Last reviewed October 18, 2026
To dab, you heat a nail or “banger” on a dab rig, let it cool to the right temperature, then touch a small amount of concentrate to it and inhale the vapour through the rig. “Dabs” means both the concentrate and the act: a dab is a small portion of wax, shatter, resin or rosin that’s vaporized on a hot surface.
You’ll need:
- A dab rig: a small water pipe made for concentrates
- A banger (usually quartz) that fits the rig’s joint
- A heat source: a butane torch, or an electronic nail (e-nail) that holds a set temperature
- A dab tool, and ideally a carb cap and an infrared thermometer
- Cotton swabs for cleaning
Step by step
- Prepare the dab. Take a piece about the size of a grain of rice on your dab tool.
- Heat the banger. Heat the bottom with the torch for 20 to 45 seconds, until it just starts to glow. With an e-nail, set the temperature instead.
- Let it cool. Wait 30 to 60 seconds. Dabbing on a glowing-hot banger scorches the concentrate.
- Dab and inhale. Touch the concentrate to the inside of the banger while inhaling slowly through the mouthpiece.
- Cap it. Place a carb cap over the banger to trap heat and vaporize what’s left.
- Clean while warm. Wipe out the banger with a cotton swab once it’s warm, not hot.
Dab temperatures
| Style | Approximate range | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Low temp | 230–290 °C (450–550 °F) | Most flavour, smoother vapour |
| Medium | 290–340 °C (550–650 °F) | Bigger clouds, some flavour lost |
| High | Over 340 °C (650 °F) | Harsh, burnt taste; wastes terpenes |
Cooler is usually better. An infrared thermometer or an e-nail takes the guesswork out of timing the cool-down.
No rig? Use a dab pen
A dab pen does the same job with a battery and no torch. It’s simpler and portable, though a rig gives more control and flavour.
Common mistakes
- Too big a dab: concentrates are far stronger than flower. Start small.
- Too hot: a harsh, burnt hit means you didn’t wait long enough.
- Skipping the clean: old residue burns on the next dab and ruins the taste.
- Torch safety: keep the torch pointed away from you and the banger off surfaces until it cools.
Common questions
What does dabs mean?
A dab is a small amount of cannabis concentrate vaporized on a hot surface. “Dabbing” is the act of doing it.
Are dabs stronger than smoking flower?
Yes, usually much stronger. Concentrates often contain several times the THC of flower, so start with a very small amount.
Do you need a torch to dab?
No. An e-nail or a dab pen heats electrically, with no flame.
Why does my dab taste burnt?
The banger was too hot. Wait longer after heating, or lower the e-nail temperature.
