Dab Rig Usage & Basics
1. What is another name for a dab rig?
In the smoke shop world, "Dab Rig" is the most common term, but you will frequently hear them called Concentrate Pipes, Wax Rigs, Vapor Rigs, or simply Oil Rigs. They all refer to the same device: a water pipe specifically designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates rather than burning flower. Occasionally, you might hear old-school smokers refer to them as "bubblers" if they are small, but technically a rig has a male joint for a banger, while a bubbler usually has a built-in bowl. No matter what you call it, the function is the same. Check out our Best Selling Dab Rigs to see the different styles.
2. What is the difference between a dab rig and an oil rig?
There is zero difference. "Dab Rig" and "Oil Rig" are synonyms for the exact same piece of glass. The term "Oil Rig" was more popular in the early days of dabbing (2010-2014) when people referred to BHO (Butane Hash Oil) simply as "oil." As the slang evolved to "dabbing," the term "Dab Rig" took over. The only confusion to avoid is mixing this up with an "Oil Burner," which is a glass pipe (usually a meth pipe style) used for liquid oils. A true rig uses a quartz banger or nail. Learn more in our Ultimate Dab Rig Guide.
3. What is dab oil called?
"Dab oil" is a blanket term that beginners use, but in the dispensary, you won't see that on the label. The specific name depends on the texture and extraction method. Common names include Shatter (glass-like sheets), Wax/Crumble (softer, cookie-dough texture), Budder (creamy), Live Resin (frozen plants, high flavor), and Rosin (solventless, pressed with heat). Each consistency handles differently, but they all go into your rig the same way. We break these down in Dab Rig Essentials: Everything You Need to Know.
4. Why is 7/10 for dabs?
7/10 (July 10th) is the official holiday for dabbers, just like 4/20 is for flower smokers. The origin is incredibly simple: if you write the number 710 on a piece of paper and flip it upside down, it spells OIL. It started as an underground industry code and has exploded into a global event where dispensaries and head shops offer massive discounts on concentrates and rigs. It’s the best time of year to upgrade your setup.
5. How many types of dabs are there?
There are two main categories: Solvent-Based and Solventless. Solvent-Based uses butane or CO2 to strip the THC (like Shatter, Wax, Crumble, Live Resin, and Diamonds). These are usually cheaper and very potent. Solventless uses only heat and pressure (like Rosin and Hash Rosin). These are considered the "top shelf" because they are purer and retain the true flavor of the plant. Within these two categories, there are dozens of textures, but they all get you to the same place.
6. What is the strongest type of dab?
If you are chasing pure potency, THC Diamonds (Crystalline) are the strongest. They are isolated THCa crystals that can reach 99% purity. They look like actual diamonds and are usually soaked in "terp sauce" to add flavor back in. Another heavy hitter is Distillate, which is pure, activated THC sap. However, many connoisseurs prefer Hash Rosin; even though it tests lower (70-80%), the "entourage effect" of the natural terpenes often makes the high feel stronger and more complete than pure diamonds.
7. Should you put water in your dab rig?
Yes, always. Even though vapor is cleaner than smoke, a dab nail can reach temperatures of 500°F to 600°F. Without water, that hot vapor goes straight to your throat, which is incredibly painful. The water acts as a diffuser, breaking the vapor into bubbles to cool it down instantly before it hits your lungs. It also hydrates the vapor so it doesn't dry out your throat. Read our guide on the perfect level: How Much Water To Put In A Dab Rig.
8. Can you hit a dab rig without water?
Technically, yes, you can - it’s called a "dry dab." Some flavor chasers claim that water steals some of the terpenes, so they prefer dry hits. However, for 99% of people, a dry dab is a miserable experience. It is hot, harsh, and will likely leave you coughing for 10 minutes. Unless you are using an ultra-low-temp vaporizer, I highly recommend using water to save your lungs from the heat.
