How to Use Domeless Dab Nails
September 20, 2018Domeless nails are one of the most widely used tools for dabbers who enjoy great taste, optimum ease of use, and the most control of the temperature. There are many different types of domeless nails including ceramic, titanium, electronic, as well as hybrid and interchangeable nails. Each of these types has their own benefits, such as ceramics durability and the convenience of the e-nail. Domeless nails have many benefits and are a necessity for those who want the most popular attachment for dabs. This type of nail is a newer style, so it can help to have an understanding of how to use them and the best practices that seasoned users employ. Here we provide tips on choosing the right material, dabbing correctly, and even how to make sure your new nail is ready for its first dab just like the vets do.
How to Use a Dab Rig with a Domeless Nail
While there are plenty of different types of domeless nails, they all are used in basically the same fashion. The only type of nail that has a slightly different method is the e-nail variety, as they are self-heating which allow you to just skip the first few steps. Below we will outline how to use the average domeless nail when dabbing.
Domeless dab nails have no walls that enclose them. With this design comes a specific set of benefits:
- Allows for bigger dabs.
- Faster heating compared to domed dab nails.
- Reduces the risk of burning the oil.
- Use carb cap for low-temp dabs
There are cons for this dabbing system, too. The main downside being that this dab nail design is more intended for experienced dabbers, due to its quick heating abilities. Plus, there is a chance that you can lose more vapor unless you use a carb cap.
If you are new to dabbing, you may want to consider starting with a domed nail for your dab rig and then working your way up to a domeless design. This will allow you to easily achieve great dabs while still learning the ins and outs of the process. If you would like to skip the learning curve, simply starting with an e-nail is the easiest way to do this.
Once your nail is attached, your dab rig is ready, and your dab is prepared on the dabber, you’re ready to get started. We advise you to sit while taking a dab, since the rush can be physically intense, and also due to the fact that the torch is handled easier and more safely while sitting.
- Turn on your torch and aim the flame directly at the nail. Most people will heat the nail until it begins turning red hot. If you’re using an electronic nail, refer to the section below for more information on heating. Do not hit the dab while it is red hot, it must cool down first.
- Once the nail is hot, turn off your torch and allow the nail to cool. It’s recommended to let titanium nails cool for about 10 seconds and quartz nails about 45 seconds so the surface temperature doesn’t overly burn the active chemicals you want to remain intact. This time recommendation is not exact and can be altered slightly depending on how you like to take your dabs.
- Take your dabber, apply the dab directly on the nail inside the dome while gently inhaling. Make sure all of the wax melts off of the dabber, swirl it around slowly, and then inhale slowly. Placing your favorite type of carb cap during this time can help to make sure you trap all of the vapors and also allows you to fully take advantage of low-temperature dabs. Rotating the dabber tip on the nail can help you prevent wasting any oil stuck to the dabber as well.
- Exhale and enjoy your dab!
Low-temperature dabs are the best way to get great tasting and potent dabs, but they do require the use of a carb cap. To do this, simply let your nail cool slightly longer than normal if they are still slightly hot, and then melt all of the wax into the nail and immediately cap. It is that simple.
When using an electronic nail, all that is needed is to set your nail to the temperature you would like to dab at. After this, just apply the wax, make sure it all melts, apply the carb cap, and enjoy an easy and convenient dab. These nails can be left on for long periods of time so you can dab consecutively without having to break out the torch over and over again.
What Types of Domeless Nails Are There?
As mentioned, nails all have generally the same process for using them, but there are still different materials used for nails that can provide unique benefits.
What Are E-Nails?
E nails are becoming very popular within the dabbing community, and for good reason. They are able to provide an open and free dabbing environment that can be started simply by pushing a button. This removes the need for a blowtorch, making dabbing not only safer, but much more time efficient. Also, it allows you to control the temperature of your dab down to a single degree - something that is very difficult using the classic manual method.
What Are Quartz Nails Used For?
Quartz nails are very popular as well as they are able to hold heat very easily and are easier to pinpoint your favorite temperature to dab at. Quartz is also well known for providing very true flavors to the strains that you dab. While they are not very customizable as far as colors, they do come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are also relatively fragile, similar to glass, but are very thick and sturdy compared to glass.
What Are Ceramic Nails Used For?
Ceramic nails are also well known for their ability to provide great flavor - and some even claim that it is better than quartz in this category. It is also able to retain heat for long periods of time so you do not have to rush through your dab. Ceramic is relatively fragile, and also can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
What is Titanium Composite?
Titanium nails are the most durable type of nail you can get. They retain heat well and do not alter the taste of your dabs by much. Titanium nails are popular items for all dabbers because they will last forever and are very easy to clean and use for a long time. It is important to make sure your titanium nail is clean before you dab with it, as these pieces run the highest chance of altering the taste of your dab and taking away the flavors all dabbers love.
Interchangeable nails come in titanium and ceramic varieties, and e nails are also able to be interchanged between these two materials in some models. These nails have attachments that can be unscrewed to allow for you to place your material of choice to be used - be it ceramic, quartz, electronic, etc. Most of the time these are used to make your nails able to be used with multiple nail sizes. With interchangeable nails, you can be sure you will have a nail that will fit into almost any stem size you come across either on your own or with friends.
Tips for Using a Domeless Nail
If you’re new to the whole dabbing experience, you may not realize that when you first buy a titanium or quartz nail, you need to season your nail and use a carb cap to ensure that you do not waste any concentrate.
Seasoning a nail is pretty much like seasoning a frying pan and the reason is the same: flavor. What happens when you don’t season your nail? Your dabs will probably taste slightly off and not as potent as you had hoped. As mentioned, dabbers often use quartz nails because flavor is important - so it is always recommended to perform some type of cleaning to your nail before its first use.
Seasoning your nail makes sure that there are no stray oils or particles present that will alter the true taste of your dabs.
To prep your nail, you will need ice water and a tool that can handle very high temperatures. Then, pick up your nail with this tool. Then, simply heat it up very hot (red hot, if possible), and then, being careful of the steam that will be generated, dip the nail into the water. This is a trick used by dabbing veterans that are serious about taste and is the recommended method to prep your nail for its first dab.
Domeless nails are the obvious choice if you are looking for:
- Optimum temperature control
- Low-temperature dabs
- Easy dabs
Plus, they even come in electronic varieties that remove the need for a torch and make dabbing as simple as pressing a button. The only way to find your ideal setup and process is to experiment with different materials and temperatures. Use this list and our store to begin creating your dream dab setup!
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