A dab rig delivers concentrate vapor that's cooler and more flavorful than a torch-and-nail setup — but only if you run it right. Here's the full process from heating your banger to taking the hit, plus the low-temp technique most people wish they'd learned sooner.
What you'll need
- A dab rig with a compatible quartz banger
- A torch and butane
- A carb cap
- A dab tool and your concentrate
Step 1 — Season a new banger
Before the first use, heat a brand-new quartz banger until it glows, let it cool, dunk it in water, and wipe it dry. Seasoning removes manufacturing residue so your first dabs taste clean.
Step 2 — Heat the banger
Hold the torch flame on the bottom of the banger until it just begins to glow faintly. You don't need it cherry-red — overheating is the #1 mistake. A few seconds past the first glow is plenty.
Step 3 — Let it cool (this is the secret)
For flavor, wait 30–60 seconds after heating. Quartz holds heat, and dropping concentrate onto a screaming-hot surface scorches the terpenes. A timer takes the guesswork out. Adding a quartz insert or a terp pearl set evens out the heat and lengthens your flavor window.
Step 4 — Apply the concentrate
Touch your loaded dab tool to the inside wall of the banger and rotate slowly so it spreads and vaporizes instead of pooling.
Step 5 — Cap and inhale
Drop your carb cap on immediately and inhale slowly. The cap restricts airflow so the concentrate vaporizes fully at a lower temperature. A directional cap lets you spin pearls for an even, complete dab.
Step 6 — Clear and clean
Exhale, then swab the banger with a cotton swab while it's still warm. A clean banger is the difference between great flavor and a harsh, bitter hit — keep cleaning supplies within reach.
Low-temp vs high-temp, in one line
Low temp (~500–600°F) = maximum flavor, smoother hits, less waste. High temp = bigger clouds but harsher and burns off flavor. Most people land on low-temp once they try it. New to rigs? Start with our beginner-friendly dab rigs.