How to Unclog a Dab Pen? 4 Easy Fixes

A stuck dab pen can be a frustrating experience for anyone setting out to enjoy a smoking session.

You try to inhale from your device, only to notice difficulty inhaling or reduced vapor production.

Obviously, you want to unclog your dab pen without having to buy another one.

In this article, we'll cover why dab pens clog and how to fix them -- Fortunately, it's an easy fix.

We’ll also offer some tips and tricks to help you optimize the maintenance of your dab pens. That way, you can stop disaster before it rears its head!

What is a Dab Pen?

A dab pen (aka wax pen) is a small, compact device specifically designed for consuming solid wax or cannabis concentrates.

More specifically, a dab pen device produces hot vapor you inhale to enjoy the potential benefits of cannabis concentrates.

Dab pens usually come with different temperature settings, which can change the stealth and vapor quality.

Our More Detailed Article about What is a Dab Pen

How Does a Dab Pen Work?

A dab pen is typically made up of four main parts: the mouthpiece, the chamber, the atomizer, and the battery.

When you inhale from the mouthpiece, the battery powers the atomizer, which heats up the cannabis concentrates in the Chamber. The heat turns the solid wax into vapor, which you inhale.

Mouthpiece: The mouthpiece is where you put your mouth on to inhale the vapor.

Battery: The battery provides the power needed for the atomizer to work.

Most dab pens rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries because they last a long time and generally perform well.

Chamber: Concentrate is placed in here; contains the heating element used to vaporize the extract.

Atomizer: The atomizer is responsible for heating the solid wax or concentrate and turning it into vapor.

This coil gets hot when electricity from the battery flows through it, vaporizing the concentrate.

Why Is My Dab Pen Get Clogged or Jammed?

If this has happened to you, This is where something is blocking the airflow, preventing the smooth passage of vapor.

Mainly, it has to do with the cannabis concentrates itself that Dab pens use, which is very thick and can cause clogs as a result.

Shatter, wax, crumble, rosin, diamonds, and varying types of concentrates alike, are all just that – forms of concentrated cannabis.

When the solid wax gets pulled through the narrow mouthpiece, it can accumulate in the airway and end up clogging it.

Usually This is because the small amounts of residue over the course of many dabbing sessions can eventually accumulate, causing a layer of gunk to develop within the airway. Over time, the condensation blocks the mouthpiece.

How to Unclog Dab Pen: 4 Easy Fix Methods

Now that we understand the reasons for clogging, let’s explore effective solutions to unclog your dab pen.

1. Preheating Your Dab Pen

Preheating the dab pen can break down residues that may have accumulated.

Hold the pen button down for a few seconds before you inhale so the clogged wax has time to melt away.

2. Warm the Dab pen

A little bit of heat could thin out the solid wax stuck in the airflow holes, Turn it into liquid form.

That way, it can slip back toward the heating element to get vaporized and the clog is gone.

There are three primary ways to accomplish this:

1. Use a Hairdryer: Hold a hairdryer about 6-inch away from the dab pen and turn the power on, for about 30 seconds.

We always recommend a hair dryer because it is not hot enough to damage the hardware of dab pen but warm enough to break up the clogs.

2. Near a Heater: Simply place the dab pen in a warm spot of the home, such as near a radiator, coffee pot, hot brevage machine, clothes dryer, etc.

These Electronics or household items can produce large amounts of heat for just a few minutes.

3. Hot Water Bath: Put the dab pen in a ziploc bag sealed tight and submerge it in hot/warm water.

The warmth will help unclog the airflow holes, without the risk of breaking/damaging the dab pen.

3. Scrape Residue with paper clip

If you’ve been using the same dab pen for a while and never clean it at all, it may have hardened residue blocking the mouthpiece and airflow holes.

Scrape or wipe the blockage clean using a tiny instrument such as a toothpick, paper clip, or other small probing object. This is especially useful if the clog is hard.

Remember, don't push too hard to avoid damaging the coil or other fragile parts.

4. Clean Residue with Rubbing Alcohol

Cannabis residue can be extremely sticky, so use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to remove any stickiness.

Unscrew your mouthpiece from your device. Lightly moisten a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol. With little force, carefully clean the airflow holes of mouthpiece with the moistened swab, removing any residue.

Use a dry cotton swab or a soft cloth to remove any leftover alcohol or debris.

Three Useful Tips for Preventing Dab Pen Clogs

While you might be able to resolve the issue on your own, it's better to prevent clogs before they happen.

By following these 3 useful maintenance tips, you can keep your dab pen working smoothly and avoid the frustration of dealing with clogs.

1. Take Smaller Hits

Smaller hits mean less air is drawn from the mouthpiece at once.

That way, the heating element has a chance to vaporise the waxy dabs more effectively without overwhelming the system.

On the other hand, larger hits can produce more vapour than the Atomizer can efficiently handle.

Also, if you take big, forceful hits when dabbing, more oil can get pulled into the mouthpiece's airflow holes, leading to clogs over time.

Take a small hit, hold 3 secs, exhale, wait 20 min until you do it again.

2. Store your Dab Pen Properly

Always keep dab pens, and batteries at room temperature, better in a cool preferably dark area.

Avoid leaving items in your car or anywhere that experiences excessive fluctuations in cold and heat.

Furthermore, always store items upright as laying them on their side could cause residual wax melts and leaks out of the chamber.

3. Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of residues, preventing clogs that can hinder the smooth flow of Cannabis concentrates.

After each use, Use a q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe the inside and the outside of the mouthpiece, taking special care to remove any residue.

For a deeper clean, mouthpieces can be soaked in a rubbing alcohol or water for up to an hour prior to scrubbing. After scrubbing, set the mouthpiece on a paper towel or cloth to dry.

Conclusion

As frustrating as a clogged dab pen can be, it’s often possible to take care of the issue without much hassle.

You can unclog your dab pen in various methods. Most of the time, the problem can be easily fixed by unclogging the dab pen with heat and a small thin object.

With a little bit of knowledge and these simple steps, you can keep your dab pen running smoothly.

Plus, regular maintenance and proper storage can greatly reduce your clog risk.

Hopefully these essential tips and tricks above allow you to enjoy your favorite cannabis concentrates without obstructions.