How to Use Bong as a Dab Rig?

Though looks silimar, Bongs and dab rigs serve distinct purposes within the realm of smoking devices.

Bongs are for smoking dried flower. Dab rigs, equipped with specialized components, are tailored for concentrates, like wax.

If you are looking to try wax concentrates, But the odds are that you don’t yet have a proper dab rig, just your trusty old bong.

Luckily, your bong can work just as well with a few tweaks. It’s a simple way to enjoy the benefits of dabbing without shelling out for a separate rig.

In this guide, we will tech you how to make a dab rig out of a bong in simple steps to help you make the most of your smoking device.

How to Use Bong as a Dab Rig?

To use a bong as a dab rig, users will need to make certain modifications.

You’ll need four additional items: a dab nail or banger, a carb cap, a dab tool, and last but not least a torch.

Once you’ve acquired these items, you’ll be ready to start taking dabs from your bong!

1. Nail/Banger

First up, you’ll want to swap out that regular bowl for a dab nail or a banger. It’s used to contain your choice of concentrate while attached to your dab rig. This part is pretty important since the nail or banger needs to handle those high temperatures for dabbing.

Dab Nails are usually available in three different materials: quartz, titanium, and ceramic.

Quartz bangers have emerged as the undisputed favorite among many concentrate aficionados, and it’s easy to see why. The purity of quartz makes it completely inert, preserving the taste of your concentrates very well.

Titanium dab bangers are perfect for rough handling since they will never break. This makes titanium nails and bangers perfect as backups and a must in every dabber’s collection.

Finally, ceramic nails and bangers are the least popular and somewhat harder to find than their titanium and quartz counterparts.

When you pick one, make sure it fits your bong stem well. Your banger must have the right joint type, angle, and size to work with your existing bong.

You don’t want it wobbling around; it should fit snugly to keep everything sealed and the airflow right. Seriously, take a moment to double-check those measurements. It’ll save you a lot of trouble later on.

Angle: A bong with a 45-degree angle joint size may require a 45-degree converter for the banger to fit correctly, or just look for a 45-degree banger. This ensures the banger sits horizontally and seats the concentrate properly.

Size: Bongs typically come with either 14mm or 18mm joints. To determine your bong’s joint size, you can use a simple dime test.

If the dime fits inside the joint, it’s an 18mm joint. If not, it’s likely a 14mm joint.

Gnder: Additionally, consider whether your bong has a male or female joint, as this will determine the type of nail or banger you’ll need for dabbing.

2. Carb Cap

After applying the concentrate, place a carb cap over the banger nail. This will control the airflow, maintain the heat, and ensure that all of the concentrate is vaporized.

Though optional, a carb cap can greatly enhance your dabbing experience by improving heat retention and efficiency.

3. Butane Torch

Also called a butane torch, this is a type of lighter that provides a precise, continuous flame over your banger or nail.

That helps it reach the right temperature so that your concentrate burns into a vapor that provides you with a smooth, flavorful draw.

You can get butane torches at numerous retailers and at numerous prices.

Other Handy Accessories for Dabbing

4. Dab Tool

These dab tools, typically made from preferably metal, help you handle and apply your concentrates to the dab nail with precision and safety.

5. Storage Container

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and potency of your cannabis concentrates.

Silicone or Glass Storage Containers are the most common and is perfect; non-stick, and easy to clean.

6. Non-Stick Dab Mat

These silicone dab mats provide a clean, safe surface to handle concentrates, preventing wax residue from sticking to tables or countertops.

Should You Use a Bong As a Dab Rig?

Dabbing with your water bong is an intelligent move, super cost-effective and versatile, allowing you to explore concentrates without investing in a separate piece of equipment, but it is not the perfect choice.

Larger bongs are not good for dabbing as you may lose more of your dab to resin buildup in the interior of a large pipe.

We don’t recommend using anything over 15”. To get the best flavor from your concentrates a smaller bong is better.

Bongs with multiple percolators or complex systems are good for cooling the smoke and providing extra filtration. However, too many percs will filter out the sweet taste of concentrates and decrease potency.

Using the same bong for both flower and dabs can make it very hard to clean and also not taste so great since you are mixing the two.

If you are going to be a regular connoisseur of both dabs and flower we HIGHly recommend getting a bong for flower and a dab rig for dabs.

Go for a proper dab rig especially electric dab rig will win whenever it comes to concentrates.

Dab rigs will help with the potency of your hit. When you want a small or more potent hit, dab rigs will give you that control.

Proper dab rigs can maximize shatter, wax, and other thicker forms of concentrate better than larger bongs.

In Conclusion

While both bongs and dab rigs have unique functionalities and uses, the boundaries between them can be blurred with a bit of clever adaptation.

Converting a bong into a dab rig, is as simple as switching out a single component. This versatility allows for a wide range of use, expanding the horizon of options for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

But always know the best experiences come with using the right equipment — For those seeking the best dabbing experience, a dedicated dab rig is the superior choice.

These specialized devices are designed to maximize flavor, efficiency, and overall enjoyment when consuming concentrates.

Whether you choose to adapt your bong or invest in a purpose-built dab rig, understanding the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your cannabis consumption and preferences.