How to use a dab pen? Step-by-step instructions

Dab pens are popular, portable, discreet and convenient vaporizing devices that allow users to easily consume cannabis concentrates.

Dab pens improve the user's overall experience, especially for beginners. However, they can be difficult to hit correctly.

If you are thinking about purchasing a dab pen or have just purchased one and want to make sure you are using it correctly, we are here to help.

In this article, we will walk you through some simple and practical steps to using a dab pen. We will also give you some useful tips on how to get the most out of your dabbing experience.

What is a dab pen and how does it work?

Dab pens, also called wax vape pens or wax vaporizers, are handheld devices used to vaporize cannabis concentrates (such as shatter, wax, budder, live resin, crumble, etc.) so that the user can inhale the resulting vapor.

They have gained popularity in recent years because they offer stronger effects, more powerful hits, and more intense flavors than traditional dry herb or oil vape pens.

Dab pens may vary slightly in size and shape, but they all consist of four main components: a lithium battery, a mouthpiece, a chamber where you place the dabs, and an atomizer with a heating coil.

The battery powers the heating element, which heats the extracts until they produce vapor without burning. You can then inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece.

How to use a dab pen? Step-by-step instructions

With a few steps, you can make your cannabis experience easy, exciting and extremely rewarding.

Step 1: Charge the battery

When using your dab pen, the first thing you need to do is make sure it is fully charged and ready to use.

Most dab pens come with a USB charger or charging cable. To charge, connect the charging cable to the device and a power source.

Step 2: Load your favorite dabs

Dab pens must be filled manually because the cannabis concentrates can be sticky or viscous.

Simply remove the mouthpiece and coil cap and open the wax chamber.

Use a metal dabbing tool to scoop out some extract and gently apply your concentrate directly to the coil.

Then put the coil cap and mouthpiece back on the dab pen.

Step 3: Turn on the dab pen

Most dab pens have a fire button that you need to press several times (usually five times) to turn it on.

Step 4: Set the temperature

Most dab pens have adjustable temperature settings. Typically, you only need to press the button three times to cycle through the temperature options.

Choose the temperature you want. Lower temperatures can produce a smoother hit with better flavor, while higher temperatures produce more vapor.

Step 5: Heat up your device

Once you have selected the desired temperature, press and hold the power button to heat up the device.

The coil in the heating chamber should vaporize everything, creating dense and potent clouds of cannabis concentrate.

The power button on your dab pen flickers or glows while it is heating up.

Step 6: Breathe in and enjoy

After a short heating it is ready for steaming.

Then inhale the vapor slowly and evenly through the mouthpiece of the dab pen.

Remember to hold down the fire button while you inhale. This will ensure a nice and smooth hit.

When the cannabis compounds enter your bloodstream, you will experience a feeling of euphoria.

Step 7: Turn off and clean

When you are finished using your dab pen, turn it off by pressing the button and screw the cap back on.

You should always wipe down your dab pen after each session to avoid residue buildup.

You can scrape off any remaining residue from your atomizer using a cotton swab or the metal swab tool.

It is best to clean the device while it is still warm: this makes it much easier to remove any residue.

Five useful tips for the dab pen

Following these tips will not only ensure the dabbing experience is as enjoyable as possible, but also the longevity and safety of your device. Here are our expert tips for the best dabbing experience possible:

1. Load the concentrate correctly

Properly charging your dab pens is crucial for optimal performance.

Using a swab, carefully add a small amount of concentrate to the coils or into the chamber, but avoid overfilling to prevent clogging.

For safety reasons, make sure the device is turned off while charging.

2. Preheat the device

To maximize the flavor of your concentrates, you should use the preheat function if your dab pen has one.

Preheating the device for a few seconds before the first hit will better prepare the concentrate, ensuring a smoother and more flavorful vapor.

This technique is especially useful for concentrates that are more difficult to vaporize due to their thickness.

3. Pay attention to the temperature

Since many different concentrates can be loaded into a dab pen, it is important that you can optimize your equipment.

The temperature control of the dab pen affects the potency and flavor profile of the vapor.

It is important to avoid overheating your concentrates as this could destroy the terpenes responsible for flavor and aroma, resulting in harsh and unpleasant hits.

If you start at lower temperatures, the draw will be smoother and the flavor will be clearer.

Increase the temperature gradually to find the desired balance between vapor density and flavor.

4. Start slowly

Concentrates are highly potent, so pay attention to how your body and lungs react to different frequency and duration of hits. Remember that everyone has a different tolerance to cannabis. Tolerance has a big impact on how your body and mind react to weed.

It is best to start with small doses and then increase them slowly. Too much too quickly is never the best time, as you may end up with coughing fits or a sore throat.

5. Clean your dab pen regularly

For hygiene and functional reasons, regular cleaning of the dab pen components is of utmost importance.

For a thorough cleaning, disassemble the pen and place the components in isopropyl alcohol.

Rinse and dry the parts thoroughly before reassembling.

How do you unblock a dab pen that isn't working?

A dab pen usually has large air holes to allow for a smooth draw, but the air holes can become clogged with resin residue.

If this happens, you'll have trouble jetting with your dab pen. Fortunately, there are two ways to unclog your dab pen and get it working again.

1. If the blockage is not severe, you can use a swab or cotton swab to scrape the residue out of the air holes.

The residue still contains active material, so you can safely apply it to the coil and vaporize it.

2. If the blockage is severe, remove the coil and other parts from your dab pen and soak them in rubbing alcohol for a few hours.

Rinse off any remaining residue under running water and wait until all parts are completely dry before using your dab pen again.

Where can you buy a dab pen?

You can buy one from an online store or from your local medical or recreational cannabis dispensary. There are thousands of devices available.

A quality dab pen can cost anywhere from $30 to $100, but prices can vary depending on the brand and style.

If you're looking for something inexpensive, you can get a high-quality Fifth Ave Green House Python Dab Pen or an electronic Fifth Ave Green House Seahorse Nectar Collector for under $60.

Diploma

Dabbing can be a suitable option for your cannabis needs and a dab pen provides added comfort, convenience and portability.

However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, they must also be used responsibly.

We hope our guide and tips will help you use your dab pen safely.

With a little patience, you will learn how to use a dab pen properly and feel the powerful effects of your concentrates.

Have fun dabbing!