You Guide on How to Use a Dab Rig & How They Work as a Beginner

Using a dab rig is not a walk in the park, but it becomes easier with proper guidance. This guide tells you all you need to know about rigs—what they are, how they work, and how to choose the right one for you. 

Without wasting time, let’s get to it!

What is a Dab Rig

An essential component of your dabbing setup is your dab rig, also called a wax rig or oil rig. These small, simple water pipes can contain a dab nail rather than a bowl slide.

They are made from various materials. This lets you use different percolators, filters, and more. Overall, we can call it a type of water pipe specially made to help you get the best out of your concentrates. 

In terms of design, dab rigs sport a smaller and simple design. You commonly have one or two small percolators and a single water chamber. In addition, the mouthpieces are narrow and angled, making it easier to hit them from a fixed position. 

How to Use a Dab Rig (Parts & Setup Steps)

Yes, a dab rig has various moving parts and techniques. But not to worry, using one can be pretty easy once you know your way around it. The components of a fully functional dabbing rig setup include;

• - A dab rig
• - Quartz banger (or other dab nails)
• - Carb cap
• - Butane torch
• - Concentrates
• - Dab tool
• - Laser thermometer, stopwatch, or timer (optional)

Follow the Steps Below to Use Your Dab Rig Setup;

1. Start by filling your rig to the water line.
2. Slide the banger into your rig. 
3. Using a butane torch, apply heat evenly to the nail surface until sufficiently hot. With the stopwatch method, you can allow heating until it is red hot and leave it to cool for 45-50 seconds. Alternatively, a laser thermometer can set the right temperature before taking your dab. 
4. With the best dab temp detected, drop your concentrates into the hot nail using a dab tool. Follow this up immediately by capping the hot nail with the carb cap. 
5. Ensure the even distribution of the concentrates across the nail by spinning the carb cup on the top. 
6. Sip from the mouthpiece. Pull the vapor into your lungs until you fully vaporize your concentrate. 
7. Leave the nail for some minutes to allow it to cool down. You can hit the cool nail with a bit of isopropyl alcohol. You can also use a cotton swab to keep it clean and ready for the next dab. 

How to Choose the Right Dab Rig

Look out for the following when shopping for your next dab rig:

• Mouthpiece

The ideal dab rig should have a small, narrow mouthpiece similar to a bendy straw. You want a mouthpiece that can sip rather than rip, and an angled mouthpiece is the best for the job. 

• Heavy-Duty Borosilicate Glass 

Go for a dab rig made with glass instead of silicone. Dab rigs made with heavy-duty borosilicate glass are known to hold up to heat excellently. Also, the glass is easy to clean. Unlike silicone, it doesn’t add foreign flavors to your concentrates. 

• Joint size

The ideal dab rig has a joint size of 10mm. This is small enough to prevent oxygen permeation. If you are going for a different size, ensure that the joint on the nail and the one on the dab rig have the same size. A male rig also goes with a female nail, and vice-versa. 

• Percolators

The best dab rig should have a single chamber and no more than two percolators. The longer your vapor travels to your lungs, the more flavor and potency you lose. Go for something simple and small. 

• Size

The best dab rigs are small. You want your vapor to travel the shortest distance to your lungs. This keeps all the taste and flavor. Small dab rigs have a tiny mouthpiece and joint. They have no more than two percolators. They are excellent and will give you the best dabbing experience. 

What is the Difference Between a Dab Rig and a Bong?

There are a number of them, but the size is the biggest.

Bongs for flowers are designed to be bigger than dabs rig. They also have a bigger joint size and a wider mouthpiece. Also, bongs have more than one water chamber and percolators or filters. They cool and filter smoke from the flower.

Dab rigs are made to keep the distance your dab vapor travels short. Dab rigs also cool and filter smoke, but they are overall simpler and smaller. The mouthpieces are smaller to allow easy sipping.