TL;DR
- Banger: 90° for most rigs; 45° if your joint is angled. Go quartz for clean flavor.
- Cap & Tools: Carb cap + dab tool = airflow control + easy loading. Pearls optional but fun.
- Torch: Reliable, adjustable flame. Or go e-nail for set-it-and-forget-it temps.
- Storage: Non-stick containers for concentrates; case for tools & torch.
- Clean: Q-tip after every dab; deep clean weekly. Happy quartz, happy terps.
- Shop Dab Rigs • Quartz Bangers • Carb Caps • Dab Tools
New to dabs? Welcome to the flavor department—please keep all hands and terps inside the ride. This guide sets you up with the essentials, explains why banger angles matter, and shows how to keep everything sparkling so your concentrates taste like they should.
Step 1: Pick Your Banger (Angle, Size, and Style)
- Angles: Most modern rigs use 90° joints—choose a 90° quartz banger to keep the bucket level. If your rig has a 45° joint, match it with a 45° banger so oil doesn’t puddle in weird places.
- Joint size & gender: Common sizes are 10 mm and 14 mm, usually female on the rig. Match your banger size to the joint for a secure fit.
- Why quartz: Clean taste, solid heat retention, and it’s easy to read temperature by look/feel once you’ve practiced.
Step 2: Cap It Right (Carb Caps & Pearls)
Carb caps aren’t just fancy hats—they control airflow and pressure so your oil vaporizes evenly at lower temps.
- Universal caps: Flat-top or directional airflow caps work with most buckets.
- Pearls/pillars: These spin to distribute heat and stir oil—fun, functional, and very “whoa.”
Shop carb caps • Grab pearls & tools
Step 3: Tools That Keep it Neat
- Dab tool: Scoop or pick style based on your concentrate texture.
- Mat & stand: A small non-stick mat protects your table; a stand keeps hot gear off surfaces.
- Q-tips & cotton: The secret to clear quartz—swab after every dab while warm.
Step 4: Torch vs. E-Nail (Heat Without Hassle)
- Torch: Portable and budget-friendly. Look for adjustable flame and a stable base.
- E-nail: Holds a steady temperature for repeatable, low-temp bliss—great at home.
Step 5: Storage for Flavor (Because Terps Are Precious)
- Concentrate containers: Non-stick containers keep wax/rosin tidy and easy to portion.
- Case: A small hard case corrals your cap, tool, pearls, and swabs so nothing wanders off.
Temperature & Technique (The Flavor Zone)
- Low-temp = high flavor: Heat the banger, let it cool a bit (aim for warm—not glowing), add your dab, cap, and sip.
- Watch the cues: Ideal hits are smooth and tasty; harshness usually means the banger was too hot.
Cleaning Basics (Fast & Deep)
- After every dab: Swab the bucket with a dry Q-tip, then a light ISO touch if needed—no charring, no cloudiness.
- Weekly deep clean: Use a dedicated glass cleaner or ISO + coarse salt for the rig; avoid soaking O-rings in harsh solvents.
- Keep it fresh: Replace pearls/caps if they’re gunked; clean tools with ISO and wipe dry.
Safety First (Hot Glass, Cool Heads)
- Always set hot quartz on a heat-safe surface. It looks innocent; it is not.
- Keep torches pointed away from hands, hair, and houseplants (they didn’t sign up for this).
- Let glass cool before cleaning or disassembly to prevent thermal shock.
- Use a mat or coaster and remove the banger before moving your rig.
Starter Kit Checklist
- Rig + matching banger (90° or 45°, 10 mm or 14 mm)
- Carb cap (+ optional pearls)
- Dab tool + non-stick mat
- Torch (or e-nail), Q-tips, and a small case
- Cleaner & mini brush for weekly refresh
For adults 21+ only. Keep out of reach of children.
Ready to build your kit? Start with a compact dab rig, add a quartz banger and carb cap, then round it out with tools, a torch, and cleaners for forever-fresh flavor.