Not to be confused with the 2015 viral dancing fad, dabbing is one of the most notable innovations in concentrate consumption in recent years—and you can’t really do a dab without a dab rig. These vaporizing devices provide an efficient way to enjoy cannabis extracts and have become the go-to choice for those seeking a more potent experience without the harsh smoke.
But how do dab rigs work? Can you use any type of concentrate in them? Once you buy a dab rig, how do you maintain it? Whether you’re well-versed in dabbing or can’t tell your banger from your carb cap, there’s so much to explore in the wide world of dab rigs. So, we broke it all down for you.
Learn everything there is to know about dab rigs and find the best device for you—and some tasty concentrates, too—the next time you visit your local dispensary.
What Is a Dab Rig?
Concentrates will liquefy or melt when heated, making them generally unsuitable for regular pipes or water bongs. The specialized design of dab rigs allows consumers to heat concentrates properly and inhale them in the most efficient way possible.
Dab rigs are similar to water bongs in terms of design, but the philosophy behind them is vastly different since rigs are geared toward vaping concentrates rather than smoking flower. You can use a dab rig to consume almost every kind of cannabis extract, including oils, temple balls, butter, rosin, and more.
When Was the Dab Rig Invented?
Many of us have just recently heard of dab rigs. However, the concept of dabbing has been around for decades—dabbing is essentially the sophisticated version of the legendary “hot knifing” method.
Back in the day, crafty cannasseurs would heat two metal knives until red hot and then press a small amount of hash or cannabis concentrate between them. They would then inhale the resulting vapor directly or through a makeshift funnel. This method was popular in the 1970s and ’80s before the legalization of cannabis and the now booming rig market.
The first real development in the space came with the invention of the dab nail and glass dome. You could say dab nails are the grandparents of bangers, while glass domes are less common nowadays—although carb caps serve the same purpose. The dome fits over the heated nail and helps trap the vapor, directing it through the rig’s mouthpiece for inhalation.
With all its bells and whistles, the modern dab rig became mainstream in the mid-to-late 2010s to complement the explosion of concentrates. Today, you can find dab rigs with tons of extra accessories and unique features.
How Does a Dab Rig Work?
Dab rigs are used to “cook” your concentrates to perfection and vaporize them at just the right temperature for maximum enjoyment. Some are more high-tech than others, with many devices offering multiple temperature and lighting options, among other customizable features.
There are all kinds of dab rigs for both beginners and experienced users, but they all work in a similar fashion.
What Is Dabbing vs Smoking?
Dabbing and smoking are similar only in the sense that you inhale your cannabis product. Smoking involves burning cannabis material to release its desired cannabinoids—this is not only wasteful since high temperatures destroy a lot of the plant’s other valuable compounds, but smoking anything can be unhealthy and irritating to your lungs.
Dabbing, on the other hand, is a form of vaporization. This method typically involves heating the banger to temperatures between 315°F and 440°F, which allows the cannabinoids and terpenes in the concentrate to vaporize and be inhaled rather than burn off. This way, more molecules of the substances are preserved, providing an overall higher-quality experience.
Studies have shown that dabbing can be more efficient in delivering THC to the lungs compared to smoking, with fewer cannabinoids being destroyed in the process.
Are Dabs Smelly?
Due to the lower temperatures used when dabbing, the smell from the resulting vapor tends to be much milder and less lingering than if you were to smoke flower. As for the taste, many concentrates can take on the nuances of whichever strain they were made from, so dabbing can create a rather fresh and flavorful hit.
The Anatomy of a Dab Rig
Dab rigs are simple gadgets at their core, and you can find an endless variety of them in all shapes and sizes, including models inspired by animals, space, TV shows, and much more. But despite all the differences in form, all dab rigs feature the same parts:
- Body: The body is the main structure, usually made of glass, and it holds the water that cools and filters the vapor.
- Banger: The banger is the bowl where you place your concentrate. A quartz banger is a popular upgrade from old-timey nails since the material can retain heat better and is less likely to break.
- Carb Cap: While not mandatory, a carb cap is recommended. It covers the banger and helps you capture and inhale more vapor.
