Dab tools, also referred to as dabbers, are tools that are used to load your concentrate, waxes, and oils into your banger. Dab tools can come in different materials, sizes, and shapes.
If you want to learn more about dab tools, keep reading, and you will learn all about having a dab tool, what to do, how to use it, and how to clean it. Then you can find your perfect tool and dab in style.
What is a Dab Tool?
A dab tool is a tool used to handle and apply concentrates to a heated surface, such as a dab nail or banger. These tools are also known as dabbers, dab wands, dab holders, concentrate tools, wax tools, dab sticks, or dab picks. While coming in wide varieties, a dab tool allows you to pick up your concentrate and easily place it into your dab nail of choice.
Whether you believe in using dab tools or not, they allow you to move your concentrate to and from with ease and without worrying about wasting it.
What Are Dab Tools Made From?
Dab tools can be made out of a multitude of things, including quartz, glass, titanium, ceramic, and even wood. The designs and styles of these tools are limitless, and there's no doubt you will find one to match your style.
Here is a comparison of the materials:
Material |
Heat Resistance |
Durability |
Ease of Use |
Price |
Quartz |
High |
Fragile |
Easy |
Moderate |
Glass |
Moderate |
Fragile |
Easy |
Varies |
Titanium |
High |
Excellent |
Easy |
Higher |
Ceramic |
High |
Good |
Easy |
Moderate |
All in all, the preference is up to you. Glass is more cost-effective; titanium is probably the most commonly used and is a heat conductor. Quartz and ceramic both offer a clean and durable dab tool. Whatever your choice may be they are all easy to clean and good to have in your essentials.
Different Types of Dab Tools: What's Their Purpose?
Different Dab Tools have slightly different designs while still sharing the same primary purpose: to get your dab successfully into your banger. Some dabbers are better used for different consistencies of concentrates, amongst a few other factors.
Now we'll talk about some of the most popular dab tools and what concentrates they're used for___
- Carb Cap Dabber. A carp cap dabber is a dual-use dab tool. It functions as both a dab tool and a carb cap. The dab tool is on one end, and the carb cap is on the other. These can come in quartz, Glass, and titanium.
- Fork Dabber. A fork dabber tool is a dab tool that looks like a mini fork. Typically a fork dabber tool does not have as many teeth as a regular fork, but the similarity is how it got its name. This dab tool can be used to manipulate your concentrate easily.
- Sword Dab Tool. A sword dab tool is typically made from Glass or titanium and has a sword-like design. This tool helps you easily pick up and place your dabs. This tool may not be best suited for crumble or sugar as it may be harder to transfer the product to and from.
- Dab Claw Dabber. The dab claw dabber is actually considered to be an accessory. It is slender and sleek, with three metal prongs at the bottom creating a claw. When you push down on the top button, the claw extends to grab and then pulls back in when released. This is good to pick up inserts and loose product like crumble.
How Do You Decide Which Dab Tool Is Best For You?
When it comes to choosing a dab tool, you need to consider this: can it pick up concentrate with ease, what material you prefer, and how to care for it to keep it nice in the long run?
There are so many options and styles of dab tools to choose from. As we mentioned before, dabbers can be made of different materials in different shapes and sizes. It really comes down to what will work best for your sesh.
So with so many choices to choose from, how do you know which tool is best for you and your dabbing needs?
Consider the following factors:
- Concentrate preference: Concentrate preference is a big deal when choosing a dab tool. A dab tool with a scoop on the end is good for loose crumbles and, sugary waxes, even diamonds. A pointed or flat dab tool would be more ideal for budder, shatter, and rosin.
- Frequency of dabbing: If you are a daily dabber, consider how much you are going to use the dab tool. A dab tool that is going to be durable and long-lasting is ideal when you dab consistently.
- Price range: Dab tools, because of their various designs, can be more cost-effective, and others can be pricey. Do you want to invest in an aesthetic, or do you want to invest in quality are things to consider as far as price.
- Flavor preference: If you are into concentrates for the flavor? Consider quartz which can give an overall cleaner taste compared to a titanium which may have a metaled flavor.
- Versatility and add-ons: Searching for an all-in-one dab tool, it may be best to consider a combo tool that comes equipped with a cap and a dab tool with one on each end, creating a versatile and dual-action tool.
Are you interested in learning more about how to select the best dab tools? This article might be helpful to you.
How Do I Use a Dab Tool?
Using a dabber tool is easy, starting with step one:
- Heat the banger. Use a butane torch to heat the banger until it reaches the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for dabbing is between 350 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Apply the concentrate to the banger. Next, using your dab tool, you are going to scoop your preferred amount of product on your tool and transfer it from the container to your ready-to-go heated banger.
- Cover the banger with a carb cap. Then, cover your banger with a carb cap of your choice, or if using a dual tool, flip your dab tool to the carb cap and cap it quickly.
- Inhale the vapor. Last but not least, you are going to inhale gently and allow your concentrate to be evenly distributed and vaporized, and then exhale slowly, getting a clean and easy hit.
- Exhale the vapor. After you have inhaled the vapor, exhale it slowly.
How Do I Clean My Dabbers?
If you prefer to keep your dab tools in top condition and get longer-lasting use out of them, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare a cleaning solution: Fill a jar or cup with isopropyl alcohol, hot soapy water, or a cleaning solution of your choice.
- Soak the dabber: Place the concentrate tool or dab tool into the cleaning mixture and let it soak for easy cleaning.
- Scrub gently: After your tool has had time to soak, scrub gently with a Q-tip or scrubb brush to remove any extra concentrate remaining on your tool.
- Rinse thoroughly: When you think your tool is clean, rinse it with hot water, dry it with a clean towel, or let it air dry and put it away for the next sesh.
Dab tools are an essential part of dabbing and are always good to have when a sesh breaks out. Following these guidelines can help you choose what is right for you and how to make it last.