Whether to leave the cartridge connected to your vape pen depends entirely on the duration of non-use and the environment. Cartridge-based vape pens, such as 510-thread screw-on styles and proprietary magnetic pod systems, are designed for convenience. However, extended periods of connection or exposure to certain conditions can lead to performance issues or material waste. Understanding the mechanics of the connection and the liquid inside is key to maintaining both the device and the quality of the oil.
Daily Habits for Keeping the Cartridge In
For short-term, regular use throughout the day, leaving the cartridge attached to the battery is generally acceptable. The convenience of having the device ready for immediate use outweighs the minimal risks associated with brief periods of connection. This applies to carrying the pen in a pocket or bag, or setting it down on a desk for a few hours.
Leaving the cartridge connected may result in a negligible electrical draw known as parasitic drain, where the battery slowly loses charge even when the device is off. While this effect is minimal, a more immediate concern is the potential for minor leakage, sometimes called “weeping,” if the device is stored horizontally.
Cartridges contain viscous oils that are drawn to the heating element. Storing the pen upright helps keep the oil centered around the wick, minimizing the chance of it migrating out of the airflow or connection points. If the pen is kept vertical, the cartridge can typically remain connected without issue for several hours or overnight.
Mandatory Removal Scenarios
Removing the cartridge is strongly advised in specific situations to protect the device and preserve the contents. Long-term storage, defined as periods longer than a few days or a week, necessitates detachment to prevent coil saturation and potential oil degradation. Extended contact between the oil and the heating element’s wick can cause oversaturation, which may lead to flooding or clogging when the device is next used.
Travel involving significant altitude changes, such as flying or driving over mountains, is a major trigger for leakage. The air pressure differential causes the air bubble inside the cartridge to expand, forcing the oil outward through the seals and air holes. To prevent this, cartridges should be removed, placed upright in a sealed container, and only reattached after reaching the final destination.
Another mandatory removal scenario is during the device’s charging cycle, especially if the battery becomes warm. Heat increases the fluidity of the oil, making it more likely to leak into the battery connection contacts. Separating the two components while charging also prevents potential short-circuiting or damage should the battery overheat.
Preventing Leaks and Protecting Connections
Regular maintenance of the connection points ensures optimal performance, whether the cartridge is left in or taken out. The electrical contact points on the battery terminal and the cartridge base can accumulate residue from minor leaks or dust. This buildup interferes with conductivity, resulting in weak hits or the device failing to fire.
Cleaning these points with a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol restores a proper electrical connection. Ensure the components are completely dry before reattaching them.
The best practice for storing a disconnected cartridge is to keep it in a cool, dark location, and crucially, in an upright position. Storing the cartridge vertically ensures the oil stays settled at the bottom, maintaining wick saturation and preventing liquid migration. This orientation, combined with regular cleaning, reduces the likelihood of leaks and protects the electrical connection.