To use a dabber, pick the tip that matches your concentrate, scoop or portion a small dose, touch it to your heated banger, then cap and inhale — wiping the tip clean between dabs. It's simple once you know the steps. Here's exactly how to do it without wasting concentrate or burning yourself.
What you'll need
A dabber with the right tip, your dab rig and quartz banger, a carb cap, and your concentrate. New to concentrates? Read what is a dab and what is a dabber first.
Step 1: Match the tip to your concentrate
- Thick badder, budder or crumble → use a scoop or spoon tip.
- Sticky, stretchy textures → use a flat paddle.
- Hard, brittle shatter → use a pointed pick to chip off a piece.
Step 2: Portion a small dose
Use the tip to scoop or break off a rice-grain-sized amount, start small, especially with potent concentrate. You can always add more, but you can't take a hit back. A tiny dose also protects your banger and gives cleaner flavor.
Step 3: Heat your banger (and let it cool)
Heat the banger, then let it cool to the low-temp sweet spot for the best flavor, see how to control dab temperature. Prefer to skip the torch timing? Try a cold start, where you load the concentrate into a cool banger and heat together.
Step 4: Apply the concentrate
Gently touch the dabber tip to the inside of the banger and swirl to release the concentrate. Keep the tip moving so it doesn't stick, and scrape off any excess on the rim. As it starts to vaporize, begin a slow inhale.
Step 5: Cap and inhale
Place your carb cap on the banger to trap heat and control airflow, then inhale slowly and steadily. If you use terp pearls, spin the cap to move them and spread the concentrate for even vaporization.
Step 6: Clean the tip
Wipe the dabber tip on a cloth or cotton swab while it's still slightly warm, residue comes off far more easily before it hardens. For a deeper clean, soak the tip in isopropyl alcohol, then wipe. A clean tip means pure flavor on your next dab.
Tips to dab like a pro
- Start low. Small doses and low temps give better flavor and waste less concentrate.
- Use a silicone-tipped or glass dabber to avoid scratching your quartz banger.
- Keep a dab mat or holder so your sticky tool has a place to rest between hits.
- Match your banger to your rig first, see how to choose a quartz banger.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use a dabber?
Pick a tip that matches your concentrate, scoop or break off a small dose, touch it to your heated banger and swirl to release it, then cap and inhale slowly. Wipe the tip clean while it's still warm between dabs.
How much concentrate should I put on a dabber?
Start with a rice-grain-sized amount. Concentrates are potent, so a small dose gives cleaner flavor, protects your banger, and lets you add more if needed rather than overdoing it.
How do I stop concentrate sticking to the dabber?
Keep the tip moving as you apply, and touch it to the warm banger so the concentrate releases onto the hot quartz. A slightly warmed tip and a scoop or silicone tip also help sticky textures slide off cleanly.
How do I clean a dabber between dabs?
Wipe the tip on a cloth or cotton swab while it's still slightly warm, when residue comes off easiest. For a deeper clean, soak the tip in isopropyl alcohol and wipe dry. This keeps flavor pure and prevents buildup.
Can a dabber scratch my banger?
A hard metal tip can scratch quartz if you're rough. Use a gentle touch, or choose a silicone-tipped or glass dabber to protect the inside of your banger while you apply concentrate.
Get the right dab tools
With the right dabber and a little technique, every dab is cleaner, tastier and less wasteful. Shop Encore dabbers & dab tools now, then round out your kit with a quartz banger, carb cap and terp pearls.
