What Is a Carb Cap & How Does It Work?
When it comes to dabbing, carb caps are an accessory that can make your smoking experience better. These handy tools help control airflow, maintain heat, and ensure your concentrates vaporize effectively at lower temperatures, preserving the terpenes and flavor. Understanding carb caps is essential if you’re new to dabbing or looking to upgrade your setup. In this guide, you’ll learn about:
- What Is a Carb Cap?
- What Are the Different Types of Carb Caps?
- How Do You Use a Carb Cap?
- How Do You Clean Carb Caps?
- FAQs About Carb Caps
What Is a Carb Cap?
A carb cap (short for carburetor) is a small device that sits on top of the nail or banger during dabbing, much like a lid on a pot. Similar to the carb hole in a pipe, a carb cap traps heat, controls airflow, and keeps your concentrate from cooling too quickly, giving you smoother, more flavorful hits.1 Plus, it’s ideal to help give you more time to finish your dab. A carb cap is handy if you prefer large dabs. (But remember not to overdo it!)
Carb caps are ideal for low-temperature dabs, where consistent heat is key to preserving terpenes and enhancing flavor. By covering the hot nail after dropping in your concentrate, the carb cap helps vaporize the cannabis concentrate evenly, ensuring none is wasted. It also allows you to get the most out of your dabs by maximizing both the potency and the overall experience. Whether you’re a seasoned dabber or just starting out, a carb cap is essential for any setup.2
What Are the Different Types of Carb Caps?
Carb caps come in various designs, and each offers unique benefits depending on your dabbing style:3
- Standard carb caps: These have a simple design that traps heat and controls airflow, making them a great all-around option for dabbers who prefer no-fuss tools. They’re straightforward and easy to use—perfect for beginners.
- Bubble carb caps: With their rounded shape and hollow stem, these caps allow for more control over airflow. The bubble design lets you easily adjust the direction and amount of airflow, ensuring your concentrate is heated evenly for a smooth hit.
- Directional carb caps: These caps take airflow control to the next level by allowing you to aim precisely. The carb cap has an angled stem and forms a seal on the nail. You can rotate the carb cap to spread heat evenly across your concentrate to get the most out of your dabs.
- Spinner carb caps: Specifically designed to work with terp pearls, these vortex carb caps have slits that create a spinning motion for the smoke inside the nail. This helps distribute heat better and improves airflow, enhancing both the flavor and efficiency of your dabs.
Carb caps are also made from different materials, each suited to specific preferences and needs:
- Glass: Affordable and visually appealing, glass carb caps come in various styles and are a great starting point for most cannabis consumers.
- Titanium: Known for their durability and heat resistance, titanium carb caps are perfect for dabbers that prioritize longevity and performance.
- Ceramic: Excellent for maintaining lower temperatures, ceramic caps are ideal for preserving terpenes and enhancing flavor, though they can be more fragile than other types.
Whether you prioritize control, durability, or flavor, there’s a carb cap to match your setup and style.
How Do You Use a Carb Cap?
Using a carb cap with a dab rig or e-rig is straightforward. With dabbing tools like a nectar collector, you won’t need a carb cap.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a carb cap:
Step 1: Prepare the Nail
Preheat the sides and bottom of the nail or banger with a butane torch until it reaches your desired temperature. This step usually takes 30-90 seconds.
Step 2: Add Concentrate
Before you add your concentrate, wait for the nail or banger to cool. The ideal temperature is 300-450°F (149-232°C). Once cooled, place your favorite cannabis concentrate on the heated nail. If you’re using terp pearls, add them before heating.
If you prefer something simpler than a full dab rig setup, you might opt for a dab pen, which allows you to consume concentrates without needing a nail or carb cap.
Step 3: Place the Carb Cap
After you’ve added the concentrate, immediately place the carb cap over the nail to trap heat and control airflow.
Step 4: Rotate the Carb Cap
Gently rotate the carb cap around the nail to spread the heat and concentrate evenly. Directional caps allow you to aim the airflow while rotating.
Step 5: Inhale
Inhale as you rotate the carb cap to maintain even airflow and temperature, ensuring smooth, flavorful vapor for your smoking session.
How Do You Clean Carb Caps?
Cleaning your carb caps regularly keeps them in top condition and prevents residue buildup. Here’s how:
- Regular cleaning: Use a cotton swab or paper towel and 90% isopropyl alcohol to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Soak for heavy buildup: Let the carb cap soak in isopropyl alcohol overnight until the residue dissolves. Then, wipe the cap with the alcohol and a cotton swab and let it dry.
Clean your carb caps as needed. They don’t require cleaning after every session unless the buildup is significant.
FAQs About Carb Caps
Want to know more about a carb cap for a banger or carb caps for dab rigs? Here are the answers to your most common questions. As an alternative, visit your nearest Verilife dispensary and chat with a budtender for personalized advice.
Are carb caps reusable?
Yes, carb caps are reusable, but you need to clean them regularly. With too much buildup, your carb cap is more likely to break and your dabs may be contaminated with a burnt, acrid taste.4
Can I dab without a carb cap?
You can dab without a dab cap, but you’ll have less control over temperature and airflow.
How much do carb caps cost?
Carb caps typically start at around $10, with prices increasing for more intricate designs or decorative options that add a touch of personal style.
Where does the carb cap go?
After adding concentrate, place the carb cap over the heated nail or banger. It may take a few tries to find your ideal fit for the best airflow.
Is a dome the same as a carb cap?
A dome is a type of carb cap.
Purchasing Dab Caps
Adding a carb cap to your dabbing setup is a simple way to enhance airflow, maintain heat, and improve the flavor of your concentrates. Whether using a standard cap, a directional cap, or a spinner carb cap for terp pearls, this small accessory makes a big difference in your smoking sessions. Check out your local Verilife dispensary for a carb cap that fits your style and setup. Or ask your favorite budtender about which carb cap and concentrate they recommend.
Sources:
1. “10 Essential Smoking Tools for Concentrates,” Thrillist, December 22, 2022, https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/smoking-supplies-concentrates-dabs
2. “Carp cap,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/carb-cap
3. “Dabbing 101: what is it and how do you dab?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/dab-dabbing
4. “Guide to Carb Caps and How To Use Them,” The Press Club, March 14, 2023, https://thepressclub.co/blogs/tips-tricks/guide-to-carb-caps-and-how-to-use-them
Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Ohio and 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.