9. What is the best water for dab rigs?
Distilled Water is the only correct answer here. Tap water is full of minerals like calcium and magnesium. When you dab, the water evaporates, leaving these minerals behind as nasty white stains (hard water spots) on your beautiful glass rig. Distilled water has zero minerals, meaning your rig stays crystal clear, and your vapor tastes pure. It’s cheap, available at any grocery store, and extends the life of your glass significantly.
10. How many hits is 1 gram of dabs?
For the average smoker, 1 gram of concentrate equals about 20 to 30 dabs. This assumes you are taking "rice-grain" sized dabs (about 0.03g to 0.05g). If you are taking "globs" (massive hits), a gram might only last you 10 hits. Conversely, if you use an electronic device like a Puffco or a Nectar Collector that is efficient, you might stretch that gram to 40+ micro-doses. It lasts significantly longer than a gram of flower.
11. How many mg is 1 dab?
A standard "beginner dab" (size of a grain of rice) weighs about 25mg to 50mg. If your wax is 80% THC, a 50mg dab contains about 40mg of pure THC. Compare that to a standard 10mg edible, and you realize why dabbing hits so hard. One single hit is equal to eating four standard gummies instantly. This is why we always tell beginners: Start small. You can always take another dab, but you can’t untake one.
Buying & Selection: Finding Your Perfect Rig
1. What is a good size dab rig?
In the world of concentrates, smaller is actually better. Unlike flower bongs where you want a giant chamber to cool the smoke, dab rigs should be compact (usually 6 to 9 inches tall). Why? Because vapor loses its flavor and potency when it expands into too much air. A smaller "Mini Rig" condenses the vapor, giving you a hit that is packed with terpenes and hits you instantly. If you want the best flavor possible, browse our Top 7 Affordable Mini Rigs.
2. What to look for when buying a dab rig?
Focus on three things: Size, Filtration, and Stability. You want a small chamber (for flavor) and a simple percolator. Too many percolators will filter out the "good stuff" (terpenes) along with the heat. Also, look for a wide, heavy base. Since you will be attaching a hot banger and possibly a torch to it, you don't want a rig that tips over easily. We break down the best features in The Ultimate Dab Rig Guide.
3. How much do dab rigs usually cost?
You don't need to spend a fortune to get a great hit. You can find excellent, durable glass rigs in the $30 to $50 range that function perfectly. If you want to get fancy with "Recycler" functions or thicker glass, expect to pay $60 to $100. High-end artistic pieces can go into the thousands, but they don't necessarily get you higher. Check out our Best Dab Rigs Under $50 to see how much value you can get for your money.
4. Which is bigger, 10mm or 14mm?
14mm is bigger. These numbers refer to the width of the joint (the hole where the banger fits). 14mm is the industry standard for most mid-sized rigs. 10mm is much narrower and is usually found on "Micro Rigs" or very small travel pieces. It is crucial to know your size before buying a new quartz banger because a 14mm banger will not fit into a 10mm rig without an adapter. If you are shopping for parts, read Choosing the Perfect 14mm Female Banger.
5. What is the most advanced dab rig?
The future is here, and it is the Electronic Rig (E-Rig). Devices like the Puffco or Focus V Carta use a battery-powered atomizer to heat your wax to the exact degree you want, eliminating the need for a butane torch entirely. They offer perfect consistency every single time. If you are interested in how this tech compares to traditional glass, read The Evolution of Dab Rigs: From Torch to E-Rig Technology.
6. Are cheap electric dab rigs worth buying?
They can be, but you have to manage your expectations. A cheap e-rig (under $100) is great for convenience and travel, but it might not have the precise temperature control or battery life of the top-tier models. However, for a beginner who is scared of using a blowtorch, they are a fantastic entry point. Alternatively, you can just add an E-Nail Kit to your existing glass rig to make it electric without buying a whole new device.
7. What can I use instead of a dab rig?
If you want to dab but don't want a tabletop water pipe, get a Nectar Collector (Dab Straw). It is a vertical glass or silicone straw that you heat at the tip and "sip" the concentrate directly from a dish. It is portable, unbreakable (if silicone), and hits just as hard as a rig. It is the ultimate travel tool. Learn how to use one in our guide: How To Use A Nectar Collector.
