So you’ve got your rig, your torch, and a tiny golden blob of concentrate staring back at you. Now what?
If you’re new to the dabbing game, it can feel a bit intimidating. There’s more gear, more heat, and way more THC than your average bong rip. But don’t stress — The Bong Baron’s got your back with a simple, foolproof guide to using a dab rig like a legend.
Step 1: Get Your Gear Ready
Before you start, make sure you’ve got everything you need:
Essentials:
-
Dab rig (small glass water pipe)
-
Quartz banger or nail
-
Dab tool (to scoop your concentrate)
-
Carb cap (optional but recommended)
-
Torch (butane preferred)
-
Your concentrate (wax, shatter, rosin, etc.)
Alternatively, you can buy dab kits which contain multiple compatible pieces. This can save a lot of head aches in trying to find bangers and carb caps that fit together.
Tip: Always use clean gear. Dabbing through a gunky rig ruins the flavour and wastes good extract.
Step 2: Add Water to the Rig
Just like a bong, your dab rig needs water for cooling. Fill it so the water covers the percolator or downstem, but not so much that it splashes into your mouth.
Give it a quick pull to make sure it bubbles nicely.
Step 3: Heat the Banger
Here’s where things get a little fiery.
-
Aim your torch directly at the bottom and sides of the banger
-
Heat it until it glows red-hot (usually 20–40 seconds depending on thickness)
-
Then, turn off the torch
This part takes some practice — too hot and you’ll scorch your dab. Too cool and it’ll just puddle.
Step 4: Let the Banger Cool Down
After heating, wait 30–60 seconds before adding your dab. The goal is to hit that sweet spot around 315–450°C, which gives you better flavour and smoother vapour.
If you're using a timer, aim for:
-
60 secs cooldown for thick quartz
-
30–40 secs for thinner pieces
No timer? Just wait until the glow fades but the banger is still visibly hot. I like to hold my hand about 5cm above the banger to gauge the temp, with a little practice you will soon know how warm it should feel.
Step 5: Drop the Dab In
Now, use your dab tool to pick up a rice grain–sized bit of concentrate from your dab container (you don’t need much — trust us).
-
Drop it gently into the banger
-
Swirl your tool a little to help it melt
-
Immediately cover with a carb cap (if you have one)
-
Start inhaling through the mouthpiece
You’ll feel the vapour build — smooth, tasty, and surprisingly strong.
Step 6: Inhale, Hold, Exhale
Pull slowly and steadily — dabbing vapour is much cooler and smoother than smoke, but way more potent.
Hold it for a few seconds, exhale, and prepare to be very, very chill.
If you managed to vapourise and inhale more then 90% of the dab with very little residue left behind- perfect!
If you have a considerable amount of unburnt concentrate left in your rig - you either need more heat or smaller dab.
If you end up with black tar like substance in your banger - you used too much heat
Step 7: Clean Your Banger (Yes, Every Time)
This is where new dabbers drop the ball. A clean banger means better flavour and longer-lasting glass.
After each dab:
-
Wipe the banger with a dry Q-tip while it’s still warm ( not hot )
-
Use a tiny bit of iso if needed
-
Never scrape with metal or hit a cold banger, it will scratch or shatter
Trust us — your future self will thank you.
Extra Tips from The Bong Baron
-
Start small — dabs are strong
-
Always wait for the cooldown — no one likes a burnt hit
-
Try different concentrates to see what you like best
-
Keep iso and cotton buds nearby for quick cleaning
-
Invest in a proper carb cap — it seriously helps
- Aim to put just enough in that you can finish in one hit
Conclusion: Dab Smart, Dab Right
Using a dab rig might seem intense at first, but once you’ve done it a few times, it’s as easy as packing a cone. Just take your time, use the right gear, and don’t go too hard on your first dab — or you’ll be seeing stars mid-afternoon.
Want to learn more about concentrates, rigs, and accessories?
Check out the full Everything You Need to Know About Dabbing and keep levelling up your sesh.
