LEARN HOW TO DAB CONCENTRATES

Learning how to dab offers cannabis enthusiasts like yourself a different way to enjoy the variety of products on the cannabis market today. 

Dabs provide you with a quick and more potent way to get a high dose of THC into your system. 

But if you are unfamiliar with using a dab rig to smoke dabs, it might seem confusing or even dangerous at first. 

No worries, we got you covered.  

As you read, you will learn a few tips for smoking dabs, how to use a rig efficiently to save concentrates, and how to prevent overburning. 

WHAT IS DABBING?

Dabbing is a method of cannabis consumption that involves vaporizing concentrates( also known as “dabs”) at high temperatures and then inhaling the vapor.

This is done mostly using a specialized water pipe called a dab rig (or sometimes an e-rig).

To take a dab, you first heat the nail of your rig to the right temperature using a butane torch and apply a small dab of your chosen concentrate. The intense heat quickly vaporizes the oils, which you then inhale through the mouthpiece.

And since concentrates are super potent (from 60% all the way up to 90% THC), dabbing has become super popular among cannabis users who crave maximum potency.

BASICS ON HOW TO DAB PROPERLY

If you’ve never taken a hit from one before, learning how to use a dab rig might seem intimidating at first. But don’t fret! It's not as complicated as it looks. Follow the step-by-step guide below, and you’ll be set for a smooth first dabbing experience.

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Before you get started, there are a few things you’ll need to have on hand for an optimal experience, including:

• Your dab rig(complete with the banger attached).
• Cannabis concentrate of choice (such as shatter, wax, budder, crumble, or another form).
• A dab tool (a wand to help you scoop and handle the small amount of concentrate you’ll need).
• Water for the chamber of your wax rig.
• A butane torch.
• A MouthPeace filter to protect your lungs

‌With everything you need within reach, you’re ready to go.

Step 2: Prepare your dab setup

• Fill the Water Chamber: Pour enough water into your dab rig to cover the downstem by an inch, but not so much that it splashes when you inhale.
• Attach Your MouthPeace (if using): Slide it onto the rig’s mouthpiece so it fits snugly.
• Scoop Your Concentrate: Use a dab tool to pick up a small dab of your favorite THC concentrates and set it aside. A pea-sized portion is all you need for a start!

Step 3: Heat Your Dab Nail

Using your butane torch, aim the flame on the banger for about 20-30 seconds until it's visibly red hot. If you have an e-nail, just set your desired temperature, and it’s ready to go.

Step 4: Let it Cool

After heating, don’t rush to apply your dab just yet! you will want to let the hot nail cool just a bit. The exact timing will vary depending on the nail material. In most cases, 10 to 30 seconds is good.

You don’t want the nail to be so hot that you scorch the concentrate upon application. Lower temperatures preserve terpenes and will give you a smoother hit without coughing.

Step 5: Apply Your Concentrate

Once your banger is at that sweet spot, take your dab tool and gently place your concentrate onto the heated nail while twirling it slowly to ensure you vaporize every last bit of your concentrate.

As you do, pull air into the chamber to coax the vapor into it. Don’t inhale just yet, though. You should see the water bubble as the base fills with vapor.

Step 6: Inhale Your Hit

Now comes the fun part: It’s time to take your dab hit! Once you have enough vapor in the chamber, gently inhale, drawing the vapor into your lungs.

Use the carb cap to control the airflow by covering and uncovering as needed. And if you are using MouthPeace, lucky for you as you will enjoy a sanitized, smooth, and delicious vapor free of harmful contaminants.

Step 7: Exhale

Exhale immediately while savoring those sweet, terp-rich flavors! You can always take another hit if you are up to it. But remember, concentrates are potent, so take it slow.

Step 8: Clean Up

Once you’re done with a dab, a quick swab of the warm banger with a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol helps keep your gear clean and ready to go for the next session.

DAB TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES YOU NEED

Congratulations, you now know how to dab properly! But as the saying goes, "A craftsman is only as good as his tools." Although dab tech is constantly evolving with newer innovations hitting the market, the basic dab tools and accessories you need for a traditional setup include:

Dab Rig

This specialized water pipe cools down the vapor before it reaches your lungs. It looks similar to a bong, but instead of a traditional bowl for cannabis flower, it has a fitting for a banger (or dab nail). Dab rigs come in all shapes and sizes, but most are fairly small than bongs so as to handle high temperatures comfortably.

Nail or Banger

Your rig’s equivalent of a “bowl” is the dab nail (often a quartz banger). This is where you place your cannabis concentrates for vaporizing. Nails must endure intense heat, so they’re usually made of quartz, titanium, ceramic, or borosilicate glass.

