I think it’s safe to say, the RAZ disposable is an ultra-modern piece of vaping technology. The draw is silky smooth, the flavor is spot on (hello Night Crawler!), and the design makes for a perfect evening out or day-to-day cruiser. However, there is something that always leaves a twinge of guilt and the weight of that wallet when that little light starts blinking its final message. Throwing away a perfectly functional, high-quality product simply because the juice has been depleted seems... wrong.
Therefore, as any curious, somewhat frugal vaper would do, I asked: Can you refill it?
Yes, you can refill it. However, it is a bit of a challenging and messy process with caveats. I have tried the trial and error process - sticky fingers, damaged products, etc., so you can learn from my mistakes.
A Word of Caution & My Personal Perspective
As we begin, let’s face the reality of the situation. By opening your RAZ, you’re essentially voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. As a result, you are taking the risk of damaging the battery, creating a leak, or rendering the product unusable.
I continue to open mine occasionally for reasons beyond the cost savings. To me, it’s the principal of things. It just seems less wasteful to get another couple of cycles out of the device. Additionally, I enjoy the little DIY challenge of tinkering with it. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of risking your investment, then throw the old one in the recycling bin and buy a brand-new one.
My Step-by-Step Guide to Refilling a RAZ Disposable
To refill your RAZ, you will need the following:
- Dead RAZ Disposable.
- Nicotine Salt E-Liquid (I've found 25-50mg work best to mimic the original hit).
- Thin Pointed Tool (Precision Screwdriver or Sturdy Paper Clip).
- Needle-Nose Pliers (Trust Me on this One).
- Lots of Paper Towels.
Step 1: Find and Remove the Hidden Opening
Finding and accessing the secret opening is your first obstacle. The RAZ is extremely well sealed. No matter how hard you try, the mouthpiece won’t come loose. Look for the opening at the bottom.
- At the bottom of your RAZ, look for a small circular plastic panel.
- The panel is pressed into the case. Using needle nose pliers to gently and firmly grab the edge of the panel is my preferred approach. I have found that you shouldn't crush it, just get a solid grasp on it.
- Now twist the pliers while pulling outward on the panel. The panel may make a slight popping or cracking noise. Panic is usually the response to hearing these sounds. It's usually the sound of victory.
Step 2: Exposing the Internal Components
After removing the panel, you will see the internal components: the small battery and the critical silver colored rubber stopper sealing the tank.
- Use your thin pointed tool to carefully pry the stopper out. Do it over a paper towel.
- Just don't jerk it! Slowly wiggle the stopper from one side. I have damaged the tank with a jerky motion, which has rendered the whole operation unsuccessful. A gentle and consistent leverage is your best bet.
Step 3: Refilling the Tank
When you remove the stopper, you will see the fill port.
- Slowly pour your chosen e-juice into the tank. You will be able to see the cotton wrapped coil assembly inside the tank.
- Leave a tiny air bubble at the top of the tank. If you over fill the tank, you will create an instant leak from the bottom of the tank and possibly flood the auto-draw sensor, making the device completely useless. I have experienced both scenarios with a strawberry ice flavored puddle in my pants.
- Fill the tank enough to see a tiny amount of the liquid at the top of the tank.
Step 4: Re-Sealing the Tank
This is the moment of truth.
- Clean everything thoroughly.
- Put the rubber stopper firmly into the hole to ensure it seals properly.
- Put the bottom plastic panel firmly back into place.
Step 5: The Waiting Period
This may be the most critical part of the process that most people miss.
- Don’t use it yet. I mean, seriously, wait!
- Stand the RAZ upright on a paper towel for at least 10 – 15 minutes. This allows the cotton in the coil to become saturated once again with your new e-liquid.
- If you don’t allow the cotton to saturate, you will receive a terrible, burning taste that will kill the coil. That first dry burn is a death sentence. The patience required to successfully refill the RAZ vs. the lack thereof is the difference between a successful refill and a complete disaster.
The Reality Check: What to Expect from a Refilled RAZ
So you completed the process. Now what?
- Hit: It will probably never be the same as the first time. The coil is already aged. The flavor may be a tad muted or slightly different. However, if you completed the refilling process correctly, it should provide a perfectly acceptable vape experience.
- Battery Life: The battery was not designed for repeated use. It could run out of charge prior to completing the second tank of e-liquid. This is the biggest crap shoot.
- Leaks: Be prepared for possible leaks. Make sure it remains upright when not in use and periodically wipe the bottom of the RAZ.
Conclusion
Refilling the RAZ is a cool hack, but it’s not a viable long term option. The fact that the RAZ can survive the process speaks volumes to the quality of construction of the device. For me, it’s a rare win in the fight against planned obsolescence.
If you are finding yourself frequently wanting to refill your RAZ, I would highly recommend switching to a basic pod-style system such as a Uwell Caliburn or a Vaporesso XROS. These systems were built for this purpose, they are more reliable, and in the end, they will save you more money and headaches in the long run.
However, if you ever find yourself needing to refill your RAZ for that occasional emergency, or just for bragging rights of “I did it”, this article should guide you through the process.