Nail / Banger

A nail (the older term) or banger (the newer, more common term) is the heat-resistant component of a dab rig that you heat to vaporize concentrates. It attaches to your rig's joint and serves as the vaporization surface where concentrate meets heat.

Key features:

• Heat-resistant materials (quartz, ceramic, titanium)
• Attaches via standard joint sizes (10 mm, 14 mm, 18 mm)
• Heated with torch or electronic heating (e-nails)
• Various designs: bucket style, flat top, thermal, etc.
• Replaceable component separate from the rig

Material significantly affects performance and flavor. Quartz has become the preferred material — it heats quickly, holds temperature consistently, and delivers pure flavor without interference. Ceramic heats more slowly but retains heat longer, and some people prefer its vapor quality. Titanium is nearly indestructible and heats rapidly, though it can affect flavor and requires careful temperature management to avoid overheating. All three materials are safe for use when manufactured properly; cheap titanium alloys or low-quality quartz can off-gas or fracture. 

Design variations serve different preferences and techniques. Bucket-style bangers (the most common current design) contain concentrate in a bucket shape, preventing waste and allowing better temperature control. Traditional “nails” include dome-less nails, domed nails, and pedestal or lollipop-style nails — all older formats that predate modern buckets. Thermal bangers include a double-wall design that extends heat retention. Angle (45° or 90°) determines ergonomics and how you position tools during use.

Joint compatibility is crucial. The banger must match your rig's joint size and gender. Most dab rigs have female joints (into which a male banger inserts), typically 14 mm or 18 mm. Always verify compatibility before purchasing. Universal adapters exist, but direct compatibility is cleaner and more stable.

Building your dabbing setup: Your banger or nail is the centerpiece that everything else works with. A torch (butane or propane) provides heat, unless you're using an e-nail for electronic heating. A dab tool is used for applying concentrate to a heated surface. A carb cap is placed on top immediately after application to trap heat and enhance vaporization efficiency. Terp pearls can be added inside bucket-style bangers for enhanced heat distribution. Keep isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs on hand for cleaning between dabs — maintaining your banger extends its life and preserves its flavor. Many consumers keep multiple bangers on hand — different sizes for different rigs and backups for when one is being deep-cleaned.