It may appear to be a simple matter to open a vape cartridge, however, it is imperative to perform this operation correctly in order to save your valuable oil, to refill a reusable vape cartridge, or to troubleshoot a clog.
Whether you are using a disposable vape cartridge or a 510-thread cart capable of being refilled, the information contained within this article provides step-by-step directions based upon industry standards and user experiences.
Know Your Cartridge Type First
The procedure you follow to open a cartridge will depend entirely upon the type of cartridge you are attempting to open. There is a significant risk of leaking, damaging the cartridge, or wasting product when opening a cartridge that was never intended for reuse.
Disposable Carts (STIIIZY, PAX, etc.)
Disposable cartridges are used once, then discarded. Brand owners such as STIIIZY and PAX utilize proprietary pod designs for disposable cartridges, which are meant to be disposed of once they are empty of oil. Most users should refrain from attempting to open disposable cartridges as doing so may require considerable force, which can cause the glass of the cartridge to crack.
510 Thread Refillable Carts
Refillable vape cartridges are the standard for all refillable devices. Standard refillable vape cartridges are equipped with a 510 thread connection to attach to most standard vape pens, and the majority of standard refillable vape cartridges include a screw-on mouthpiece.
Ceramic Cartridges
There are two types of refillable vape cartridges: standard and ceramic. The primary difference between the two is the heating element located within each cartridge. Ceramic cartridges utilize a ceramic heating element rather than a coil, allowing for a clean, undisturbed flavor profile. The steps to open both standard and ceramic refillable cartridges are identical.
How to Open a Refillable Vape Cartridge
For Refillable 510-Thread & Ceramic Carts
This is the preferred method for refilling a vape cartridge.
- Separate from Battery: Remove the vape cartridge from your vape pen before attempting to remove the mouthpiece to avoid accidental activation.
- Unscrew the Mouthpiece: Hold the vape cartridge body securely. The mouthpiece should turn counterclockwise with minimal hand pressure. If the mouthpiece is stuck, using a rubber grip (such as a jar opener) can provide sufficient leverage to remove the mouthpiece without damaging the cartridge.
- Access the Chamber: With the mouthpiece removed, you will now have access to the inner chamber of the vape cartridge. This is where you will add oil.
For Stuck, Sealed, or Disposable Carts (Procedural Warning)
If you are determined to open a disposable vape cartridge or a vape cartridge that appears to be permanently sealed (often to recover oil), extreme caution is necessary. Specialized kits (CartDub, etc.) are available to assist with opening disposable vape cartridges safely utilizing a wedge and pliers system. However, without a specialized kit, the commonly practiced (albeit risky) method of opening a disposable vape cartridge includes:
- Secure the Base: Use a vise grip or a strong hold to secure the metal base of the disposable vape cartridge.
- Grip the Mouthpiece: Using needle-nose pliers, grip the mouthpiece or the seal at the top of the disposable vape cartridge.
- Apply Light Twisting Force: Apply gentle twisting motion while pulling on the mouthpiece or seal. Due to the fragile nature of the glass, there is a high likelihood of cracking the glass of the disposable vape cartridge, therefore, this option should only be attempted if absolutely necessary.
How to Safely Refill a Vape Cartridge
When you have successfully opened your vape cartridge, you will want to properly refill it in order to maintain its optimal performance.
- Syringe: A blunt-tipped syringe is a must-have for the safe and accurate transfer of oil to the vape cartridge.
- Avoid the Center Chimney: When adding oil to the vape cartridge, carefully pour the oil into the outer chamber surrounding the center airway tube. Adding oil directly to the center airflow tube will immediately result in clogging.
- Priming: After adding new oil to a fresh or unused vape cartridge, allow it to sit upright for 30 minutes. During this time, the thick oil will have ample opportunity to absorb into the wick of the vape cartridge, thereby preventing a burnt taste on your first few puffs.
- Reassembly: Once the vape cartridge has been filled and allowed to prime, screw the mouthpiece back onto the vape cartridge body, but do not over tighten to prevent leaks.
Why Opening a Cart is Often a Sign of a Problem
When I initially began researching “how to open a vape cartridge,” I found that the vast majority of users were seeking methods for troubleshooting problems with their vape cartridge, not to refill it. Prior to attempting to reopen your vape cartridge, try the following quick fixes that will likely resolve the problem without the risk of potentially breaking your vape cartridge.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Your Vape Cartridge
Should troubleshooting reveal that your vape cartridge is defective — especially if the cartridge is sourced from an unauthorized seller — it would be wise to discard the defective cartridge. Vape cartridges purchased from black market vendors have been associated with several severe health hazards and are significantly more likely to fail due to hardware malfunction.
Expert Insights & Final Recommendations
As seen through market trends and our own testing, there is clearly a trend toward high-quality, refillable vape systems. Brands that focus on producing products containing ceramic coils and solventless extracts (i.e., live rosin) provide a cleaner and more flavorful vaping experience that makes maintaining your vape cartridge well worth the trouble.
Purchase a high-quality, 510-thread refillable vape cartridge and a variable voltage vape battery. Begin by setting your vape battery to a low voltage (approximately 2.7V) to best preserve flavor, especially when vaping with live resin or rosin-based oils. Refilling your vape cartridge is a relatively inexpensive and simple process.
Always attempt simple fixes first. Approximately ninety percent of vape cartridges identified as “defective” actually suffer from clogs or poor connections, which can be quickly resolved. Only consider reopening your vape cartridge if you plan to refill a designated refillable vape cartridge, or if you are attempting to recover oil from a defective vape cartridge.