How to Dab: Step-By-Step for Beginners

In cannabis culture, dabbing is basically the process of vaporizing concentrates like rosin, live resin, or wax at high temperatures and inhaling the resulting vapor.

This method of cannabis consumption isn’t for the faint-hearted! Concentrates, a.k.a dabs, can pack up to 90% THC, while even the strongest flower usually maxes out around 25-31%. You can see the difference!

So, if you want to take your sessions to the next level, continue reading so you too can start enjoying those fat, cloudy, and flavorful dabs that your fellow stoners are enjoying all over the internet.

Essential Equipment for Your Dab Setup

To have a great dabbing experience, you need the right gear in your arsenal. Let’s quickly go over some must-have tools and supplies for your dab setup:

• Rig: This will be your main piece. It’s a small water pipe that resembles a bong, but with a dab attachment that can withstand the high heat required to vaporize concentrates.

• Quartz Banger (or Nail): This is where you’ll put your concentrate for vaporization. It resembles a tiny bucket or scoop for baby formula and replaces the bowl on a bong.

• Dab Tool (a.k.a. Dabber): This little metal spatula is what you’ll use to scoop up your concentrate and drop it onto the banger.

• Torch or E-Nail: As you might have guessed, you will need a butane torch to heat the nail. We recommend a powerful blowtorch (such as a blazer or similar) that can heat the entire banger, rather than just one area.

• Water: Don’t forget to add some tap water to cool your hits, just like you would with a bong.

• Concentrates: Pick your favorite! If you’re unsure where to start, take a moment to read through our guide to the different types of cannabis concentrates.

• Carb Cap: You’ll also need a carb cap of some sort, whether it’s a bubble cap or a spinner cap. This little accessory sits on top of your banger, creating a vacuum that maximizes vaporization, giving you more bang for your buck.

• Cotton Swabs + Isopropyl Alcohol: Finally, grab some cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning after your sesh.

And that wraps up your dabbing 101! Now that you’re equipped with the basics, let’s jump into the action in the next section.

How to Dab Properly: Beginner-Friendly

1. Prepare Your Dab Rig

First things first, make sure you have everything set up. Attach the banger and fill your rig with enough water to cover the downstem by half an inch and any percolator slits, if present.

Next, scoop a small amount of concentrate and set it aside for later. A piece about the size of a grain of rice is enough for your first dab, so you don’t end up too high right off the bat, especially if it’s your first time.

Pro Tip: A good way to check if the water level is just right is to take a dry inhale through the mouthpiece. You should hear a nice bubbling sound. If water splashes into your mouth, pour some out. If it’s too quiet, add a bit more water.

2. Heat the Nail

Now fire up that torch! Heat the bottom and sides of your banger evenly by moving the torch in a circular motion. Do this for about 45-60 seconds, or until it starts glowing a deep red.

Safety Tip: Always point the torch away from yourself and others. Trust me, nobody wants to deal with singed eyebrows (seriously, who would?). Safety first!

3. Allow the Nail to Cool

Now this step is essential. Let the banger cool down for about 30-45 minutes. The trick is to aim for a sweet spot temperature-wise, for a low-temp dab that does not scorch the terpenes of your concentrates.

Not waiting for the banger to cool is a classic rookie mistake. Your throat will feel like you’ve lit the torch and pointed it straight into your mouth.

Pro Tip: A simple way to check if the banger is ready is to hover your hand about an inch or two above it. If it feels like a furnace, it’s too hot and will fry your lungs. You want it to feel warm—that’s the sweet spot for a flavourful experience.

4. Apply Your Concentrate

With your Dabber holding your concentrate, place your mouth on the rig’s mouthpiece and inhale slowly. Touch the Dabber to the inside of the hot banger.

Rotate the dab tool slowly and let all the concentrate melt off. The warm surface will do the work. Once it’s all in, remove the tool and set it aside on a heat-safe surface, as the tip will be hot.

5. Cover with Carb Cap and Inhale Vapor

Immediately put your carb cap on top of the banger. This traps the heat and vapor. Use your finger to cover and uncover the hole on the cap to control the airflow.

Inhale until no more vapor is forming. Exhale. You might cough a little. That’s normal for your first time. Now, you can critique whether it was too hot for you or not. That’s the best way to dial in the perfect temperature for your next dab.

Then, my friend, you have successfully taken a dab. Congrats!

Pro tip: If the dab isn’t disintegrating with a slight sizzle, it’s probably not hot enough. But if it evaporates instantly in a millisecond, it’s way too hot. It should pool at the bottom of the banger for a little while to allow for a slow dab.

