Dab Tools, De-Mystified: Nails, Bangers, Caps & Pearls

Dabbing can be buttery-smooth and consistent—or it can feel like chasing temps and cleaning forever. The difference is your toolkit. Here’s the no-fluff breakdown of what each piece does, how to pick it, and how to keep it clean.

First, Fitment Matters (Before You Buy Anything)

Joint size: 10mm, 14mm, or 18mm
Gender: male vs. female
Angle: 45° vs. 90° (match your rig)
Height/clearance: make sure caps and marbles won’t smack your rig or recycler arm

Bring your rig into Cloud 9 and we’ll size it in seconds—no guessing.

Nails & Bangers 101

Quartz bangers (most popular): clean flavor, fast heat-up/cool-down, wide styles.

Flat-top: versatile, works with most carb caps.
Beveled-edge: better seal with bubble/directional caps.
Opaque bottom: holds heat longer for cooler, longer pulls.
Thermal/double-walled: more heat retention, less scorching.
Slurper/Blender styles: optimized for movement with pearls/marbles; great for larger or staged dabs.

Titanium nails: nearly unbreakable, fast heat, solid heat retention. Flavor is more “neutral-metal”; great for outdoors and durability.
Ceramic: smooth heat retention, slower to heat, fragile—treat gently.

Carb Caps (Airflow = Extraction)

Bubble cap: tilt to steer airflow across the puddle; pairs with beveled bangers.
Directional carb cap: built-in airflow channel spins the puddle for even vaporization.
Marble sets (for slurpers/blenders): top marble seals airflow; pillar + terp pearls keep everything moving.

Rule of thumb: better airflow control = more complete, flavorful extraction at lower temps.

Terp Pearls (Why People Love Them)

Little quartz (or ruby/sic) spheres that spin in your banger to distribute heat and agitate the puddle.

Pros: more even vaporization, better low-temp performance.
Tips: pre-warm your banger so pearls don’t shock; don’t overheat them (you’ll dull surfaces and invite devit).

Temperature: Find Your Sweet Spot

Lower temp focus (roughly 450–550°F on an e-rig or by feel with a torch cooldown): brighter terps, smoother hits, easier cleanup.
Higher temp (600°F+): denser vapor, but riskier on flavor and residue.

Torch method guideline: heat the banger evenly until it just begins to glow, then let it cool (often ~35–60 seconds depending on thickness and room temp). Drop in, cap, and draw steady. E-rigs make this brainless with precise temps—worth it if you value consistency.

Tools You’ll Actually Use

Quality dab tool: scoop, shovel, or paddle—whatever matches your consistency.
Cap stand / heat-safe surface: no more sticky countertops.
Cotton swabs + ISO: quick mop after each pull keeps quartz looking new.
Isopropyl dunk jar (for caps/pearls when cool): faster resets between sessions.
Heat-resistant mat: protects your table and corrals mess.

Safety check: keep torches pointed away from hoses, curtains, and hands. Let hot parts cool on a heat-safe surface—quartz stays hotter than it looks.

Cleaning That Doesn’t Suck

After each dab: cap off → two quick swabs (dry first, then ISO-damp), gentle rotation.
End of night: warm ISO soak for caps/pearls; rinse with warm water; air-dry.
Avoid: metal scrapers inside quartz; overheating until chalky (devitrification). If it happens, deep-clean and reset to lower temps.

Common Mistakes (And Fixes)

Cloudy, burnt banger: you’re too hot or not swabbing. Cool longer or lower temp; swab every time.
No spin on pearls: airflow isn’t dialed. Try a directional cap, lighten your draw, or reduce over-packing.
Harsh flavor: temp too high or dirty cap. Clean and drop 25–50°F.
Cap doesn’t seal: mismatch with your banger (flat vs. beveled). Bring it in—easy swap.

Upgrade Paths by Budget

Entry: flat-top quartz + bubble cap + swabs/ISO kit.
Mid: beveled banger + directional cap + 2x terp pearls + cap stand.
Pro/Collector: slurper/blender set + marble kit + thermometer or e-rig for precise temps.

Come see us at Cloud 9. We’ll match banger style to your rig, set you up with a cap that actually seals, and show you a quick temp routine that fits your pace.

Age & Compliance: 21+ only. Follow all local laws and venue rules.

Dab Tools, De-Mystified: Nails, Bangers, Caps & Pearls