Green lines waving in front of green vapor

What Are Electric Dab Rigs & Nails?

Dabbing is a popular way to smoke concentrates, but it comes with a learning curve. For cannabis consumers who want to take the guesswork out of traditional dabbing, electric dab rigs and e-nails are a great option.

In this guide, we’ll explain the ins and outs of electric dab rigs and nails, including:

  • What is an Electric Dab Rig?
  • How Do You Use an E-Rig?
  • What is an Electric Dab Nail?
  • How Do You Use an E-Nail?
  • E-Rig & E-Nail FAQs

What is an Electric Dab Rig?

An electric dab rig, or e-rig, is an electronic, temperature-controlled dabbing rig that can be used in place of a glass dab rig. E-rigs use either batteries or an electric outlet to provide a consistent temperature at which the concentrates are heated.

 

How Do You Use an E-Rig?

Using an e-rig is fairly simple: all you have to do is set the temperature on your e-rig, give it a couple minutes to heat up, and then add your cannabis concentrate.

If this is your first time using a new e-rig, some cannabis enthusiasts swear by seasoning the nail first, but only if the nail is made of quartz or titanium. Seasoning is not necessary if you use a ceramic or glass nail. To season the nail, heat it, cool it, then heat and cool it again. This process removes any residue from the manufacturing process. Some cannabis connoisseurs then coat the nail with an inexpensive concentrate first and heat it, letting that burn off before adding a prized concentrate like marijuana wax.

 

What is an Electric Dab Nail?

Electric dab nails, or e-nails, are a great middle ground for those cannabis enthusiasts who have a dab rig already but prefer better temperature control. The e-nail replaces the banger in your traditional dab rig, so you can dab your marijuana concentrates at a precise temperature every time.

How Do You Use an E-Nail?

Using an e-nail is easy: just replace your existing banger or nail with your e-nail, and use your dab rig as usual. Let the e-nail come to the right temperature, add your concentrate, cover the e-nail with a carb cap, and enjoy.

Like mentioned above with electronic dab rigs, you may want to season your new e-nail as well when you first pull it out of the packaging by heating it and cleaning it to remove any factory residue. This process takes only a couple minutes and can make a big flavor difference.
 

Electric Dab Rigs & Nails FAQs

We get a lot of questions about electric dab rigs and e-nails. Here are a few answers to our most frequently asked questions:

How are e-rigs different from dab rigs?
An e-rig is an electronic dab rig, meaning it uses electricity to heat the nail. A dab rig is a tool, much like a water pipe, that requires no electricity. Instead, you heat the concentrate with a butane torch.

Are e-rigs portable?
Absolutely. E-rigs for dabs come in all different shapes and sizes, from discrete, pocket-sized tools to larger, table top instruments.

Can I use an e-nail with an e-rig?
Yes, in fact, most e-rigs have e-nails built into them, so you don’t even have to purchase a separate e-nail.

Purchasing Electric Dab Rigs & Nails

If you’re interested in consistent temperature control during your sessions, stop by your local dispensary and check out e-rigs and e-nails. Ask a budtender at your local dispensary for more information about dabbing and the associated tools.


Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.