Dabbing involves flash-vaporizing cannabis concentrates, such as wax or shatter, on a superheated surface and inhaling the resulting vapor. A bong, or water pipe, is traditionally designed for combusting and filtering dry cannabis flower. Although these devices serve fundamentally different purposes, it is possible to modify a standard bong to function as a vaporization device. This conversion requires replacing the bowl designed for dried herbs with specialized, heat-resistant accessories intended for concentrates.
Understanding the Core Difference Between Bongs and Rigs
The primary distinction between a bong and a dab rig lies in the temperatures they handle and the material they process. Bongs use a standard lighter to ignite dry flower, generating smoke at temperatures often exceeding 500°F. Conversely, dab rigs are built for vaporization, heating concentrates to a precise temperature range, typically between 300°F and 450°F.
A bong uses a simple glass bowl or slide, while a dab rig utilizes a heat-resistant component called a banger or nail. The glass joint on a bong usually comes in standard sizes like 10mm, 14mm, or 18mm, and is either a male or female connection. The bong’s larger size and complex filtration, while beneficial for cooling smoke, can cause the delicate concentrate vapor to cool too quickly, which is a drawback for dabbing.
Essential Components for Bong Conversion
Converting a bong into a dab rig requires replacing the flower bowl with a heat-retaining accessory. The most common replacement is a quartz banger, which offers excellent thermal properties, purity, and rapid heat-up time without degrading the concentrate’s flavor. Other options include nails made from titanium or ceramic.
The banger must match the existing joint size and gender of your bong, requiring a male banger for a female joint and vice versa. If the sizes or angles do not align, a ground-glass adapter is necessary to create an airtight seal and ensure the banger sits level. This prevents the concentrate from pooling or running out upon application.
A high-powered butane torch is required to heat the banger, as a standard lighter cannot produce sufficient heat. The concentrated flame elevates the banger’s temperature to a glowing red state in preparation for the cool-down period. A final component is the carb cap, a small lid placed over the banger after the concentrate is applied. The carb cap restricts airflow and creates a convection-like environment to fully vaporize the material at lower temperatures.
The Dabbing Process: Step-by-Step Execution
Ensure the bong is clean and filled with a small amount of water to cover the percolator or downstem. The first step involves heating the banger evenly with the butane torch until the quartz glows a gentle red. This process superheats the quartz to ensure the entire surface is uniformly hot.
After heating, the banger must be allowed to cool down to the optimal low-temperature dabbing range of 300°F to 450°F, which is necessary to preserve the concentrate’s delicate terpene profile. For a standard quartz banger, this cool-down period generally lasts between 30 and 60 seconds. Using a timer for consistency is recommended.
Once the temperature is within the desired range, use a dab tool to gently place the concentrate onto the interior surface of the banger. Immediately place the carb cap over the banger. This traps the heat and redirects airflow, allowing you to inhale the vapor slowly and steadily through the mouthpiece.
Potential Risks and Efficiency Considerations
Converting a bong for dabbing introduces safety and efficiency concerns that are not present with a dedicated dab rig. The most immediate safety risk is thermal shock, where the extreme heat from the torch can cause thin or low-quality glass near the joint to crack or break. The continuous use of an open-flame torch also introduces a higher fire risk.
Bongs are often larger than ideal for concentrates. The greater air volume and longer vapor path cause the vapor to cool excessively before it reaches the user, leading to flavor degradation. This over-cooling encourages the sticky concentrate to re-solidify on the inner walls of the chamber, a substance known as reclaim.
The reclaim buildup results in wasted concentrate and requires more frequent, intensive cleaning to maintain flavor and device function. Residual flavor compounds from previous dry flower use can also linger in the bong’s chamber and water. This negatively impacts the pure taste of the concentrate.