How to dispose of a dab pen? 4 easy solutions
A stuck dab pen can be a frustrating experience for anyone wanting to enjoy a smoking session.
You try to inhale from your device but notice that you have difficulty inhaling or that vapor production is reduced.
Of course, you want to clean your dab pen without having to buy a new one.
In this article, we'll explain why dab pens clog and how to fix the problem – luckily, it's quite easy to fix.
We'll also give you tips and tricks to help you optimize the maintenance of your dab pens, so you can prevent a disaster before it happens!
What is a dab pen?
A dab pen (also called a wax pen) is a small, compact device specifically designed for the consumption of solid wax or cannabis concentrates.
More specifically, a dab pen device produces hot vapor that you inhale to enjoy the potential benefits of cannabis concentrates.
Dab pens usually have different temperature settings that can alter the vapor density and quality.
Our more detailed article on What is a Dab Pen
How does a dab pen work?
A dab pen typically consists of four main parts: the mouthpiece, the chamber, the atomizer, and the battery.
When you inhale through the mouthpiece, the battery powers the atomizer, which heats the cannabis concentrates in the chamber. The heat turns the solid wax into vapor, which you inhale.
Mouthpiece: The mouthpiece is where you place your mouth to inhale the vapor.
Battery: The battery supplies the necessary power to operate the atomizer.
Most dab pens come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries because they last a long time and generally perform well.
Chamber: This is where the concentrate is filled in; contains the heating element for evaporating the extract.
Atomizer: The atomizer is responsible for heating the solid wax or concentrate and converting it into vapor.
This coil gets hot when current from the battery flows through it and the concentrate vaporizes.
Why is my dab pen clogged or blocked?
If this is the case for you, it is because something is blocking the airflow and preventing the steam from passing through freely.
This is mainly due to the cannabis concentrate used in the dab pens themselves, which is very thick and can therefore cause blockages.
Shatter, wax, crumble, rosin, diamonds, and various types of concentrates are all just that: forms of concentrated cannabis.
If the solid earwax is pulled through the narrow mouthpiece, it can accumulate in the airways and eventually block them.
This is usually because over the course of many dabbing sessions, small amounts of residue can build up, creating a layer of dirt in the airways. Over time, the condensation clogs the mouthpiece.
How to Unclog Your Dab Pen: 4 Easy Repair Methods
Now that we know the reasons for clogging, let’s look at effective solutions to clear clogging in your dab pen.
1. Preheat your dab pen
Preheating the dab pen can dissolve any accumulated residue.
Hold the pen button down for a few seconds before inhaling to give the clogged wax time to melt.
2. Warm up the dab pen
With a little heat, the solid wax stuck in the air holes can be diluted and liquefied.
This allows it to slide back to the heating element, evaporate and clear the blockage.
There are three basic options for this:
1. Use a hairdryer: Hold a hairdryer about 15 cm from the swab and turn it on for about 30 seconds.
We always recommend a hairdryer as it is not hot enough to damage the dab pen hardware, but warm enough to loosen the clogs.
2. Near a heater: Simply place the dab pen in a warm place in the house, such as near a radiator, coffee pot, heat gun, clothes dryer, etc.
These electronic or household items can generate large amounts of heat in just a few minutes.
3. Hot water bath: Place the dab pen in a tightly sealed Ziploc bag and submerge it in hot/warm water.
The heat helps to clear the air holes without the risk of breaking or damaging the dab pen.
3. Scrape off residue with a paper clip
If you use the same dab pen for a while and never clean it, hardened residue may clog the mouthpiece and air holes.
Scrape or wipe the clog clean with a small object such as a toothpick, paper clip, or other small object. This is especially useful if the clog is tough.
Remember not to press too hard to avoid damaging the coil or other delicate parts.
4. Clean residues with rubbing alcohol
Cannabis residue can be extremely sticky, so use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to remove any sticky residue.
Unscrew the mouthpiece from your device. Lightly moisten a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol. Gently clean the air holes of the mouthpiece with the moistened cotton swab using little force and remove any residue.
Remove any alcohol or residue with a dry cotton swab or soft cloth.
Three useful tips to avoid clogging your dab pen
Although you may be able to fix the problem yourself, it is better to prevent blockages before they occur.
By following these 3 useful maintenance tips, you can keep your dab pen running smoothly and avoid the hassle of clogging.
1. Take smaller trains
Smaller puffs mean less air is drawn out of the mouthpiece at once.
This allows the heating element to vaporize the waxy particles more effectively without overwhelming the system.
On the other hand, larger draws can produce more vapor than the atomizer can efficiently process.
Additionally, taking big, powerful hits while dabbing can cause more oil to enter the mouthpiece's air holes, causing clogging over time.
Take a small puff, hold it for 3 seconds, exhale and wait 20 minutes before doing it again.
2. Store your dab pen properly
Always store dab pens and batteries at room temperature, preferably in a cool, dark place.
Do not leave any objects in your car or in places where it is exposed to extreme cold and heat fluctuations.
Also, always store items upright, as laying them on their side can cause residual wax to melt and leak out of the chamber.
3. Regular cleaning
Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of residue and prevents blockages that can hinder the smooth flow of cannabis concentrates.
After each use, gently wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, taking special care to remove all residue.
For a more thorough cleaning, mouthpieces can be soaked in rubbing alcohol or water for up to an hour before scrubbing. After scrubbing, place the mouthpiece on a paper towel or rag to dry.
Diploma
As frustrating as a clogged dab pen can be, the problem can often be fixed without much effort.
There are a few different ways you can unclog your dab pen. In most cases, the problem is easily fixed by using heat and a small thin object to unclog the dab pen.
With a little knowledge and these simple steps, you can keep your dab pen running smoothly.
In addition, you can significantly reduce the risk of clogging through regular maintenance and proper storage.
Hopefully, the important tips and tricks above will allow you to enjoy your favorite cannabis concentrates without any restrictions.
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