The concept of using a dab rig or oil rig has been gaining more and more traction as the hobby heats up. But if you’ve never used one before, it can be confusing and even dangerous to use a dab rig or dab pipe without fully knowing and understanding the right way. Today, we’ll take you through the basics of how to use a dab rig and break down the process into nine easy-to-follow steps. We’ll help you get your dab rig set up properly. Let’s get started.
What Is a Dab Rig?
First things first: What is a dab rig? A dab rig (also known as an oil rig or dab pipe) is very similar in appearance and design to a glass water pipe. However, dab rigs are designed specifically for the consumption of oils.
What Will I Need for a Good Dab Rig Setup?
Looking for that ideal dab rig setup? The following are just a few things you’ll need to make sure you have your dab rig set up correctly every time.
- Dab rig
- Cheap mini bubblers
- Rag or alcohol swab
- Dab nail
- Hand torch
- Bowl of water
- Tongs
- Oil concentrate
How to Use A Dab Rig
Now that you have everything you need for an ideal dab rig setup, let’s go over the simple steps of using your new dab rig.
Water The Chamber
Begin by adding water to the chamber of your dab rig. Try blowing into the dab rig down stem to ensure that you’re able to make the water bubble. If water begins to splash up into your mouth, pour some out.
Season Your Dab Nail
You’ll always want to season quartz nails or titanium dab nails. Brand-new nails are made of fresh materials that contain trace elements of a multitude of natural minerals (metals). When heated, the dab nail’s pores will leach out these metals. So, a nail left unseasoned can emit an unpleasant metal taste into the vapors you’re about to inhale. Seasoning a dab nail helps to fill the pores with carbon from burnt oils, therefore stopping the leaching.
To season, place the dab nail in the rig and heat it with your dab torch until you start to see the nail turn red. Then, use your dabber to apply essential oil concentrate over the dab nail’s head. Once the dab rig nail is fully coated, use tongs to remove it and place it into a bowl of water. Repeat this process at least three times before using your new dab nail for the first time.
Prep Your Dab
Take your dabber (also known as a wand) and pick up a small amount of herbal concentrate. Remember, a little goes a long way with this method of consumption. Set this aside for a minute.
Heat the Dab Rig Nail
Now, take your hand torch and heat up the dab nail, making sure that the flame is pointed away from the dab rig at all times. Otherwise, the heat may crack the glass. Heat until the nail is red hot. Once the nail stops glowing, wait for about 45 seconds.
