Are you looking to break into the vaping scene? Oil cartridges are a great place to start with. They're affordable, readily available, and come in as many types and varieties as the dry herb used to make them.
It can be hard to know where to begin with so many options. Thus, we've put together this handy guide to help you understand what oil cartridges are all about. If you've been curious about oil cartridges and want to know a little more about them, here, we'll have a complete breakdown of the basics. Such as:
- what are cartridges?
- Their types
- how to maintain them?
- How to ensure you're using them safely
And more, keep reading!
Intro to cartridges:
Cartridges are quite literally the best thing to happen to vape since the invention of the e-cigarette. Cartridges turn your vape into a personalized vaping device that can be enjoyed by people who want a more cautious yet simple experience, as well as people who want a more customizable experience.
Cartridges are small, cylindrical tanks that hold your e-liquid or oil. Depending on the brand and style, they can be reusable or disposable
Now, let's talk about the different parts of your cartridge.
Atomizer: this is where vapor is produced. There are two different types of atomizers: wicks and coils. Wicks are made from cotton or polyester, while coils are made from metal wire wrapped in cotton or ceramic. These absorb the oil in your cartridge and heat it (using the battery) to create vapor that you can inhale through the mouthpiece.
Mouthpiece: this is where you put your mouth. The mouthpiece filters out any particles that might be in the vapor before you inhale the vape oil through it. It can be of silicone, plastic, glass, or metal.
Intake holes/flow ports: intake holes or flow ports are three holes inside the cartridge that allow air to flow through.
Headspace: it refers to the space at the top of your cartridge above your oil level. Headspace allows room for airflow and expansion as pressure changes.
Types of cartridges
there are two main types of vape cartridges. Pre-filled disposable oil cartridges and refillable oil cartridges.
Pre-filled oil cartridges:
the first type of cartridge we're talking about is pre-filled disposable oil cartridges. These are the easiest to use, but they can be expensive, and they require you to buy a separate battery unit to use them. You can't refill them or reuse them once they're empty. But they're great for trying new strains without committing to a whole pack of something you may not like.
Refillable oil cartridges:
refillable vape pens have a tank that you can fill with your choice of liquid which means you can change flavors whenever you want! They are the most cost-effective way to vape cannabis oil.
And, you are more likely to see 510-threaded cartridges all over the market. 510 cartridges also fall under the category of refillable cartridges. But, for the best vaping experience, you must replace them after a couple of refills.Maintaining your cartridge
since you have your new cartridge, you may be tempted to take it everywhere. But don't forget that vaping is a high-maintenance activity, and your cartridges need the right conditions to work correctly.
Here we have some tips on how to store your cartridges, so they last as long as possible:
1. Store your cartridge under room temperature
room temperature is the perfect condition for cartridges. Storing your cartridge under extreme temperatures can cause it to clog up or leak easily.
2. Keep it away from sunlight
leaving your cartridge under direct sunlight for an extended time can damage its quality. If you are storing your cartridges outside, make sure they are in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.
3. Store your cartridge upside down
It is another way to prevent your cartridge from leakage or clogging up due to the gravity effect. Since oil is denser than air, storing it upside down prevents oil from flowing out through the air channel into the mouthpiece.
Avoiding leaky cartridges
Leaky cartridges can be a real pain. Fret not. The leaky cartridge is probably a simple fix, and we've got a few ideas to help you out.
First, make sure that your cartridge is entirely capped before using it. If you take it off and put it back on more than once, verify that the cartridge is secured tightly onto the battery.
Suppose you're having issues like these because of a change in pressure or temperature. In that case, we recommend removing the cartridge from your battery and leaving it uncovered for a few seconds before recapping it. It helps to equalize pressure inside the cartridge.
Removing clogs from your cartridge
Are you experiencing clogs in your cartridge? Try removing the clogs from your cartridge by following these steps:
If your device is inhale-activated (no button), try running a hairdryer over the mouthpiece of the cartridge for about two minutes. By doing so, you will increase the pressure and get any clogs moving again.
For a variable voltage battery, try increasing the voltage to its highest setting for two minutes. If it's a button-activated battery, try holding down the button for about ten seconds. It can clear out any clogs and allow the oil to move through again.
Press the activation button down for several seconds and blow forcefully through the mouthpiece to remove clogs for button-activated batteries.Last words:
There you have it. Vape cartridges are far more convenient than other forms of ingestion and make it much easier to take your favorite strain with you throughout the day. Hopefully, we answered all your concerns. If you are still unsure how to use oil cartridges and have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us and hopefully, we will answer your queries, until then, happy vaping!