They also come in different sizes—14mm is common—and have male or female connections, so double-check compatibility with your rig.

Carb Cap

If you want to optimize flavor and vapor production, you’ll need a carb cap to regulate the airflow over your concentrate. By placing it on top of a heated nail after dropping in your dab, you can control how much fresh air gets pulled into the rig.

Torch

For a traditional setup, a butane torch or blow torch is the go-to for heating the nail. If you want to skip butane and open flames altogether, you can invest in an e-nail, which lets you dial in exact temperatures electronically.

Dab Tool (Dabber)

Concentrates can be sticky and messy, so a dab tool is vital. Whether it’s made of metal, ceramic, or glass, this handheld wand lets you transfer your small dab of wax, shatter, or live resin onto the hot nail without risking burnt fingers.

Cleaning Supplies

Dab rig hygiene is non-negotiable, so keep Q-tips and isopropyl alcohol handy for cleaning your gear after each session.

COMMON TYPES OF CONCENTRATES USED FOR DABBING

One of the exciting parts of dabbing is the variety of types of concentrates you can try. Each has its own texture, flavor profile, and potency, depending on the extraction process. Here are some popular choices you will find at your local dispensary:

• Shatter: Picture a gold sheet of glass that shatters easily when dropped. Shatter gives it a pure, hard-hitting effect. but on the downside, it can be tricky to handle as the brittle pieces sometimes fly off your dab tool
• Wax: Soft and easy to handle, wax is the middle ground between shatter and budder. It’s creamy and pliable, so loading your dab tool is a breeze even for beginners.
• Live Resin: Imagine capturing the essence of fresh cannabis. Live resin is made by flash freezing cannabis plants before extraction, preserving all those yummy terpenes.
• Budder: Budder is whipped to perfection, resulting in a smooth, buttery consistency. It’s easy to scoop, spread, and control, which is why so many dabbers love it.
• Rosin: Rosin is the all-natural, solvent-free darling of the concentrate world. Made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers, it’s a clean, terpene-rich extract loved by purists.
• Diamonds: Diamonds are all about potency. These crystalline chunks of THC-A are usually paired with terp sauce for a balanced dab. Strong effects and flavor make diamonds a favorite among experienced dabbers.
• Distillate: Distillate is ultra-refined and versatile, mostly found in vape pens or edibles. It lacks terpene richness but delivers strong, clean hits.

UNDERSTANDING DAB RIG TEMPERATURES

One of the biggest and often trickiest parts of learning to dab is hitting the right temperature. But why does it matter? Well, if your nail is too hot, you risk burning off precious terpenes, resulting in a harsher hit. Too cool, and you might not fully vaporize your cannabis concentrates, leading to waste and a weaker experience. Finding a balance is key:

• Low-Temperature Dabs (400°F-500 °F ): We recommend going with low-temperature dabs if you really want to savor every note of those delicious terpenes without scorching them, which is the whole point of smoking dabs.
• Medium-Temperature Dabs (500–550°F): Somewhere in the middle is often the “Goldilocks zone” for many dabbers. You’ll get more vapor production than in low-temp dabs and decent flavor retention without the risk of scorching your concentrate.
• High-Temperature Dabs (Over 600°F): We don’t recommend dabbing at temperatures over 600°F unless you’re in it for the thrill. At this level, most terpenes and cannabinoids are burned off, leaving behind harsh vapor and muted flavors. Plus, excessive heat can damage your quartz nail unless you are using a titanium nail.

How to Get the Perfect Dab Temperature

There are a few strategies you can use to check and control the temperature:

• Timer: Many dabbers rely on a timer: Heat the nail for about 30 seconds, then cool it for 10 –30 secs.
• Infrared temperature gun: For even more accuracy, an infrared temperature gun can give you a real-time reading of the temperature of the surface of your banger.
• Enail: If you want consistent precision, an e-nail or e-rig lets you set and maintain exact heat, making it the easiest option here.
• Hand “feel“: If you don’t have all of the above, experience comes in handy. With practice, you can gauge the nail’s temperature by holding your hand a few inches above it. If it feels warm but not scalding, it’s likely in the right range.

BENEFITS OF DABBING VS OTHER SMOKING METHODS

• Potency: Perhaps the most appealing aspect of dabbing is the potency. Compared to flowers, has 15-25 THC on average, dabs pack an impressive 60-90% THC. This means a dab the size of a grain of rice will hit you hard and fast, perfect if you have a high tolerance or are looking for a more intense high.
• Fewer carcinogens: Secondly, since you are not burning any plant matter like when smoking cannabis flower, doing dabs also means inhaling fewer particulates or carcinogens into your lungs, which appeals to many health-conscious users.
• More Flavor: Dabbing lets you enjoy the smoothest, most flavor-enhanced experience, and you get to taste those sweet terpenes, which is the best part of cannabis!

