E-Nail: The Complete Guide 

Updated: 7 June 2024

Looking for the best new e-nail kit, or have questions about how to use them? Here’s everything you need to know about electronic dab nails with Discount Vape’s comprehensive E-Nail Guide. 

As dabbing has continued to rise in popularity over the last decade, companies have begun to realize the need for better, more intuitive ways to consume concentrates. 

What Is An E-Nail?

Traditionally, dabbing involves heating a nail (small dish) with a torch and adding concentrates to it once it is at an appropriate temperature. The problem with this method is that users really have no idea just how hot that nail is and can end up either scorching their concentrates, or not fully vaporizing them.

E-Nails (electronic nails) were invented as a remedy to this problem. E-Nails use electricity to heat the nail of the dab rig to a specific temperature. These amazing devices remove the need for blow torches or other heating methods and are activated by a simple press of a button. 

Electronic nails created a way for users to heat their dabs to specific temperatures, removing the guesswork from the process. No more heating old nails with a torch and waiting until you think it’s at the right temperature. E-nails let you easily customize your dabbing experience, picking the perfect temperature depending on how much flavor, vapor and type of concentrate you want to dab.

Whether you are an experienced dab connoisseur or are looking to purchase your first dab kit, e-nails can heavily simplify the process making dabbing a breeze.

How to Use E-Nails

So, you just found the perfect e-nail for your dab kit. Now how do you use it?

Luckily e-nails are super easy to use and remove all the sketchy parts of traditional dab rigs (no open flames near very high people). 

Here are the simple steps to use an E-nail for dabbing:

1. Prep Your Rig

Now is the time to set up your electric nail dab rig. Begin by adding water to your water pipe / dab rig body, with the amount depending on the device you’re using. The water will act as a filter for the vaporized concentrates, cooling it down before it reaches your lungs. However, too much water will cause the rig to splash into your mouth when you take a hit, which is never a pleasant taste. 

Next, attach your electronic nail device to the dab rig. The exact process for attachment will largely depend on the specific device you are using, so refer to the user manual for setup instructions. 

The attachment process most commonly involves attaching a coil to the banger, either by clipping or screwing it on. 

    2. Power Up Your E-Nail

After the e-nail has been attached to the device, it’s now time to power up. It’s best to do this after adding water, to avoid splashing your electrical components and getting them wet. 

Plug in the e-nail and turn on the control box. Set the temperature to your desired settings and be sure not to touch the nail once it’s begun heating up. 

Your e-nail temperature should be at 450° – 550° Fahrenheit for optimal performance, Your unique dab preferences will determine where in that range your e-nail should be set. At the lower end near 450°, you will get better flavor with each hit, but smaller hits. Near 550°, each hit will produce huge amounts of vapor, but you may lose some of the concentrate flavor in the process. 

   3. Time to Take A Hit

Now that your rig is all set up, it’s time to take a dab. This part is exactly the same as traditional dabbing, simply using a dab tool to bring concentrates to the heated nail and slowly moving it along the surface. 

If your rig has a carb cap, now’s the time to place it on the nail to prevent all that precious vapor from escaping. Begin inhaling through the mouthpiece of your rig until the vapor is gone or you can’t take anymore in. 

Congratulations, you just took your first dab with an e-nail!

During breakdown, make sure your electronic nail setup is fully cooled for disassembling it. Far too many dabbers have burnt their fingertips from this exact process. 

 

Benefits of Using An E-Nail

When buying your first dab rig setup, adding on an e-nail kit may seem like an extravagance, especially with how much you’re probably already spending on the rest. 

However, dab connoisseurs worldwide have begun to realize the vital importance of using electronic dab nails, as they can remove many headaches that can be associated with dabbing. 

Here is why adding an e-nail to your dab shopping list is a great idea. 

Adjustable Temperature

Unlike dabbing with a torch, e-nails can be set to a specific temperature and held there. When you heat a traditional nail with a torch, getting to an exact temperature is almost entirely guesswork. Even once you hit your desired temp, the nail will only stay there for a minute or two. The temperature control option creates a way to specialize your dab experience to fit your unique tastes. 

Different forms of concentrates will need different temperature ranges, meaning you could easily overcook your valuable dabs without an e-nail. Concentrates with a high terpene concentration will need a lower temperature range, while drier forms of concentrates with low terps will require higher temps for dabbing. 

What’s more, different terpenes will have different boiling points, meaning even 2 similar forms of concentrates will need varied temperatures depending on what terpenes they contain. 

If you’re heating up a nail with an old-school blowtorch, getting to your exact desired temperature is a headache. You’ll need temp guns, thermometers and more to know if you’re even in the right ballpark. E-nails remove all the difficulty in this process and anyone who has owned one is likely to never switch back to the torch. 

Cheaper in the Long Run

While the upfront cost of investing in an electronic nail kit for your dab rig is higher than traditional options, you will likely end up saving money over the course of a year. 

