Choosing the right dab tool can help you have an optimal experience when using a dab rig. Several factors are to consider, including the material, carb caps, scoops, and design.
For example, rosins are very dense so you may prefer a tool with a paddle-shaped tip. You might also want a double-ended dab tool with a pick on one end and a carb cap on the other.
Size
The best dab tool will be a good fit for the type of concentrate you are using. Crumble, for example, is very sticky and difficult to manage without the right tool. Oils are more runny and prone to smears, making them even harder to handle.
A dab tool should be made of a material that can withstand high temperatures. This includes stainless steel, titanium, glass, and quartz. Many tools also come with multiple removable tips in different shapes and sizes, making it possible to find the right fit for any situation while smoking. Often, these tips can be changed without tools like screwdrivers. They can be shaped as picks or spoon-like, and they can be as small as your nail or as big as your finger.
Material
The material of the best dab tool plays a key role in how the tool performs. The most popular dab tools are made from metal or glass. They need to be heat-resistant and easy to handle. If you use a dab rig often, investing in a high-quality dab tool that will last is important.
A metal dab tool is durable and heats up quickly. However, it can leave a metallic flavor in your concentrate. Glass dab tools are non-reactive and preserve flavors. However, they may be fragile and break easily.
If you enjoy rosin, a flat or scoop-style dab tool is the way to go. This dab tool can transfer rosin from point A to point B. It’s also ideal for transferring distillate and sugar, which have a runny and sappy consistency.
Carb Caps
Carb caps are a dabber accessory that improves the quality of your dab. By regulating the amount of air that gets to your nail, they can help ensure that your dabs are low temperature and full of flavor.
Different carb caps come in a variety of styles and materials. Choose a carb cap that fits your nail or banger to optimize its performance.
Directional flow carb caps (also known as spinner carbs) feature a swivelable design that allows you to control the amount of airflow around a banger nail. These are perfect for flat-top nails and e-nails. There are also jar and coin-style carb caps that fit flat-top bangers and can be rotated to create a vortex of cool air. They’re great for spinning terp pearls and can be used as a handy dab tool.
Scoops
One of the primary concerns when handling dab concentrate is to keep the tool and hands clean. This prevents the buildup of residue that can clog or burn your nails and reduces the quality of each hit.
Different dabs require different handles to ensure precise placement and ease of use. For example, shatters need a tool with a sharp point to break them down into manageable portions. Blades and paddles work well with different dab viscosities, featuring a scoop bit and a lightly sharp edge.
The right dab tool also depends on your nail preference. Glass nails are typically the least expensive option, but they can crack at high temperatures and may need to be replaced. Ceramic and titanium nails are more durable and withstand heat better, but they’re more costly.
Design
The best dab tools are made of inert materials that don’t affect the intensity of the concentrate’s flavor. They also must be heat-resistant to ensure they can handle the high temperatures that dabs require.
The concentrate you prefer and how frequently you dab determine how versatile a tool you need it to be. A simple wand with a carb cap is suitable for most dabs, but it’s important to consider if you need it to have other functions like a scoop or cutting edge.
Stainless steel and titanium tools are durable options that preserve heat well. Quartz is another popular material that heats quickly but loses heat more easily. It also preserves flavor better than metals, though not as much as ceramic.
