7 Essential Dabbing Tools And Accessories

What is dabbing?

Dabbing is arguably one of the biggest trends in the cannabis world at the moment. It involves vaporising high-grade cannabis extracts that are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.

These extracts, known colloquially as “dabs”, are vaporised using a dab rig. These rigs resemble a regular glass bong with one key difference; instead of a bowl or chillum, they have a hot “nail” where the dabs are vaporised. Once the dab hits the nail, it should start sizzling immediately. The vapour is then drawn from the nail through the glass chamber and into the lungs. Dab hits are considered cleaner and much more potent than regular tokes from a bong or pipe.

There are many different types of dabs out there. At their core, however, they’re all made using the same principle. Trichomes are separated from cannabis plants and their resin is collected and concentrated. This is usually done with some kind of solvent (butane being the most common), but there are some solvent-free techniques for making dabs too.

Some common types of dabs include shatter, budder, wax, and crumble, all of which are usually made using butane to separate the trichomes from the cannabis plant matter. The butane is then evaporated, and the remaining concentrate is usually treated in some way to give it a particular texture. Budder, for example, is whipped to give it a creamy texture similar to, you guessed it, butter.

Dabs contain much higher concentrations of cannabinoids like THC than regular cannabis flowers. The effects of dabbing are usually described as smooth yet strong. They usually kick in quickly and produce a clear-headed, long-lasting high. For any old hippies out there, dabbing is pretty similar to taking “knife hits”. The only difference is that the vapour from a dab rig is filtered and cooled as it passes through the water before being inhaled.

What you need to dab:

1. A dab rig 

A good quality rig is key for getting the most out of your dabs. As mentioned earlier, most dab rigs resemble regular bongs, but with a nail instead of a bowl for herbs. Nonetheless, you’ll want to invest in a rig that’s specially designed for dabbing, as it will need to stand up to considerably higher heat than a regular ol’ bong.

We also recommend keeping a separate rig for just your concentrates. Dabs have a completely different flavour from cannabis flowers, which is why you’ll want to keep the two isolated from one another. For a dedicated dab rig that won’t break the bank, we recommend checking out this Glass Herb and Oil Bong by Black Leaf. It’s got a simple, yet stylish design and comes with all the bells and whistles you need to start dabbing today.

2. Heat-resistant nail

The nail is another key part of your whole dabbing setup. After all, it’s the part of your rig that’s going to be doing the most important work: heating your concentrates. Now, keep in mind that the joint size of oil rigs can vary, so you’ll want to buy a nail that fits the joint on your particular rig. Plus, you’ll also want to make sure your nail is made from high-quality material so it can hold up to the high heat you’ll be exposing it to.

Most dabbers will opt for titanium nails. While they’re noticeably more expensive than nails made from other materials, titanium nails are renowned for lasting forever (or at least until you lose it somewhere beneath the couch cushions). If you’re ready to drop some cash for a high-grade titanium nail, we recommend checking out this Titanium Oil Pan. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little lighter on your back pocket, check out this Quartz Glass Oil Nail by Black Leaf or this generic Ceramic Oil Nail.

3. Dabbing tool

Remember, dabs are super sticky. Combine that with the fact that your nail is going to be super hot, and you've got some serious potential for disaster. That's where dabbing tools come in. These tiny tools are perfect for scooping up even the stickiest dabs and loading them neatly onto your nail. For great-quality, long-lasting dab tools, we've developed the Titanium Oil Tool, which (as you've probably guessed) is crafted from heat-resistant titanium (grade-2), making it ideal for even the most adventurous dabbers.

4. BHO mat

The beauty of dabbing is watching those glistening dabs disintegrate before your very eyes. But if you've ever handled cannabis concentrates, you'll know just how much of a mess they can make if you happen to miss the nail. In steps the Zamnesia BHO mat, a non-stick, high-grade surface that not only keeps your dabbing space clean, but makes it easy to rescue, prepare, and divide your beloved dabs. Even better, the fibreglass and silicone construction ensures the mat is stain and odour-proof for total convenience.

5. Blow torch

This is the part where some people get put off by dabbing. In order to get your nail up to temperature, you’re going to need a blowtorch. There’s really no science to this; light up your torch, point it at your nail, and wait until it's red-hot. The only key part of heating up your nail is that it needs to be really hot. The dab should begin to vaporise the moment it hits the nail. That way, you’ll get a thick, smooth hit right away.

Now, there are all kinds of different torch lighters out there. This Torch Hyper Lighter, for example, is as simple as it can get. It projects a single blue jet flame that’ll heat up anything in minutes. 

6. Non-stick stash containers

So far, we’ve covered all the gadgets you need to actually light up a dab. But you’ll want something to store your dabs in too. That’s where these non-stick stash containers are perfect. The Silicone Oil Jar, for instance, is the perfect way to keep your concentrates secure and clean. This silicone-coated Parchment Pouch by Raw, on the other hand, is a nice 100% natural alternative to silicone.

Zamnesia Kontainer (PieceMaker)

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7. Carb cap

Carb caps are awesome little tools designed to let you vaporise your dabs at lower temperatures. If you happen to overheat your nail (a common problem for rookie dabbers), you risk wasting some of your dab by burning it rather than vaporising it. This Carb Cap Dabber is designed to restrict the airflow to your nail, allowing you to vape your dabs at lower temperatures. This will also help preserve more cannabinoids and terpenes, which you risk losing at higher temperatures. Plus, it comes complete with a dab tool that you can use to scoop your dabs onto the nail once it’s time to blast off.

Honourable mention: the Peak Pro by Puffco Pro

OK, this isn’t really a necessity for dabbing, but it is a great way to make your dabbing experience a whole lot easier, safer, consistent, and downright futuristic! The Puffco Peak Pro eliminates the need for a blowtorch as it heats up automatically to the desired temperature by using electricity.

Puffco Peak PRO Smart Rig

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The best part about The Peak Pro is that it gives you more control over your dabbing experience, as it comes with variable temperature settings that allow you to find that sweet spot, to maximise flavour while still producing thick, smooth vapour.

Supercharge your dabbing game

Dabbing offers a next-level cannabis experience with near-unrivalled intensity, taste, and potency. So, why not enjoy dabs to the fullest by sourcing the right tools and accessories for the job? Whether it's a high-quality dab rig, a non-stick container for keeping your dabs safe, or something as simple as a dab-proof mat, we've got everything you need to supercharge your dabbing game and embrace dabs in all their gooey goodness.

Steven Voser

Steven Voser is an independent cannabis journalist with over 6 years of experience writing about all things weed; how to grow it, how best to enjoy it, and the booming industry and murky legal landscape surrounding it.

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