Cleaning & Maintenance: Keeping Your Terps Fresh
1. Do dab rigs get dirty? (And what happens if you don't clean them?)
Yes, but differently than bongs. Instead of black ash and tar, dab rigs accumulate "Reclaim", that golden-brown sticky goo floating in the water or clogging the downstem. If you don't clean it, three things happen: 1) The reclaim clogs your percolator, killing the airflow. 2) Mold starts growing in the warm water (biofilm). 3) The flavor of your expensive concentrates is ruined by the taste of stale, reclaim-filled water. Keep it clean to respect the terpenes.
2. How often should you clean a dab rig?
You should change the water every single day. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria. As for a deep clean (removing the reclaim), aim for once a week for heavy users, or whenever you see significant buildup. Reclaim is much stickier than flower resin, so if you let it harden for months, it becomes a nightmare to remove. Read our full walkthrough: Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Dab Rig Banger.
3. Should I clean my banger after every dab?
YES. This is the #1 rule of dabbing. You must use a cotton swab (Q-Tip) to mop up the leftover oil immediately after every hit, while the quartz is still warm. If you don't, that leftover oil burns onto the quartz when you heat it up next time, causing "chazzing" (cloudy, grey quartz) that ruins heat retention and flavor permanently.
4. What is the best alcohol for dab rigs? (Can I use 70%?)
99% Isopropyl Alcohol is the king of cleaning. Because concentrates are oil-based, you need a strong solvent to dissolve them. 70% alcohol contains 30% water, which weakens it significantly; it will work, but you'll have to scrub much harder and soak it longer. 99% ISO melts reclaim almost instantly on contact. It is perfectly safe for all Glass Dab Rigs.
5. Will boiling my dab rig clean it?
NO. Never boil your rig. While heat does melt reclaim, pouring boiling water (212°F) into room-temperature glass causes "thermal shock," which can snap your rig in half instantly. Instead, use hot tap water to loosen the oil, then let the alcohol do the real work. If you want to clean without chemicals, check out 7 Steps: How To Clean A Dab Rig Without Alcohol.
6. How long to let a dab rig sit in alcohol?
If you are using 99% ISO and coarse salt, you usually don't need to soak it long, just shake it vigorously for 2-3 minutes. However, if the reclaim is caked on thick in the percolators, let it soak for 30 to 60 minutes. The alcohol will turn amber or brown as it dissolves the oil.
7. Can you use dish soap to clean a dab rig?
You can, but it’s not efficient. Dish soap is great for grease, but cannabis concentrates are extremely stubborn. Dish soap often leaves a soapy film or scent inside the rig if not rinsed perfectly (which ruins your next dab flavor). Stick to Isopropyl Alcohol for the inside, and use mild soap only for the outside glass surface.
8. What can I substitute for rubbing alcohol?
If you are out of ISO, you can use Acetone (unscented nail polish remover) for glass rigs. It works incredibly fast but smells strong, so rinse thoroughly. You can also use Hot Water and Vinegar or specialized bong cleaning solutions. Just avoid hydrogen peroxide; it’s great for killing mold but very poor at dissolving thick wax buildup.
9. How to clean a dab rig without Q-tips?
If you run out of Q-tips for your banger, you can twist a small piece of paper towel into a rope and swab the banger. However, this is risky because paper towels can leave lint behind, which burns the next time you torch it. I highly recommend buying a bulk pack of specialized Dab Tools & Cotton Swabs so you never run out.
10. Can I use hydrogen peroxide instead of isopropyl alcohol?
Technically yes, but don't expect miracles. Hydrogen Peroxide is a disinfectant, not a solvent. It will kill the mold and bacteria in your water chamber (which is good), but it will struggle to dissolve the sticky reclaim on the glass walls. Use it for sanitizing, not for deep cleaning.
