First, let's make it crystal-clear – a dab rig made specifically for dabbing is a far superior setup than a makeshift setup made from other components. Dab rigs are designed to reach extremely high temperatures, provide perfect airflow, and use a water filter that cools the vapor produced. There are many instances in life where you may find yourself with the concentrate, but no rig to dab it in.
Many people have built their own makeshift dab rigs from mason jars, as a necessity driven by the lack of access to a proper rig. While it is a good example of the creative problem-solving nature of a DIY enthusiast, it is also a functional prototype that works fairly well provided you respect the limitations of the design and use it responsibly.
What You'll Need:
Gathering your materials is the first step. You probably have most of this lying around already.
- A Glass Mason Jar: A pint-sized mason jar works perfectly.
- A Dab Nail or Banger: If your downstem doesn't have one, you'll need a nail (ti, quartz, or ceramic) that fits the joint.
- Food-Grade Silicone Tubing: For the mouthpiece and to connect the downstem. Ensure it's heat-resistant and safe for air.
- Power Drill with Various Bits
How to Make a Homemade Dab Rig?
Step 1: Prepare the Lid
Clean and thoroughly dry the mason jar and metal lid. Any residue left in the jar can be vaporized and inhaled, which is unhealthy. Set the jar aside, as we will be working exclusively on the lid. The plastic seal inside the lid can be a point of debate. I have found that leaving the seal in place results in a tighter seal for the epoxy, but you must be positive the epoxy will not react with the sealant or leak through, as heated plastic fumes are a serious health concern.
Step 2: Drilling the Precise Holes
This is perhaps the most intimidating step. Wear safety glasses. Secure the flat part of the mason jar lid firmly in a vice or between two blocks of wood. Two holes will be drilled. The first is for your downstem. The size of the hole drilled for your downstem is crucial; the hole must be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of your downstem to accommodate a tight seal assisted by the sealant. Begin drilling at a 45 degree angle – this is non-negotiable. The angle of the holes is what creates the correct water flow and pulls the vapor through the water. The second hole is for the mouthpiece.
Drill a straight hole on the opposite side of the lid, and make sure the hole is large enough for your silicone tubing to fit snugly. Drilling slowly and maintaining consistent, light pressure is the key. Allow the diamond bit to perform the work; do not force it. I prefer to have a small spray bottle of water to help keep the area being drilled cool and reduce the amount of glass dust created.
Step 3: Sealing the Components and Attaching the Mouthpiece
When the holes are drilled, remove any excess glass dust. Now, apply a liberal amount of your chosen sealant — high-temperature silicone sealant is now clearly the best option — to the end of the downstem that will be inserted into the lid. Slowly twist the downstem into the 45 degree hole, maintaining the angle of the hole. The sealant should create a noticeable ring of gasket material on both the inside and outside of the hole.
Next, install a 6-8 inch length of your heat-rated, food-grade silicone tubing into the mouthpiece hole, and seal it with a small amount of silicone sealant as well. This seal must be entirely airtight and watertight. Follow the curing instructions of your chosen sealant product religiously. Do not rush this step. A poor seal means a poor rig.
Step 4: Assembly of the Rig
Once the sealant has fully cured, the fun begins. Attach the modified lid to your mason jar. Add only enough water to the jar to submerge the lower portion of the downstem by approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Too much water and you will receive a full breath during use; too little and the vapor will not pass through the water for filtration or cooling. Gently blow into the silicone mouthpiece to test the perc. You should observe bubbles rising from the bottom of the jar. Finally, attach your nail to the top of the downstem. If your downstem includes a joint, it should fit securely into place. If it doesn’t include a joint, you can utilize a short length of wider heat-rated silicone tubing as an adapter to create a secure attachment between the downstem and your nail.
Critical Considerations and Safety Solutions
The Problem of Heat and Toxic Fumes
The biggest single risk associated with this project involves the proximity of the concentrated heat emanating from the flame of the torch to materials that were never intended for such applications. Your flame will be extremely close to the metal lid and the sealant. Excessive heat application to the nail can cause it to transfer heat to the downstem and compromise the seal. To mitigate this risk, apply heat cautiously and maintain the silicone tubing mouthpiece to distance your face from the hot zone. Only direct the flame toward the nail itself, and allow sufficient "heat-free" cool-down time after each dab to permit the entire system to return to a safe operating temperature. I cannot stress this enough: utilizing the correct materials – specifically high-temp silicone sealant and food-grade tubing – is what makes this project somewhat safe.
The Limitations of Functionality
A mason jar dab rig is fundamentally defective. The airflow is usually less-than-optimal, resulting in a harsher inhale. The water filtration is rudimentary. It is awkward, and easily knocked over. Acknowledge these shortcomings. Use the rig on a solid, heat-resistant surface. Prepare for handling the hot nail – a pair of hemostats or pliers is a must-have. This is a functional prototype, not a precision instrument. I experienced an immediate sense of accomplishment when I successfully completed the rig and used it, followed closely by a greater appreciation for the sophisticated engineering involved in a quality, purpose-built dab rig. The inclusion of the silicone tubing in my DIY endeavors greatly improved the safety and comfort of the experience.