How To Choose The Best Dab Nail

There are five types of dab nail you can use for dabbing. Each type has its share of strengths and weaknesses. Also, the prices vary substantially. Thus, you need to compare the pros and cons while bearing in mind the costs. Besides, you may have some personal preferences. 

5 Types of Dab Nails

The classification of dab nails is mainly based on material. Here are the 5 types of dab nails:

• Glass
• Quartz
• Ceramic
• Titanium
• Electronic

Let’s look at the features and vulnerabilities of each dab nail. 

Glass Dab Nails

Glass dab nails are the most affordable. Of course, the reasonable price comes with a caveat. While it is capable of enduring the high heat of a typical butane torch, glass is not as durable as the other materials, like titanium or even quartz. Also, constant exposure to high heat and frequent usage will make a glass dab nail somewhat brittle. In effect, glass won’t last long.

Furthermore, glass dab nails can break if you accidentally drop them. Another significant drawback of glass is its inability to retain heat, as compared to titanium or even ceramic. Thus, you can heat glass dab nails quickly but your session won’t last as long as you may want. 

Many dabbers complain that glass tends to facilitate residual buildup, thus traces of oils or products. Since it is hard to get rid of these traces from glass, you will have to switch to a new one or another type of dab nail sooner than later. Still, a glass dab nail is an affordable option. 

Quartz Dab Nails

Quartz dab nails are much stronger than glass. You won’t break quartz if you drop a dab nail. However, it is more expensive than both glass and ceramic dab nails. One drawback of quartz is its inability to retain heat. This shortcoming has an advantage, too. You can heat a quartz dab nail much sooner than ceramic. Also, quartz is nonporous, unlike titanium, so cleaning is easier. 

Since quartz dab nails are not as costly as titanium, they are a practical option between the not so durable glass and the ever reliable non-toxic metal. However, quartz is not scratch-proof. So, you cannot use an abrasive tool to clean it. A cleaning solution is necessary. If you are fine with the quartz’ inability to retain heat, you can get a dab nail of this material, subject to affordability.  

Ceramic Dab Nails

Ceramic dab nails are costlier than glass but cheaper than quartz. The heat endurance of ceramic is almost similar to quartz. However, ceramic takes longer to heat. On the positive side, ceramic retains heat longer than both quartz and glass. This advantage carries a risk, too. You have to be mindful of managing a ceramic dab nail after dabbing as it will remain hot for a while. 

Like glass, ceramic can break if you drop the dab nail. Unlike glass, ceramic will not turn brittle when exposed to the butane torch flame for a prolonged period. However, excessive heating can cause chips and cracks in ceramic. Unlike quartz and titanium, ceramic dab nails don’t undergo any visible changes in color or appearance, so avoid undue overheating. 

Also, you have to clean ceramic dab nails using a rubbing alcohol solution. Do not use abrasive cleaning solutions. A dab tool is a nonstarter because ceramic will develop scratches and may chip or crack if you are abrasive with any cleaning device. 

Titanium Dab Nails

Titanium dab nails are the strongest among all. Their heat endurance is more than thrice the highest temperatures a typical butane torch can reach when you dab. You won’t break a titanium dab nail if you drop it. Also, you can use a dab tool to clean it as the metal won’t crack. 

Titanium is porous. Thus, do not use cleaning solutions or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any buildup. Simply heat a titanium dab nail, get the tool, and scrub off all the residue. The only issue you may have with titanium is the price. Frequent users can benefit from the investment as one titanium dab nail is likely to outlast several glass, ceramic, and even quartz variants. 

Electronic Dab Nails

Electronic dab nails or e-nails have an integrated heating component. Thus, you don’t need the torch. However, the e-nails are relatively new. So, it is difficult to draw irrefutable conclusions. Also, most electronic dab nails cost a small fortune that may not be an option for beginners. 

Which Dab Nail Should You Buy?

Glass and ceramic are affordable options for beginners unless you are a frequent user. Quartz and titanium are more suitable for frequent dabbers. Also, weigh the need of a dome when you shop for dab nails. A dome provides safety, but not all dabbers are a fan of an extra component.