Once you know how dab rings work, it's pretty simple to learn how to operate them yourself. Even so, you want to be sure that you're doing it accurately to ensure that you're using both the rig and concentrate to their utmost potential.
To start, you'll need:
- A dab rig
- A quartz nail
- A torch
- Concentrate of your choice
- A dab tool
- A carb cap (optional)
Step #1: Heat the Nail
Unlike other pieces, you first have to heat the nail. People enjoy dabbing because they get to have more control over the type of hit they're going to take with the temperature gauges.
High-temperature dabs, give off a more harsh/intense taste. Low-temperature dabs, produce cooler, smoother, and more flavorful dabs—so it all depends on your preference. It's easier to control the temperature you want with e-nails, while torches will variable heat up and cool down times based on the combination.
Method #1: A Butane or Propane Torch
A lighter won't heat the nail sufficiently enough, so you'll want to invest in a handy torch of some kind. When using a torch, you can tell when the nail is heated adequately if it turns red hot or if you hold your finger a couple inches away from it and can feel the heat.
Method #2: E-nail
If you want to skip using a blowtorch, you can invest in an electronic nail (E-nail). E-nails are safer than torches, which is why many people opt for them since it's one less piece of equipment to lug around. E-nails also let you control your dab rig's temperature so that you can fully decide on the amount of exposure, which in turn affects the flavor levels.
Step #2: Wait for the Nail to Cool
Some may say that this step is optional, but it's a good idea to go for it anyway. You'll want to let the nail cool for about ten seconds to allow the concentrate to soak in so that you can enjoy the dab's full flavor.
(Some people take the flavor seriously, while others are less interested in that aspect. If you better identify with the latter, then do Step 3 without waiting for the nail to cool at all.)
Step #3: Place the Concentrate on the Nail
Once the nail is adequately heated, you'll place your preferred amount of extracted concentrate in the nail with your dab wand. The dab wand is an essential part of the puzzle since it safely sets your concentration in the nail, which can reach several hundred degrees.
Step #4: Inhale, Exhale
When the concentration is inside of the nail, begin inhaling immediately through the mouthpiece. The heated concentrate vapor goes through the water in the chamber and out through the mouthpiece as vapor. Exhale whenever you feel comfortable, although a few seconds should be sufficient.
Step #5: Place a Carb Cap on the Nail (Optional)
Depending on how many hits you want to take, you might want to invest in a carb cap.
A carb cap is a small piece of equipment used to cover the top of your nail once you've placed your concentrated dab inside. The cap is there to trap the heat as your dab vaporizes. This also helps redistribute air flow inside the bucket. Using a cap could help you plan to take several hits and don't want to reheat each time.
Step #6: Clean the Nail
If you don't clean your nail immediately after you're finished dabbing, you run the risk of residue sticking to the nail, which can change your next dab's flavor.