You should always be prepared when it comes to dabbing. Dabbing is a fun way to use concentrates, and there is a process! This guide will give you all the info on what dabbing tools you need and how it all works.
What is Dabbing?
Dabbing is a way to partake in the joy of the plant without just lighting a joint or bong. When you dab, you vaporize your favorite concentrates through a hot flame, using a banger, a dab tool, and carb caps. It's a process that can be somewhat scary to others, but hopefully, we can make it easier for you. The first thing you should know when it comes to dabbing is everything you need to make it work.
Essential Dabbing Accessories You Need
The Dab Rig
- A dab rig is one of the first things you are going to need. They come in an assortment of different colors and styles. You will pair this will a few more essential things for the perfect hit. Make sure to fill your dab rig with water above the percolator or diffuser for optimal performance, filtration, and vaporization.
The Nail
- Next, you will need a dab nail or banger. This is the piece you place your dab directly into to be vaporized. Dab bangers can come in different materials and designs. You can find them in titanium, quartz, glass, and ceramic. Each of these materials has its pros and cons but a dab nail of any type is required for vaporization in the dabbing process.
The Torch
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Your dab torch is an important part of the dabbing process. This is how you heat your dab nail to the optimal temperature. You will ignite your flame and heat your nail for at least 30 seconds, allowing for 10-15 seconds of cooling before adding your product. You will always want to torch your banger evenly on all sides, no matter the style of the banger, for even burn and vaporization.
Keep in mind torches are still warm after use and need to be out of the way to prevent accidental burns.
Carb Caps
- Carb Caps are your next essential accessory. A carb cap is used to cap the top of the banger and create an airtight seal that allows for ample airflow and vaporization with your concentrates. Without a carb cap, your product will not vaporize correctly, and you will waste more than you smoke. Carb Caps come in a number of styles, sizes, and designs to fit whatever banger you may have. If you are using inserts like a terp pearl, using an auto spinner cap will help move those pearls vs a non-spinner cap.
Dabbers
- Last but not least, you will want a dabber. A dabber tool helps keep everything clean and mess free when picking up and placing your product from the jar to the heated banger. Dabber tools come in different materials and different styles for different types of concentrates. Whichever your preference we recommend a dab tool regardless as they lend a helping hand in the dabbing process.
Optional Accessories to Elevate Your Dabbing Experience
Dab Mats
- Although not essential, you can also find accessories like a dab mat! Dab mats help keep your dabbing area clean and keep that sticky dab off your other surfaces. Dab mats are easy to clean and allow a space for you to lay your accessories on without fear of them getting dabs on everything else in sight. Dab mats are also used as a space to place and stabilize your dab rig as well as the other tools you have used.
Dab Containers
- Dab containers help keep your concentrates fresh and clean. It is proven if you keep your dabs sealed in a proper container that they will stay fresher longer, and it keeps any floating debris out of your product.
E-Nails
- An enail while it is not required for dabbing can be a nice, fun accessory to play with. Enails remove the need for a torch and heat up on their own using an electric battery or coil to vaporize instead of a hot flame.
How to Use Dab Tools: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation
- For prep, make sure your dabbing station is clean and clear, and you have all your accessories ready for use. Fill your rig with clean water, and make sure you have clean tools. Place your dab nail in the joint of your rig and you are ready to begin.
The Dabbing Process
- The dabbing process itself is simple once you get the hang of it. First start by torching your dab nail for at least 30 seconds and allow for slight cooling. Grab your dab tool and scoop a small dab of concentrates and place into the heated banger. Cap your banger with a carb cap and start to inhale. As you inhale your concentrates will swirl and vaporize inside the banger allowing you to inhale and pull the vapor through the rig. Exhale and enjoy the immediate effects that concentration can bring you.
Cleaning Your Dab Tools
- After you complete your dab, make sure to ISO dunk or swab out your warm but cooled banger and wipe off your dabber and carb cap. This prevents residue buildup and keeps your products clean and maintained for a longer life span.
Tips and Tricks for a Better Dabbing Experience
Temperature Control
Different bangers can use different temperatures, especially if they are different styles. A heat gun or temp device can help control your temperature better and allow for less waste and a bigger taste. If you don't have a temp gun, a trick to see how hot your banger is is to put a non-used q tip into your heated banger. If it instantly turns black, it's too hot. If you just barely see a color change in the q tip, it is cool enough to dab. Cold starting also gives you better control when it comes to temperature, but it is recommended that you adjust your temps accordingly to your preference as each dabber is different some prefer low temp, and others like them hot!
Choosing Quality Concentrates
Pick quality concentrates! Just like accessories, all concentrates are not created equal. Some concentrates are made to pack more of a punch than others. Do your research in terms of quality and flavor, and don't be afraid to ask questions to find your favorite concentrates!
Safety First: Best Practices for Dabbing
Responsible Consumption
Be responsible when it comes to dabbing. Know your limitations and when you have had enough vs overconsuming. Overconsumption can have negative results if you are not an experienced user. Check the laws in your state, as each state is different, and some states still consider dabs and herbs to be illegal.
Health and Safety Tips
Overall make sure you are paying attention to what you are doing when you dab. Dabs require the use of a hot flame, and this can melt things or burn you if you are not paying attention or dabbing with clutter and little space. Keep your tools and space clean to prevent contamination and accidents from happening.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overheating the Nail
There is no need to heat a dab nail red hot unless you are using titanium. Overheating your dab nail can cause it to break down faster and become weaker. It can cause chazzing of your product and create micro cracks that lead to cracks and breaks down the road.
Using the Wrong Tools
Be sure you are using the proper tools for your dabbing experience as well. Because bangers and carb caps are each made differently, how they fit with each other can be different too. Beveled edge bangers work better with round carb caps and marbles vs flat tops. Spinner/Vortex caps ensure your inserts and product moves properly within the banger.
Improper Storage of Concentrates
It is recommended to keep your concentrates in a sealed jar in a cool, dark space. This keeps your concentrates fresher, longer, and out of the way of getting contaminated with debris.
Where to Buy Quality Dab Tools
Honeybee Herb’s Top Picks
Honeybee Herb has quality products for a quality price and has a ton of fan favorites to choose from. From our quartz whirlwind banger to our resin dab tools, to our dab accessory kit. We have all the products you would need to make your dabbing experience great!
Trusted Online Retailers
Don't be afraid to read reviews and do your research with online retailers. It is better to get quality products from a quality company with a good reputation vs getting something cheap that may not hold up as well or last as long.
FAQs
Dabbing requires the use of a torch flame, banger, and carb cap to vaporize your product versus traditional smoking, which involves lighting a joint or bong.
Essentials for dabbing include a rig, torch, banger, carb cap, and dab tool.
You can choose from various styles of dab nails, with new ones frequently being developed. If you want a simple and easy option, a good bucket-style banger is recommended. For those who love to experiment, a terp slurper offers a unique experience.
Yes, portable options like our travel kit or banger kit make it easy to store and travel with your dabs. Electric dabbing devices are also excellent for portable use.
