Dab Rig
Definition: A dab rig is a small water pipe designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates. Instead of a bowl for flower, it has a nail or banger that you heat and then touch a dab of concentrate to. The vapor passes through water to cool it before you inhale. Dab rigs are the classic tool for dabbing.
What Are the Parts of a Dab Rig?
- Nail or banger: the heated surface where the concentrate vaporizes, usually quartz, titanium, or ceramic
- Carb cap: a cover placed over the nail to trap heat and control airflow
- Water chamber and percolator: cool and filter the vapor
- Joint: the fitting that connects the nail to the rig
- Mouthpiece: where you inhale
How Do You Use a Dab Rig?
- Fill the rig with enough water to cover the percolator.
- Heat the nail with a torch, then let it cool briefly to your target temperature.
- Touch a small dab of concentrate to the nail with a dab tool while inhaling slowly.
- Place the carb cap over the nail to finish vaporizing the dab.
Electronic nails (e-nails) and all-in-one e-rigs skip the torch and hold a set temperature.
What Is the Difference Between a Dab Rig and a Bong?
Both are water pipes, but a bong is built for burning flower in a bowl and usually has a larger chamber to cool smoke. A dab rig is smaller, uses a nail instead of a bowl, and is designed to keep vapor dense and flavorful over a short path. You can swap a bong’s bowl for a nail, but dedicated rigs generally perform better.
How Do You Clean a Dab Rig?
Change the water after each session. Swab the nail with isopropyl alcohol while it’s warm (not hot), and soak the rig in isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt regularly to remove residue.
Related terms: Dabbing, Nectar Collector, Concentrates, Wax Pen
Sources: Meehan-Atrash J et al., “Toxicant Formation in Dabbing: The Terpene Story,” ACS Omega, 2017; NIDA: Cannabis Concentrates DrugFacts.
