How Long to Heat a Quartz Banger
Heating your nail to the proper temperature is the trickiest part of dabbing.
Too hot and your concentrate will burn. Too cold and your concentrate won’t vaporize at all.
If you just picked up a new quartz banger nail, or haven’t been able to master heating your quartz banger, we’ve got some tips that anyone can follow for the perfect dab.
Keep reading to learn how long to heat a quartz banger for milky rips. Even the best dab bangers will take some practice to master.
How to Heat a Quartz Banger
This article assumes you aren’t using an e-nail. E-nails are electronic devices which automatically heat your nail to a desired temperature. If you’re using a butane torch for dabs instead, things get a little tricky.
Start by lighting your torch and evenly distributing the heat around the base and sides of your quartz banger. Be sure to move the torch regularly so you don’t get spots that are hotter than others. Don’t forget the bottom part of the banger. Heat the quartz banger for about 30 seconds to a minute, or until the banger glows.
Once the quartz begins to glow, remove the torch. Now it’s time to wait. Depending on your preferred dab temperature, you’ll be waiting for anywhere from 15 seconds to a full minute. Quartz retains its heat very well, meaning it doesn’t cool off quickly.
For high temp dabs, or those between 500-600°F, wait just 15 seconds before dropping a dab. High-temp dabs result in huge plumes of smoke and a quick, powerful high. High-temp dabs are also harsher on the lungs and tend to taste a bit burnt, making them harder to clean.
To preserve the flavor of your dab and to enjoy a smoother rip, try low-temp dabs or even seasoning your nail. Low-temp dabs occur between 350-450°F. Low-temp dabs are also easier on your nail, improving the longevity of the nail. Wait longer, around 30 seconds to a minute, for your quartz banger to cool to this temperature range.
Something Went Wrong?
You followed the steps above, but something’s not right. Either your concentrate burnt, turned black, and tasted awful, or you were left with a wet puddle at the bottom of your banger. Those are signs that your banger was too hot or too cold. It’s time to adjust.
Heating a nail to perfection takes practice and a little trial and error. How long it takes to heat a quartz banger also depends on multiple factors. The thickness, size, and quality of your quartz banger will all affect how long it takes to reach the right temperature.
If your concentrate is burning, the nail is too hot. Add another 5-10 seconds of waiting time after the nail begins to glow. If your concentrate is melting into a puddle, your nail is too cold.
Try subtracting 5-10 seconds from your waiting time after the nail is glowing. Keep adjusting the time between heating the nail and taking a dab until you get the desired results. Once you know how long to wait, you can depend on your quartz banger to deliver the same results over and over.
I Still Can’t Get it Right
Okay, so you’ve tried again and again to get your quartz banger to the right temperature but it’s just not working. You still have some options.
The first option is to pick up a thermometer gun to monitor the surface temperature of your nail in real time. These relatively inexpensive tools typically run under $20 and take all the guesswork out of heating your nail.
Your second option is to invest in an e-nail. While more expensive than butane torches up front, e-nails usually save you money and frustration in the long-run. Just be sure the coil is large enough to fit around the “bucket” of the banger.
Keep Practicing
Learning how long it takes to heat a quartz banger takes plenty of practice. Don’t get frustrated if you can’t get it right in the first few tries.
Also remember to experiment with different temperatures to discover what the perfect temperature is for you.