electronic nails connected to a battery and digitally maintain a set temperature; they’re much safer and more convenient but slightly pricier than traditional analog nails.

Once your nail is hot, apply your concentrate to it using a dabber, then place a carb cap (a small cover for regulating airflow) over the nail and swivel it to distribute air evenly so that no vapor escapes before you inhale. A carb cap helps minimize residue build-up and makes cleaning your nails easier. Ensure you always soak your nail for a few minutes and scrape off any excess residue before putting it back into the rig after each session. When dabbing, less filtering will give you the best flavor experience. A portable dab rig holds less water than larger dab rigs; in this case, less is more. 

Apply the Concentrate

Before you can start dabbing, you need to assemble your dab rig. It will usually include a nail or banger, which is like the bowl for a bong but instead holds your concentrate and is heated to vaporize it. A standard nail is made from ceramic, titanium, or quartz and can be manual or electric. A banger typically has a bucket-like shape with a neck that funnels smoke into the rig, but there are also flat nails designed specifically for sauce and other wetter concentrates. Alternatively, some prefer an e-mail hooked to its power source and digitally maintains a specific temperature for more precise control over your experience.

You’ll also want to ensure your rig has the right accessories, like a carb cap and loading tool designed to help you apply your concentrates cleanly and efficiently. A carb cap is placed on the nail or banger after you’ve used your dab, and it helps regulate airflow for consistent vaporization and maximum potency. A loading tool, often known as a dabber, is a little, spatula-like instrument used to scoop up your concentrate and put it to the nail for vaporization. It would help to choose a dabber made from stainless steel or borosilicate glass, as these materials are heat-resistant and won’t seep unwanted flavors into your dab.

Inhale

Dabbing is the fastest, most potent method for consuming cannabis concentrates. You’ll need a dab rig, a dabber (a small metal scoop for applying dabs), and your choice of extract. The best dab rigs are made from high-quality glass that holds up to heat and is easy to clean. Ask your local cannabis retailer for more information about the quality of a particular rig. They can also guide you in choosing a dabber and determining the correct nail or banger temperature for your extract. Insert your dab once your nail or banger has reached the ideal temperature. Then, place the carb cap—a small cover for regulating airflow—over the nail. It will help to ensure that your dab is vaporized evenly and that all of the extract makes it into your lungs when you inhale. For an even more streamlined experience, consider using a dab mat. These mats protect surfaces like tables from the dripping concentrate residue that often drips from a dab rig. Some rugs are fully padded, making them perfect for storing your rig when it’s not in use. They’re available in various sizes and styles, including some specifically designed for dabbing rigs.

Exhale

When puffing a joint or smoking a bowl is insufficient, you need weapons-grade THC launched straight to the dome. The best way to accomplish this feat is using a dab rig specifically for cannabis concentrates. Dabbing can be less harsh than other smoking methods, and it also delivers a more potent hit of the desired cannabinoid because it is so direct. A bong-like water pipe known as a dab rig is made expressly for using concentrates. They often come with a nail or banger, heated to the perfect temperature to vaporize the focus instantly. They can also have a carb cap, or dab setter, placed on the nail after the concentrate has been applied to control airflow and keep the nail hot.

A dab rig is typically made out of glass, and it is important to find one that is durable. Choosing a rig made of borosilicate glass will ensure it can withstand the heat necessary to vaporize the concentrates. It is also recommended to get a dab rig that has at least two or more percolators installed. It helps to reduce dry hits, which can burn the lungs and ruin your experience. Investing in a dab rig with a high-quality quartz banger will also help maximize the flavor of the concentrates.