If you plan on dabbing on a regular basis, the cost of torches and butane refills adds up quickly, especially if you plan on sessioning with others. Adding a quality e-nail to your kit will cut down on the overall cost of each dab session, meaning you’ll have more money to spend on top shelf concentrates.  

 

E-Nail Buying Guide

Electric nails can simplify the dabbing process, providing a more enjoyable overall experience for users. Anyone who has ever owned an e-nail knows just how beneficial they can be, making it hard to switch back to the torch after using one. 

If it’s your first time purchasing an e-nail kit, knowing which brand and device to choose can be tough. Luckily, the professional and Discount Vape have reviewed dozens of different electric nail kits and know which one’s are perfect for beginners or veteran dab enthusiasts. 

Whether you want the highest quality electric nail on the market, or simply want the best bang for your buck, here are our favorite e-nail kits on the market;

The Best E-Nail Kits

YOCAN REX PORTABLE E-NAIL VAPORIZER

‘Best Value E-Nail’

Yocan’s Rex Portable E-Nail is a small, discrete wax vaporizer that attaches to a wide range of water pipes. Equipped with a 1400mAh battery, the REX will power through long dabbing sessions without the need to charge up. Featuring quartz tri coils, an adjustable airflow ring, and variable voltage options, this device packs in everything you need into a small package. 

The Yocan easily fits in your pocket or dab kit, making travel a breeze for those on-the-go. Stop worrying about carrying a torch with you everywhere you bring your dab kit, and upgrade to this affordable e-nail kit today! 

 

GRENCO SCIENCE G-PEN CONNECT VAPORIZER

‘Highest Quality E-Nail Kit’

The Grenco Science G-Pen Connect is revolutionary in the e-nail game, adding tons of features we didn’t even know we wanted. Heat your rig in under 5 seconds with the Grenco’s powerful temperature control, choosing from 3 variable heat options to accommodate any concentrate. 

The ceramic heating element features a reverse airflow system and stable, evenly distributed heat to maximize the dabbing experience. The closed system removes the hassle of having a red-hot exposed nail, meaning you’ll never accidentally burn your fingers again! 

The snap-in magnetic connection on this device makes setup easier than ever before, allowing you to transfer this device to any water pipe in a matter of seconds. 

While this device is larger than the other e-nails on our list, the high quality construction and intuitive layout makes it perfect for the dabbing veteran who wants the highest quality e-nail on the market. 

 

LOOKAH Q7 MINI E-NAIL BANGER

‘Most Portable E-Nail Kit’

If you’re tired of hauling around a huge dab kit anytime you travel, the Lookah Q7 Mini is the perfect e-nail kit for you. Lookah updated the Mini to be smaller, sleeker and more discreet than any of their other products, making it an easy choice for those who don’t want to be tied down to the couch. 

Don’t let the small stature of the Q7 Mini fool you, as the powerful 950mAh battery packs a punch with around 80 to 100 uses on a single charge. The days of needing a wall outlet to power your e-nail kit are long behind us, with innovative approaches to these amazing devices premiering every day. Lookah heard the call for smaller, better e-nails and delivered with the Q7 Mini! 

Watch Grenco Science E-Nail Video

 

E-Nail FAQ

What temperature should my e-nail be for dabbing?

The best temperature to dab at will depend on what type of concentrates you’re using, the terpene content of the concentrate, and user preference. 

For standard dabs, your e-nail should be set 545-575° Fahrenheit. However, low temp dabbing can also provide more flavor and other benefits, especially for concentrates with high-terp content. For low-temperature dabs, set your e-nail between 400-500°. 

 

How do I clean my e-nail?

Disassembling your e-nail kit will vary depending on what brand and device you’re working with. 

Most often, cleaning your e-nail involves removing the nail from the heating element, removing the coil, and soaking it in an ISO alcohol solution.

 

What’s the best e-nail kit?

The best e-nail kit for you will depend on how you want to use it. 

For the on-the-go dabber, we love the LOOKAH Q7 MINI E-NAIL BANGER. If you’re looking for the highest quality e-nail kit on the market today, checkout the GRENCO SCIENCE G-PEN CONNECT VAPORIZER. 

 

What is a desktop e-nail kit?

A desktop e-nail is an electronically heated nail for dabbing which requires a connection to an electrical outlet for use. Battery-powered e-nails can sometimes be referred to as ‘desktop e-nails’ for their large, non-portable sizes. 

 

Buy E-Nails / E-Bangers!

 

By Beau Elliot

Beau Elliott is our Customer Service Manager, and a proud vaper from Colorado. He’s happiest when engrossed in reading customer reviews, hearing what the vape community is saying, and giving help to those who seek it. He focuses on giving guidance to beginner vapers.

Beau started at Discount Vape Pen in 2022, and he already is one of the most popular guys in the DVP team. Outside of the vape life – Beau is a wanderer, and loves traveling around Colorado and beyond. Meet all our Discount Vape Pen Authors here.