Cannabis Wax Rig Guide: Parts, Heat, and Dabbing Steps

A cannabis wax rig is a glass water pipe with a heated nail or banger that vaporizes cannabis concentrate. To use one, fill the rig with water, load a small piece of wax, heat the banger with a torch, let it cool to the target range, then inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece. The sections below cover parts, heat timing, steps, and cleaning.

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Parts of a wax rig

• Glass body with a water chamber and a joint.
• Banger or nail, usually quartz, titanium, or ceramic.
• Carb cap to trap heat and vapor.
• Dab tool for moving concentrate.
• Butane torch for heat.
• Isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs for cleaning.

Set up the rig

1. Fill the water chamber to the marked line, just above the perc.
2. Insert the banger into the joint and check that it sits straight.
3. Place the carb cap and dab tool within reach.
4. Set the torch to a medium flame and clear the work area.

Heat and dab

1. Load a piece of wax no larger than a grain of rice onto the dab tool.
2. Heat the banger with the torch until it starts to glow, moving the flame around the walls.
3. Let the banger cool for 30 to 45 seconds for a quartz banger.
4. Touch the wax to the hot surface and inhale at a slow, steady rate.
5. Place the carb cap on the banger and turn it to move vapor through the rig.
6. Exhale and set the rig down on a stable surface.

Temperature range

Most dabbers aim for 350°F to 450°F on the banger surface. Low temperatures near 350°F preserve terpene flavor and produce a lighter vapor. High temperatures near 450°F produce more vapor and a stronger hit, but they can scorch the concentrate and irritate the throat. A temperature gauge removes guesswork. Without one, heat for about 20 to 30 seconds and cool for 30 to 45 seconds, then adjust on the next dab.

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Clean the rig after each session

1. Swab the warm banger with a dry cotton swab.
2. Dip a second swab in isopropyl alcohol and wipe the banger walls.
3. Change the water and rinse the glass with warm water.
4. Soak the banger in isopropyl alcohol once a week.
5. Dry all parts before reassembly.

Safety notes

• Use the torch in a ventilated area away from curtains and paper.
• Let the banger cool before you touch it.
• Keep the rig and torch out of reach of children and pets.
• Start with small dabs because concentrate THC levels are high.