- Dabber Tool: Used to place the concentrate into the nail or banger and to move it around as it heats up. Dabber tools come in different materials and shapes to serve specific concentrates—a scoop or spoon is ideal for softer, more sticky concentrates like budder or oil, while a pointed or grabber-like dabber works best for harder concentrates like shatter or terp balls.
- Water chamber: This chamber is located on the main body of the dab rig. It cools the vapor and filters impurities as you inhale.
- Mouthpiece: The opening at the top of the rig is where you inhale the vapor. The mouthpiece of a dab rig is much smaller than a typical bong, as it’s designed to deliver the vapor more efficiently.
- Torch: Although not part of a dab rig, a butane torch is essential for heating the banger to the right temperature.
- Percolators (optional): Percolators enhance filtration and cooling, making the vapor smoother by increasing contact with the water.
- E-nail (optional): E-nails are optional, high-end plug-ins for your dab rig that allow you to set and maintain a specific temperature for heating your concentrate. They’re handy if you’d prefer not to use a butane torch.
How To Use a Dab Rig
Dab rigs—and the tools needed to operate them—may seem a little intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of them, they quickly become second nature. Here’s how to properly use a dab rig for the best possible experience:
- Fill the water chamber: Pour water into the rig’s chamber. Ensure it’s at the right level to provide smooth filtration without splashing into your mouth when inhaling.
- Heat the banger: Use a butane torch to heat the banger until it’s hot. This usually takes around 20 – 30 seconds.
- Allow it to cool down: Let it cool for about 30 – 45 seconds to bring it to the optimal temperature for dabbing. Do not skip this cooling period because (a) you don’t want to burn your concentrate, and (b) you don’t want to burn your lungs.
- Apply the concentrate: Use your dabber tool to pick up a small amount of concentrate—about the size of a grain of rice. Place the concentrate onto the heated banger while slowly inhaling through the rig’s mouthpiece. Rotate the dabber to cook your concentrate better.
- Use the carb cap: If you have a carb cap, place it over the nail or banger after applying the concentrate. This helps to trap the heat and vapor, allowing for a smoother hit. Adjust the airflow by lifting or rotating the carb cap as you inhale.
- Inhale and enjoy: Inhale the vapor slowly and steadily through the mouthpiece, then exhale.
That’s it! Now you know how to properly use a dab rig for all kinds of concentrates.
How To Clean a Dab Rig
Cleaning a dab rig right after each use is key to maintaining your device and boosting your overall experience. Residue buildup can drastically reduce the quality of your dabs, not to mention the ever-present danger of bacteria and mold growing inside the sitting water.
Materials
- 1 cup 99% isopropyl alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup coarse salt
- Funnel
- Microfiber cloth
Steps
- Scrub old residue buildup: Use an alcohol-soaked cotton swab to scrub the hard-to-reach areas of your dab rig manually.
- Mix the cleaning solution: Combine one cup of isopropyl alcohol, one cup of warm water, and half a cup of coarse salt and stir.
- Disassemble and fill: Remove any glass attachments from your dab rig. Pour the cleaning solution into the rig’s chamber using a funnel.
- Seal and shake vigorously: Cover the rig’s openings with a plastic bag or your hands and shake vigorously to start breaking down the residue.
- Soak: Let the solution soak in the rig for at least 30 – 60 minutes or overnight for a deeper clean.
- Clean detailed parts: While the rig soaks, use cotton swabs and the alcohol to clean smaller parts like the nail, mouthpiece, and carb cap.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse the rig and its parts thoroughly with warm water. Avoid extreme temperatures to prevent glass damage. Dry everything with a microfiber cloth and let it air dry completely before the next use.
Fill Up Your Rig With Green Goods
If you enjoy the finer things in life, dabbing offers a great way to consume high-quality cannabis extracts from a unique device. With the right equipment, a bit of practice, and regular maintenance, you can elevate your sessions and make the most of your concentrate experience.
Ready to explore the vast world of dabbing and try a few tasty dabs? Stop by any one of our family of dispensaries to restock your stash box and ask our friendly budtenders which ones you should try next! Check out our Minneapolis and Baltimore menus to explore the wide variety of concentrates we have in stock now.
Have any other questions about dab rigs or other cannabis-related topics? Head to our informative blog, or just drop us a line—we’re always here to help!
