Nectar collectors (also called dab straws) are the easiest way to dab — no banger, no carb cap, just heat the tip and go. Here's how to use one correctly and keep it tasting clean.
The parts
A nectar collector has three pieces: the mouthpiece body, the tip (quartz, titanium, or ceramic), and usually a small dish to hold your concentrate. Some add water filtration in the body for cooler hits.
Step 1 — Heat the tip
Hold a torch to the tip until it just starts to glow, then let it cool 10–30 seconds. Quartz and titanium tips hold a lot of heat — dabbing too hot scorches flavor and can be harsh.
Step 2 — Take the dab
Put your concentrate in the dish, place your mouth on the mouthpiece, and gently touch the hot tip to the concentrate while inhaling slowly. Pull the tip away before you finish inhaling so you don't waste anything left in the dish.
Step 3 — Cool down and store
Set the collector down on a heat-safe surface — never on carpet or plastic. A silicone dab mat or stand keeps the hot tip off your table.
Keeping it clean
Heat the tip and wipe it with a cotton swab after each session, and give the whole piece an occasional soak. Residue is the enemy of flavor — our cleaning supplies handle the deep cleans.
Glass vs titanium vs ceramic tips
Glass and ceramic tips give the purest flavor; titanium is nearly indestructible and great for travel — see our quartz vs titanium vs ceramic guide for the full breakdown. If you want a backup tip or a tool for loading, browse our dab tools. Ready to pick one? See the full nectar collector collection, and dial in your heat with our dab temperature guide.
FAQ
How long should a nectar collector tip cool before you dab?
Ten to thirty seconds after it stops glowing. Quartz and titanium tips hold a lot of heat, and touching concentrate to a tip that is still glowing scorches the flavour.
Do you need a carb cap with a nectar collector?
No, and that is the appeal. You heat the tip and touch it straight to the concentrate — no banger and no cap involved.
Why does my nectar collector waste concentrate?
Usually because the tip is still sitting in the dish when you finish inhaling. Pull the tip away before the end of the pull so nothing keeps vaporising into open air.
Which nectar collector tip material is best?
Quartz for flavour, titanium for durability, ceramic for even heat — the same trade-off you get with dab nails.