3 Ways to Make a Homemade Dab Rig

Whether you're dabbing on a budget or consider yourself the MacGyver of weed, knowing how to make a homemade dab rig is extremely useful.

But here's the best part...

There's more than one way to make a homemade dab rig.

In this post, we'll explore a few simple, but effective ways to make your own homemade dab rig.

One of these methods even shows you how to dab without a torch!

The Essential Parts of a Dab Rig

Let's start by breaking down the anatomy of dab rigs and the functions of each part.

Dab Nail or Banger

The dab nail is where you'll place your concentrates to be vaporized.

Whether you use a torch or some other heat source, this is what you'll be heating.

Water Pipe or Bong

Don't worry about going all out for this part of your dab rig setup.

As long as it's functional and the correct size, it will keep your vapor clean and cool.

Torch

Make sure you grab a butane torch before your dab session.

Don't have access to one? No worries.

We'll cover alternative dabbing methods that don't require a torch.

Dab Tool

The dab tool is used to place your concentrates in the banger or nail.

For the best performance, we recommend metal dab tools.

Timer

Use a stopwatch or your smartphone to make sure you're giving the banger enough time to cool down after heating.

Best Homemade Dab Rig Setups

Now that we've explored what parts are needed for your homemade rig, let's take a look at the most popular and effective DIY dab rigs you can create.

Plastic Bottle + Hot Knife

Using a water bottle and butterknife is one of the easiest ways to make homemade dab rigs.

As long as you have a plastic water bottle and butterknife handy, you can enjoy clean, smooth vapor in no time.

You'll need the following tools to get started:

• Metal butter knife
• Paper clip
• Plastic water bottle
• Torch or stovetop

With your tools ready, follow the steps below to make your DIY rig:

1. Cut the plastic bottle in half and remove the bottle cap. You only need the top half of the water bottle.
2. Cut a small square hole at the bottom of the top half of the bottle. It needs to be just big enough to slide in your butter knife.
3. Use a blow torch or your kitchen stove to heat your butterknife.
4. When you're ready to dab, stick the hot butterknife in the square slot you cut earlier.
5. Using your paper clip, apply a small dab of concentrate to your butterknife.
6. Inhale the vapor from the top of the water bottle.

This is a great method if you want to dab without a torch.

Mason Jar Dab Rig

Most people have a jar or two lying around.

If you don't, they're very easy to find and a lot cheaper than an actual dab rig.

Once you have one, you'll see it makes a cool dab rig!

Here's what you'll need:

• Mason jar with a lid
• Bendy straw
• Plastic pen
• Titanium nail
• Aluminum foil
• Torch

To create your mason jar rig, follow these steps:

1. Drill two holes in your jar lid. Make sure they are lined up with each other and roughly the same size.
2. Wrap the pen in aluminum foil
3. Place your pen into one of the holes you drilled. This will act as your downstem.
4. Place your nail in the pen and secure it to the lid with aluminum foil
5. Take your bendy straw and place it in the other hole you drilled. Secure it tightly to the lid with aluminum foil to ensure no air escapes.
6. Finally, fill your mason jar with water and you're ready to dab!

Making a Dab Rig with an Old Bong

Have an old bong or two laying around?

You can turn them into dab rigs with two simple accessories!

Adapter

The first step is to find a bong adapter. This is a small accessory that converts your bong's gender and joint size.

Since we're turning a bong into a dab rig, we'll need a male to male adapter.

Next, check that you have the right joint size for your adapter.

Most downstems found in bongs are 14mm or 18mm.

A quick way to figure out your joint size is to use the width of your pinkie.

If your bong's joint is bigger than the width of your pinkie, it's likely 18mm.

If it's roughly the same size, it's probably a 14mm joint.

Dab Rig Nail

The last piece you need to convert your bong into a dab rig is a nail or banger.

Nails are available in a variety of materials including quartz, ceramic, and titanium. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, so it really comes down to your own preference.

However...

Make sure the size of your nail matches your adapter.

An 18mm adapter needs an 18mm nail, and the same is true for a 14mm adapter.

With the appropriate adapter and dab rig nail, your bong is ready for dabs!

Bonus: What Can I Use as a Homemade Dabber?

You may have noticed we've mentioned a few different tools that can be used as a dabber.

A quality dabber can cost upwards of $40, so having some DIY backups is not a bad idea.

Aside from a paper clip, here are a few other homemade dabbers made from tools you likely have lying around:

1. Bobby pin or a safety pin
2. Scissors - because of their pointy and sharp edges, scissors can be used as a perfect dabbing tool to scrape wax or oil concentrates
3. Screwdriver - just like a pair of scissors, a screwdriver is a common household tool that you can use to replace a dabber.

Final Thoughts

Making a homemade dab rig is easier than you though, right?

You'll find most of the tools you need right in your own home.

Nothing can truly replace a quality dab rig, but homemade rigs are a great way to save money while enjoying your extracts.