How to Turn a Bong Into a Dab Rig (And Vice Versa)

If you are wondering, "Can I use my bong for dabs?" the answer is a definitive yes.

You do not necessarily need to buy a brand-new setup to enjoy concentrates. You can convert almost any standard glass bong into a dab rig by simply removing the dry herb bowl and replacing it with a Quartz Banger or Dab Nail.

However, it isn't as simple as just plugging it in. To make it work safely and taste good, you need to match the Joint Angle (45° vs 90°). Here is the complete breakdown of how to switch your setup instantly.

The Essential Setup: What Accessories Do You Need to Convert Your Bong?

To make the switch from a bong to a dab rig, you only need to grab two essential items:

• A Quartz Banger (or Dab Nail): This replaces your standard glass bowl. Think of it as the "bucket" that you heat up to vaporize your concentrates.
• A Carb Cap: This tool is absolutely crucial. Unlike smoking flower, dabbing requires you to cover the banger to restrict airflow, which helps vaporize the oil efficiently and preserves flavor.

Finding the Perfect Match: How to Choose the Right Banger Size, Gender, and Angle

Before you buy a banger, you need to make sure it actually fits your specific bong. Here is the cheat sheet to finding the perfect match:

1. Joint Size: Most standard bongs feature a 14mm joint. A quick way to check is to use your pinky finger. If the opening is about the width of your pinky, you likely need a 14mm banger. (Note: Tiny rigs are usually 10mm).
2. Gender: Check your bong's joint. If it has an open hole (Female), you need to buy a Male Banger. If it has a glass stem sticking out (Male), you need a Female Banger.
3. Angle: Look at your downstem. If it sticks out at a slant (common in Beaker Bongs), grab a 45-Degree Banger. If it points straight up (common in Straight Tubes), you will need a 90-Degree Banger.

You can find all these options in our Quartz Banger Collection.

Top-tier Quartz bangers at SmokeMEGA

The Step-by-Step Conversion: How to Turn Your Bong into a Dab Rig Instantly

The actual conversion process is incredibly simple:

1. At first, give your bong a quick clean with alcohol. You definitely don't want your fresh concentrates tasting like old, burnt flower ash!
   
   
2. Now, swap the dry herb bowl with a banger or dab nail. Pull out your dry herb bowl and gently slide your new Quartz Banger into the joint. Give it a small twist to ensure it sits airtight. Congratulations, you converted your bong into a dab rig.
   
   
3. Now, Adjust the Water Level. Dabs often feel smoother with slightly less water than flower, so pour a little out if needed to keep the flavor pure.
   
   
4. Lastly, heat your banger with a torch and let it cool for about 30-45 seconds. Drop your wax into the bucket, and immediately place the Carb Cap on top. This traps the heat and vaporizes the oil while you inhale.

That's it. Now you can use your Bong as a Dab rig.

Going the Other Way: How to Turn a Dab Rig Back into a Bong

Want to switch back to smoking dry herb? The process is just as easy in reverse.

Simply remove the quartz banger and insert a standard Dry Herb Bowl that matches your rig's joint size. Just keep in mind that dab rigs usually have tighter airflow (like recyclers), so they might clog faster with flower resin. Be prepared to clean it more frequently.

Which Bong Should You Use?

If you already have a bong at home, don't overthink it, just use what you have! Whether it is a tall beaker or a straight tube, it will get the job done, and you will still get a great hit.

However, if you are shopping for a new piece specifically to convert, aim for a smaller bong (under 10 inches). Smaller chambers and simpler percolators preserve the flavor of your concentrates much better than giant bongs with massive airflow. Less air means tastier dabs!

Mastering the Heat: Temperature & Tools

Unlike smoking dry herb, you cannot just spark it up with a standard Bic lighter. Soft-flame lighters leave black soot on your quartz and simply don't get hot enough to vaporize concentrate effectively. You need a reliable Butane Torch that provides the intense, directed heat needed to get your banger ready in seconds. You can check out our lighter collection.

Top Scorch Torch Lighters at SmokeMEGA

The Golden Rule for Temp: You are aiming for a temperature range of roughly **350°F to 600°F**. Don't take the dab while the banger is glowing red! That is far too hot (>900°F) and will scorch your throat. Instead, heat the banger until it glows faintly, then let it cool for 30 to 45 seconds. This "low-temp" approach hits that sweet spot, preserving the terpenes for smooth, flavorful clouds instead of harsh smoke.

Grab Your Conversion Gear from SmokeMEGA

Cheap, thin bangers lose heat instantly and crack easily. At SmokeMEGA, we offer high-quality Quartz Bangers that retain heat longer for enhanced sessions, along with precision airflow Carb Caps to match.

We are US-based, which means you get fast shipping (free shipping on orders over $14.99!) and easy returns.

One Last Tip: Keep It Clean

Since you are likely using your bong for both flower and oil, hygiene is critical. We recommend giving your piece a quick rinse with Isopropyl alcohol between switches. This prevents that nasty "burnt ash" flavor from ruining your sweet dabs.

Frequently Asked Questions