What is a Dab Nail?
A dab nail, also known as a banger, is the component of a dab rig that acts as a bowl but for cannabis concentrates instead of flower. Just like a bowl, a dab nail slides into the downstem of a water pipe. When heated up, this piece vaporizes any concentrates that are placed in it.
Dab nails are typically made of quartz but can also be found in glass, titanium, and ceramic. Quartz bangers are most popular because they don’t let off any harmful contaminants and are very durable.
Bangers can be heated up using a blowtorch or an e-nail, which heats it up electronically. Torches may contain propane or butane, but butane is most commonly used and recommended. If you don’t want to deal with fire, an e-nail is the safer and easier option. This device usually has a digital interface that lets you control and know the temperature of your nail.
Dab nails come in many shapes and sizes, but there are two main types:
Nails with domes
Image via Dab Dude
The original type of dab nail is the type that requires an additional piece called a dome. Also known as a carb cap, the dome slides over the nail once heated and helps to distribute the heat and retain vapor. This piece is also commonly made of quartz.
To use a nail and dome, you will first heat up the banger without the dome on it. Then once it's at the desired temperature, drop the concentrate inside, place the dome on top, and then inhale.
Domeless nails
Image via Hippie Butler
Domeless nails are the opposite and don’t require an additional piece. Instead, they contain a larger dish with no sides and an opening through the center that the vapor travels through.
To use a domeless nail, first heat up the dish. When it’s at the desired temperature, place the concentrate on the dish while inhaling.
This is a popular method for hitting larger dabs.
How to Clean Dab Nails
Image via @ellevibey; featured image via Cannabox
Deciding when to clean your dab nail is mainly up to preference. Many users clean it after every use to prevent any build-up, while others wait until things are looking a bit grimy. A dirty nail can be used but may make your dabs taste funky due to the burnt reclaim being vaporized again.
If you would like to keep your banger consistently clean, consider cleaning it out after every use. To do this, dip a Q-tip in isopropyl alcohol and wipe the residue out of the nail while it’s still warm. Burn out any reclaim or alcohol that remains.
The best way to clean a dirty dab nail is by burning off the reclaim with a torch. Isopropyl alcohol may also help but likely won’t get all the reclaim off.
Where to Find Dab Nails
Dab nails can be found at smoke shops or online. Even Amazon sells them.
And if you’re looking for cannabis concentrates to accompany your dab nail, head to our Shoreline dispensary. We carry hundreds of dab products from many of Washington’s top brands at KushKlub.