6. Clean Your Rig

After each dab, you’ll likely see a small puddle of leftover oil. Wipe that up with a dry cotton swab while the banger is still warm. Next, grab another Q-tip dipped in ISO alcohol to clean off any stubborn residue. This helps prevent buildup and keeps every dab tasting fresh.

|Related read: How to dab with a terp slurper

Mastering Dabbing Temperature

To truly enjoy a good dab, temperature is key, and it may take some trial and error to find your sweet spot. Here’s a quick guide:

Low-Temp Dabbing (400-500°F)

Dabbing at lower temps helps preserve those terpenes, and you get the best taste and smoothest vapor. You get all the benefits of the cannabinoids without that harsh, burnt feeling. This is the most flavorful way to dab.

Medium-Temp Range (500-600°F)

This range strikes a nice balance of flavor and produces large vapor clouds. You get a strong effect and a thick cloud that still tastes pretty good. It’s a sweet spot for many.

Why High-Temp Dabbing Isn’t Recommended

Dabbing above 600°F can scorch your concentrate and ruin the flavor, and give you a harsh, burnt hit that can irritate your lungs.

Even worse, studies show that dabbing at these high temperatures can produce harmful compounds like methacrolein, which is a toxic irritant. At temperatures over 950°F, you could also produce significant amounts of benzene, a carcinogen.

Common Dabbing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even veteran dabbers stumbled along the way when they were starting, but here’s how you can avoid those rookie mistakes.

Overheating Your Banger

This is the most common mistake. Dabbing on a bright red banger can ruin the flavor and result in a harsh hit.

Solution? Just be patient. After heating your quartz banger, let it cool down for a second. Try heating for 45 seconds, then wait 45-60 seconds. Adjust from there until you find your sweet spot.

Taking Big Dabs

Concentrates are potent, and jumping in with a giant glob can be an unpleasant experience.

Always start with a dab the size of a grain of rice. If you want more, you can always take another dab. But once you take too big a dab, there’s no going back. Take it slow.

Not Cleaning

Old residue can burn and ruin the flavor of your fresh dabs. Plus, it can damage your banger over time.

So make it a habit to clean your banger after every dab. A quick swipe with a cotton swab while it’s still warm is all it takes. It only takes 10 seconds, but it makes a big difference.

Inhaling Too Hard

You don’t need to use all your lung power to hit a dab. Pulling too hard can cause the oil to splash up the sides of the banger or even into the neck, wasting your concentrate, not to mention giving you a coughing fit. A gentle inhale creates a nice vortex inside the banger with your carb cap, vaporizing everything efficiently.

How to Use a Mooselabs Mouthpeace With Your Dab Rig?

Want to elevate your dabbing and maintain your health? The Mooselabs MouthPeace is a total game-changer for any serious dabber. This ingenious filter accessory attaches directly to your dab rig’s mouthpiece, filtering out tar and resin while allowing the terpenes, THC, and CBD to shine through.

With triple-layer activated carbon filters, it removes contaminants without compromising the potency or flavor of your vapor.

It’s super easy to use! Just slide the tapered end of the MouthPeace over your dab rig’s mouthpiece before you hit. As you inhale, the vapor travels through the triple-layer carbon filter, and your hit will feel way smoother.

You’ll be blown away at how much gunk the filter catches that would otherwise end up in your lungs. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing your rig with friends without worrying about passing around germs. It’s a simple add-on to your setup, and you’ll soon realize your dab sessions won’t be complete without it.

FAQs:

How can I smoke dabs without a dab rig?

If you don’t have a dab rig, you can use vape pens, dab pens, or even add small amounts to cannabis flower in a regular bong to smoke dabs. E-rigs and portable vape devices work great for travel.

How Potent Are Cannabis Concentrates?

Very potent! Most range from 60% to 90% THC, compared to 15–25% in flower. A little goes a long way.

What temperature should I dab at?

Temperatures between 450°F and 550°F are ideal for achieving optimal flavor and smoothness. Avoid high temperatures over 600°F.

How do I use a dab pen?

Dab pens are simple – load a small amount of concentrate, press the button to heat, and inhale. They’re perfect for beginners who want to avoid torches.

Can you dab with a bong?

Yes! Just replace your bong’s bowl with a compatible banger or nail. Any water pipe can be converted into a dab rig with the right attachments.

What does cold start dabbing mean?

Cold-start dabbing means placing your concentrate in a room-temperature banger, then heating it together. It gives you more control over temperature and prevents overheating.

How should I clean my dab rig after sessions?

Use Q-tips and isopropyl alcohol while the banger is slightly warm. For deep cleaning, soak glass parts in alcohol and use pipe cleaners for tough spots. Clean gear always hits better!