Have you ever tried dabbing, a process in which you inhale a vaporized form of concentrated cannabis oil? It provides a sensational experience that you cannot capture in words, transporting you perhaps to a state of higher consciousness. To enjoy dabbing, you must first have a dab rig, also known as a concentrate rig, a filtration device that allows you to consume the cannabis oil. Dab rigs are better than dry pipes or bongs because they provide a better flavor and consistency. Dabs consist of a water pipe, dome, nail, torch, and dab tools. These tools are essential because they are the most hygienic method of picking your cannabis extract and placing them on the pin of the rig.
You could use other homemade tools or even your fingers, but that would mean putting yourself at risk of injection, affecting the extract’s flavor, and leaving a mess everywhere. These are a few things you must know about them.
An Introduction to Dab Tools
If you have not tried dabbing before, you would not know much about them. They make the dabbing process manageable and have the appearance of a long nail with a sharp pointed edge on one hand. You must use these tools rather than your fingers or other objects to pick a cannabis concentrate because it is cleaner, safer, and quicker. They bear a striking resemblance to the tools you might find in a dentist’s lab, with their sharp pointy edge and elongated body. Manufacturers primarily use glass or stainless steel metal to manufacture these tools because they offer maximum safety and convenience.
The term dab tools could also incorporate other parts of the device, such as the carb caps, bangers, wax containers, and torches since each is an essential part of a dab rig and completes your smoking experience.
Why Do You Need a Dabber?
These are some reasons behind using a dabber rather than your fingers or other household equipment.
i) For Safety Purposes
As mentioned earlier, a dabber prevents you from using your fingers or other tools for lifting the concentrated cannabis extract and placing it on the surface of the heated nail of the dab rig. Dabbers make the entire process quick, safe and convenient since you won’t have to worry about getting your hands burnt in the process. You could think of them as the tongs in your kitchen with which you lift objects that are hot or sensitive. Without this device, you have a high chance of burning your fingers because the nail would be as hot as a stove once you light them.
ii) Selecting the Exact Amount
A tool will enable you to select an exact amount of cannabis concentrate without wasting or taking more than you require. Since a dab tool usually has sharp tips, you can conveniently carve or extract the desired amount of cannabis.
What are These Tools Made of?
You will come across tools made from various materials such as ceramic, glass, stainless steel, and titanium. However, experienced users of dab rigs recommend using metal and glass ones because they find them suitable for dabbing. A metal dab tool enables you to select the concentrate without getting your fingers sticky. They are also the oldest tools around. Glass dabs are much thicker than the metal ones but have the added advantage of personalization, as they are available in various colors.
They are also easier to clean than the metal ones. Most of the tools you will come across in the market today combine the carb cap on one end and an extended handle and scooper on the other.
Different Types of Dab Tools
Although glass and metal tools are the best options for handling your cannabis concentrate, they come in various styles and designs, and these are some of them.
1. Scoop
Scoop dabs are ideally suited for oils, waxes, budders, crumblers, or other oily substances since their design bears a striking resemblance to a spoon. Its working mechanism is similar to a spoon, as it requires you to scoop the product and place it into the nail. Scoops consist of a blade situated at the tip, enabling you to cut effortlessly into solid concentrates and get the specific amount you want.
2. Paddles and Blades
If you are looking for the most versatile dabbing tool option, paddles would be a good option. They look like a combination of a scoop and straight tool, which work exceptionally well with all types of concentrates.
3. Tool and Carb Cap Combination
The role of a carb cap is to regulate the entry of air during the dabbing process, while the tool plays the role of extracting and placing a particular amount of cannabis extract into the heated nail. Although these are two separate tools, you will find many dabbers which combine both these functions into one. Combined dabbers allow you to cap your dab without needing a different carb cap, making it highly convenient and cost-effective.
Tips on Buying Dab Tools
These are some tips you would find helpful while buying a dabber, especially if it is your first time dabbing.
1. What Type of Concentrate Do You Prefer?
The first factor you must consider while buying a dabber is your favorite concentrate. Cannabis extracts are of various types, including rosin, hash rosin, tinctures, RSO oil, BHO (butane hash oil), and hash. You should choose a tool of the correct size and design that enables efficient handling of the product. For instance, scoops, blades, and paddles work best for thicker concentrates.
2. Do You Dab Often?
Are you a regular dabber or only enjoy the experience on an occasional basis? If you are an ardent dabber, glass or metal dabs would be ideal for functionality and efficacy.
3. Are You Sensitive about Flavor?
Suppose you are sensitive about the cannabis flavor and find even a slight change in its taste discomforting. In that case, you must buy a borosilicate glass dab tool because it will interfere with the taste even minimally.
Dab tools are an essential part of the dabbing experience, and you should put a lot of thought and planning into them before buying one. Cannabis extracts, regardless of any type, are a sensitive product, and you must avoid handling them only with fingers.
Also read: 10 Tips on Shopping for THC Safely Online for Beginners
