Tips for Cleaning Your Titanium Nail

Cleaning a titanium nail sounds difficult, but it doesn't have to be.

We've cleaned hundreds of titanium nails over the years, and the methods we cover here are guaranteed to work for even the dirtiest titanium nail.

Whether you're an expert dabber or still learning how to dab, you'll walk away with valuable tips from the cleaning methods discussed here.

Before we jump in;

Let's first cover the basics of what the titanium is and what it does.

What is a titanium dab nail? 

A titanium nail is a heating element used to heat your oils or concentrate before taking a dab with your rig.

We're focusing on titanium nails in this post, but dab nails are made from glass, ceramic, and quartz as well.

Titanium is one of the most durable nail materials available today.

Now we know what a titanium nail is, but why should you clean your titanium nail in the first place?

Why is cleaning your titanium nail important?

You should clean your titanium nail not just because it will make it last longer, but because it improves the taste of your dabs as well.

The nail is where you're putting the good stuff, so it's important to keep it clean as much as possible.

But, that's not the only reason.

Titanium nails can be expensive, especially for daily dabbers.

To get your money's worth, take time to clean a titanium nail the right way or the residue will eventually put it out of commission.

What materials do I need to clean a titanium nail?

Grab the materials below before preparing to clean your titanium nail.

• Salt 
• Isopropyl alcohol 
• Plastic bags or container 
• Pipe cleaners 
• Gloves (optional)
• Q-tips 
• Dab torch
• Dabber tool (optional)

All of the materials above are useful for cleaning your titanium dab nail, but they're useful for cleaning a dab nail made from different materials as well.

Let's dive into 3 different methods you can use to clean a titanium nail.

Torch Method

The torch method is by far the easiest way to clean your titanium dab nail.

To get started, just light your torch and heat your nail like you would before taking a hit.

As the dab nail heats, the torch will burn leftover residue off.

It's common for dabbers to use the torch method before every dab or after every dab.

It takes only a minute or so to do, which is why we consider it the simplest way to clean a titanium dab nail.

Water Method

The water method is an extension of the torch method mentioned above.

After you heat your nail until it's red, submerge it in room-temperature water for 10 minutes.

Next, use a pair of tongs to remove the nail from the water.

If there's still leftover oils or residue, give your nail a good scrub.

It's made of titanium, so don't worry about damaging it by scrubbing.

Salt Method

The salt method is another simple way to clean your nail that only requires salt and water or isopropyl alcohol.

If you want to clean a titanium dab nail with a natural solution, follow the steps below using saltwater.

1. Boil a pot of water, letting your salt dissolve
2. Place your dab nail in the water and wait 10 minutes
3. Remove the nail with tongs and scrub off any residue still remaining

Saltwater can be substituted for rubbing alcohol.

Instead of boiling water, simply let your nail sit in a mixture of rubbing alcohol and salt for 10 minutes, then scrub.

Or;

Don't let it sit in the cleaning solution and instead use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to scrub the nail clean.

With any of the methods above, you'll have your nail clean in not time.

Things to consider before buying a titanium dab nail

A titanium dab nail is pretty low maintenance, but there are still a couple of considerations to make before you buy one.

Avoid grabbing any old nail off the internet and take time to understand what exactly you're looking for.

This is important not only for the quality of your nail, but your own health and safety as well.

Use just Grade 2 (or better) Titanium

All titanium is not created equal.

Since you'll be consuming concentrates from your titanium dab nail at high temperatures, you shouldn't buy anything below Grade 2 titanium.

Medical and food supplies are made using Grade 2 titanium, so it makes a safe dab nail material as well.

When you start going below Grade 2, you'll find it may be mixed with a number of different fillers and other metals that can produce harmful contaminants during the heating process.

This increases your chance of consuming toxic metals when you dab, so be sure to stay away!

Buy your titanium dab nail from a reliable brand

Before buying a titanium dab nail, spend time researching the company you're purchasing from.

Always make sure the brand is a reliable titanium dab nail supplier and look for proof that the titanium dab nail you plan on buying is made from Grade 2 titanium.

If you've got the money to spend, consider buying a Grade 1 titanium nail.

They're worth the extra dollars you'll spend.

Final thoughts

Titanium nails are an excellent option for new and experienced dabbers looking for a durable dab nail to use.

While they may not be as cheap as other dab nail materials, they're more than worth the price when you consider the quality and lifespan of a titanium nail.

One of the main reasons dabbers shy away from this type of nail is the misconception that they are difficult to clean.

However, with just a few simple ingredients you likely have around the house, you can make even the dirtiest dab nail look brand new.

Remember to take care of your nail as much as possible and for all your dabbing needs, shop at OG Trays!