Dab Rigs

Whether you’re using a traditional glass dab rig or an e-rig, follow the step-by-step tutorial below to get started.

1. Fill the base of your dab rig with enough water so it bubbles when inhaled. Make sure to not overfill so that no water splashes into your mouth.
2. Choose between a dab nail or a dab banger – both are types of heating surfaces used for vaporizing concentrates. Some dab rigs will have one that is built-in already, but some smokers like to use one that is separately purchased. Quartz bangers are the most popular due to their heat retention and flavor preservation. Make sure the dab nail or banger is attached securely.
3. Use a torch to slowly heat the banger or nail for about 30 seconds. If you’re using an electric dab rig, use the built-in heating tool for this step and set it to the desired temperature. Let it cool for up to a minute.
4. Next, use your dab tool to scoop the desired amount of concentrate and gently place it into the heated banger while inhaling slowly.
5. Immediately place a carb cap over the banger to control the airflow, and slightly rotate the cap while inhaling. Enjoy, and clean the banger after to prevent any residue buildup.

Keeping your setup clean is essential for getting smooth hits and fresh flavor.

• Pour out any used water and give the rig a quick rinse with hot water to loosen residue.
• Fill the rig with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) and a few tablespoons of coarse salt. The salt will act as an abrasive to help scrub the inside.
• Cover the openings and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes.
• If needed, let the solution sit for 30-60 minutes if there’s heavy build-up.
• Flush with hot water until it’s clean and free of the alcohol step. Repeat this step if needed.

After heating the banger and placing the concentrate onto the heated surface, place the carb cap over the banger as soon as the concentrate begins to vaporize.

The carp cap helps trap heat and control airflow, allowing the concentrate to vaporize completely. Rotate the carb cap to regulate airflow.

Yes, water is essential in a dab rig, for both glass and electric rigs. It acts as a filtration system that cools down the vapor.

When filling your dab rig, add enough water so that the percolator (or any filtration system) is fully submerged, but not too much so that it splashes into your mouth when you inhale. A good rule of thumb is to fill the rig so that the water level is just above the bottom of the downstem.

Some rigs have different requirements, so adjust the water level accordingly based on your rig’s design.

Glass dab rigs and bongs look and function similarly. However, they are optimized and used for different substances. The main difference between a dab rig and a bong is that dab rigs are generally used for concentrates (wax, shatter, budder, oil, etc) with a banger or dab nail, so that the concentrates are vaporized. A bong is used for combusting dry herbs (weed, flower) in a bowl.

Technically, yes, but it is not recommended. While a dab rig and a bong both use water filtration, they are designed for different materials and experiences.

Dab rigs are intended for wax concentrates, while bongs are designed for dry herbs. Using dry herbs in a dab rig can leave behind ash, tar, and residue that may affect the flavor of your concentrates and require more frequent cleaning.