How to take a dab: A Beginner’s Guide to Dabbing

Dabbing is a popular and potent method for consuming cannabis concentrates like wax, rosin, or hash. It involves vaporizing your concentrate and inhaling the resulting vapor. Whether you're a beginner or experienced dabber, learning how to properly take a dab can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the steps of how to take a dab and help you get the most out of your dab hits.

How do I take a dab (step-by-step)?

Gather Your Gear 

1. • Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools:

     • Dab rig, dab pen, or e-rig
     • Torch or electronic nail (e-nail)
     • Dab tool
     • Cannabis concentrate (such as hash rosin or wax)
     • Carb cap (optional)
2. Preparing Your Dab Rig

   • To ensure the best experience, you should prepare your gear:

     • If any of your gear is new, you may want to season it by heating and cleaning it before using it to remove any factory residue. This only takes a second and will improve your flavor experience.
     • Fill the dab rig's water chamber with enough water to cover the percolators without overfilling.
     • Attach the nail or banger to the dab rig (If using a traditional dab rig).
3. Hot Start vs Cold Start Dabs
   

   • There are two main methods for how to take a dab: hot-start dabs and cold-start dabs.

   • Hot-start dabs: 
     • Heat the nail/banger with a torch until it's glowing red (if using a traditional dab rig).
     • If using an e-nail, set it to your desired temperature (recommended: 315-450°F).
     • Using a dab tool, take a small amount of cannabis concentrate — about the size of a grain of rice.
     • Carefully place the concentrate onto the heated nail/banger — or into the heating chamber of your e-rig. Be careful not to touch the hot surface.
   • Cold-start dabs
     • Place the concentrate on the nail/banger or in your e-rig chamber BEFORE heating
     • Once the desired temperature is reached, inhale the vapor like you would with a hot-start dab.
     • This method is the standard approach for all Puffco devices.
4. Inhaling the Vapor
   • Once the concentrate is applied, cover the nail/banger with a carb cap (if available) to maximize vaporization.
   • Using the mouthpiece, begin inhaling slowly and steadily while gently rotating the dab tool to ensure the concentrate fully vaporizes.
   • Continue inhaling for a few seconds, then exhale slowly
5. Optional — Use a Carb Cap
   • If you have a carb cap, place it over the nail or banger after placing the concentrate to create a chamber, allowing for lower temperature and more controlled vaporization. This can enhance the flavor and overall experience of your dab.
6. Post-Dab Care 

   • After you’ve finished taking your dab, it’s important to care for your equipment:

   • • Swab out residual material after each dab.
     • We recommend using 99% isopropyl alcohol for optimal flavor and performance, but 90%+ is acceptable if 99% is unavailable.
       
     • Store your concentrates in a cool, dark place (like the fridge or freezer) to preserve their potency.

If you're using a Puffco device, taking a dab is easy:

• Load your concentrate into the chamber with a Hot Knife or dab tool.

• Select your temperature.

• Double-click to initiate heat cycle.

• Inhale and enjoy.

Remember, always start with a small amount and gradually increase as you experience how your body responds to the dab.