EXPERT TIPS ON HOW TO DAB LIKE A PRO

• Start low and go slow: Even if you have a high tolerance, it’s wise to begin with a tiny dab. Again, dabs are superpotent than flower, and all you need is a tiny bit to get blazed. And there’s always the option to go back for more.
• Experiment with temperatures: Play around with different heat levels to find the perfect balance of flavor and vapor production for your preferences.
• Use high-quality concentrates: Look for cannabis concentrates from reputable sources or a licensed dispensary. Quality product means fewer impurities and a smoother dabbing experience overall.
• Stay hydrated: Dabbing can leave your throat feeling dry, so keep water or tea nearby to stay refreshed.
• Clean Your Rig Regularly: A clean rig isn’t just about aesthetics but it’s essential for preserving flavor and ensuring every dab tastes as fresh as the first. Wipe down your banger with a q-tip after every session and deep clean your rig weekly.

HOW TO AVOID COMMON DABBING MISTAKES

• Overheating the Nail or Banger: Resist the urge to dab while your nail is glowing red-hot. This burns off terpenes and creates harsh, unpleasant vapor. Always let the nail cool slightly before applying your dab.
• Taking Too Big a Dab: Oversized dabs can be wasteful and overwhelming. Start small and work your way up if needed.
• Inhaling Incorrectly or holding the vapor: You don’t need to hold dab vapor in your lungs. A steady inhale followed by a gentle exhale does the trick. Prolonged holding won’t boost your high; it’ll just irritate your lungs.
• Temperature Control Mistakes: Too high or too low temperatures can ruin your dabbing experience. Use a timer or invest in tools like an infrared thermometer to ensure you’re hitting the right range.

HOW TO USE A MOOSELABS MOUTHPEACE WITH YOUR DAB RIG?

Learning how to use a dab rig is an easy process that quickly becomes second nature once you get the hang of it. 

While using a dab rig is an overall enjoyable experience, you can make each hit even better with the addition of a MouthPeace to your dab rig setup. 

1. Insert the Filter: MooseLabs includes disposable filters. Make sure it’s placed properly inside the MouthPeace.
2. Attach the MouthPeace: Slide it snugly over the mouth end of your rig’s glass.
3. Inhale: Use your rig as normal. The filter will help catch any harmful particles and carcinogens while still allowing smooth airflow.

It’s a small thing, but the extra filtration from the MouthPeace on your oil rig for dabs helps to create better-tasting hits every single time. You’ll quickly find that your dab setups won’t be complete without.

FAQs

What are the common parts of a dab rig?

A standard dab rig includes the rig’s body (with a water chamber), downstem, a banger or dab nail, a mouthpiece, and, although optional, a carb cap.

How do I clean my dab rig properly?

Part of learning how to use a dab rig is learning how to clean it properly. After every session, use a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol to swab your nail while it’s still warm (but not hot). This prevents sticky residue from building up, and your nail is ready for the next session.

We also recommend you give your entire rig a deep clean once a week. Simply detach all removable parts, soak everything in isopropyl alcohol, and scrub any gunk away. Finally, rinse and dry before reassembling.

What are the best cannabis concentrates to dab for beginners?

Wax, budder, or shatter tend to be the easiest to handle. Live resin is also great if you love strong flavor. Try smaller amounts first to see how your body reacts.

How long should I heat the nail for the perfect dab?

It depends on your dab nail material, but generally, 20–30 seconds of heat with a butane torch is enough. Let it cool around 30–45 seconds for a low-temperature dab that preserves terpenes.

Can you dab with a bong?

Yes! You can convert a regular bong into a makeshift dab rig by swapping out the flower bowl for a compatible banger. Just ensure the glass and joint size match and that the dabbing process is similar to that of a regular dab rig.

What does cold start dabbing mean and how do you do it?

Cold start dabbing means placing your cannabis concentrates in the banger first, then gently applying heat until they melt and vaporize. It is also known as “reverse dabbing” or “dabbing cold.”

Because your dab starts to melt at a much lower temperature, it preserves the terpenes, giving you a more flavorful hit than traditional dabbing.

Can you use a vape pen to dab concentrates?

Many vape pen devices work with special concentrate coils or chambers, but not all are suitable for thicker concentrates. Check if your dab pen model supports wax or shatter. If it does, go ahead and load your dab and enjoy.

Can I dab CBD concentrates instead of THC?

Absolutely. CBD concentrates are popular for those who want the possible wellness benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. Simply follow the same dabbing steps.