Dab Tool
A dab tool handles and applies concentrates to your heated banger. It's a simple concept — a handle with a tip designed to scoop up, portion, and deliver concentrate — but the right tool makes the process cleaner and more efficient.
Key features:
- Various tip shapes for different concentrate types
- Materials include glass, metal, ceramic, titanium
- Handle length affects heat exposure during use
- Some include multiple tips or dual-ended designs
- Easy to clean and maintain
Tip design determines what concentrate consistencies it handles best. Scoop or spoon tips work well for waxes, budders, and saucy concentrates — they cradle the material and let you control portions easily. Pointed or blade tips excel with shatter, crumble, and more stable forms — you can pierce, break off, or slice exact amounts. Paddle or flat tips offer versatility across multiple textures.
Material affects durability and heat management. Glass tools are affordable and easy to clean, though they can break if dropped. Metal tools (stainless steel or titanium) are nearly indestructible and conduct heat away from your hand during use. Titanium is lighter and doesn't corrode, but costs more. Ceramic tools don't conduct heat as well as metal, but they preserve flavor more completely.
Handle length provides working distance from the hot banger. Longer handles (4-6 inches) keep your hand further from heat, but can feel less precise. Shorter handles (2-3 inches) offer better control but require careful positioning to prevent burns. Some tools include heat-resistant grips or textured sections for better handling.
Working with dab tools: Keep your tool clean to preserve flavor between dabs. Wipe it with isopropyl alcohol after each use, or burn off residue briefly with your torch between sessions. Store it somewhere clean and accessible — dedicated dab stations often include tool holders or stands. Many people keep multiple tools around: different tip styles for different concentrate types, or a backup while one's being cleaned. When you're dabbing, load your concentrate onto the tool before heating your banger — this lets you apply it immediately at the right temperature without fumbling. Some carb caps include built-in dabbers on top for dual functionality.