Last reviewed October 18, 2026
A 510 cartridge is a small tank of cannabis oil with a standard threaded base. It screws onto any 510 battery. “510” is the thread size, the most common fitting for vape carts, so a cart from one brand works on a battery from another.
What is a cart? “Cart” is short for cartridge, the pre-filled oil tank you attach to a battery. Most cannabis carts are 510-thread and hold 0.5 g or 1 g of oil.
Parts of a 510 cart
- Tank: glass, plastic or ceramic, holding the oil.
- Heating core: a ceramic core or a metal coil with a wick. Ceramic heats more evenly and is common in better carts.
- Mouthpiece: where you draw.
- 510 thread: the screw base that connects to the battery and carries power.
Types of 510 batteries
| Battery | How it fires | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Draw-activated | Automatically when you inhale | Simple, discreet use |
| Button | Hold the button while drawing | More control; many allow a preheat |
| Variable voltage | Button, with 3 or more heat settings | Tuning flavour vs vapour for thick oils |
| Concealed or pipe-style | Varies | Hides the cart inside a small body; some are shaped like a pipe |
Attaching a cart
- Charge the battery.
- Screw the cart on clockwise until it stops. Don’t overtighten: that can bend the contact pin.
- On a button battery, click 5 times quickly to turn it on (most models).
- Start on the lowest heat setting and take a slow draw.
What voltage to use
Lower settings give more flavour and are gentler on the oil. Higher settings give more vapour, but can taste burnt. Thick oils like live resin and liquid diamonds usually do best on low to medium. Start at the lowest setting and only go up if the vapour is thin.
Common questions
Do all carts fit all 510 batteries?
The thread fits all of them. A few wide carts won’t sit flush on slim batteries, or need a magnetic adapter for concealed batteries. Check the cart’s width if your battery has a sleeve.
Can I use a 510 cart on a nicotine vape?
Only on a battery with a 510 thread. Most pod-style nicotine devices don’t have one.
Why won’t my cart hit?
Check the battery is charged and on, and the cart is screwed in fully. Cold, thick oil can also clog the airway; warming it in your hand usually helps.
How long does a 1 g cart last?
It depends on use. Most people get a few hundred puffs from 1 g.
