Dabbing is the active process of vaporizing concentrates by gently pressing it against a heated nail.

Example… A dose of concentrated material dabbing against a hot titanium nail

A dab is a dose of concentrated material.

Example… A golden-amber dab of shatter

Dabs are multiple doses of concentrates.

Wax, shatter, budder, crumble, oil, etc… are specific types of concentrates made from an extraction process.

The specific extraction process used determines the “type” of concentrate created.

If you know the specific type of concentrate – you can just use its name (Shatter, Wax, Oil, etc.)

A dabber is a pen-like tool that holds a small chunk of Wax/Shatter/Oil while dabbing

Example… A small glass dabber ready to be loaded up with a dab.

A nail is the functioning external piece of a dag rig that is heated and “dabbed” against.

Usually made of titanium, ceramic, or quartz – the nail is the defining part of a dab rig. It’s the piece that is heated up for dabbing.

Dabbing nails come in a wide variety of styles. (Dome-and-nails, domeless nails,honey buckets, etc.)

Example… A “katana style” domeless quartz nail for dabbing

Load a small “dab” of your favorite concentrate onto a “dabber”.

Heat the nail on your dab rig until it’s lightly glowing. (Use a butane/propane torch or E-Nail)

Wait a several seconds for the nail to cool a little… Then lightly dab your wax/shatter/oil against the nail while inhaling from your dab rig.

Usually this is the easiest way to start dabbing.

Dab Rigs are glass water pipes made specifically for dabbing with the primary difference being that they use a “nail” whereas bongs use a “bowl”. Nails are often a bit smaller in size.

And of course, the glass rigs come in a wide variety of custom designs. Similarly to all the different types of bongs we talk about in What is a Bong- Bongs, Bubblers & Beyond there are several different types of rigs.

There are multiple types of percolators, angles, designs and intricacies that you can choose for your rig.

On the other hand, you can usually convert your current bong into a “dab rig.”

Simply put, bong fittings are standardized into 3 basic sizes and 2 simple genders.

Most noteworthy, here’s how you can convert your current water pipe for dabbing:

1) Determine the size of your bong fitting

• 10mm (aka micro-joint)
• 14mm (aka 14.4)
• 19mm (aka 18.8)

2) Determine the gender of your bong fitting

• Male (less common)
• Female (more common)

3) Purchase a nail of the SAME SIZE and OPPOSITE GENDER

• A 14mm FEMALE fitting needs a 14mm MALE nail
• A 10mm MALE fitting needs a 10mm FEMALE nail
• Or play it safe with a 6-in-1 universal nail (fits all sizes)

Remember this “Size + gender” combo. It will help you when shopping for new bongs, bowls, nails, and accessories.