Why is My Dab Pen Not Working? 6 Fixes

Portable, discreet, and convenient, Dab pens are a popular way to smoke cannabis concentrates on the go.

However, sometimes they can be finicky or annoying because of not working anymore. Luckily, most of them are fixable.

In this article, we will look into some common dab pen problems and their solutions. Plus, we highlight a few helpful tips to ensure your device remains operational.

Whether you are new to dabbing or very experienced, The next time your dab pen isn't working, you'll know what to do.

What is a Dab Pen?

A dab pen, also known as a wax pen, concentrate pen, and even wax vaporizer, is a portable vaporizer designed specifically for dabbing cannabis concentrates.

It consists of a battery for power, an atomizer with coils for heating, and a mouthpiece for inhaling. 

Once the concentrate is inside, a button (once pushed) will trigger the device to start heating up, and you'll inhale vapor through the mouthpiece.

Learn more: What is a Dab Pen? Pros? How to Use and Clean?

How Do Dab Pens Work?

Dab pens utilize a heating element, typically ceramic or quartz coils, to vaporize the semi-solid concentrates into vapor.

The battery powers the heating element-coils, which rapidly heats up the concentrate, converting it into an inhalable vapor. 

Most dab pens on the market also have the ability to adjust the temperature at which your concentrate is heated. This is because different concentrates have different ideal temperatures for consumption.

Wet waxes like lower temps, for example. Utilizing lower temperatures can preserve the flavor of your concentrate, while higher temperatures can increase your concentrate's potency.

Why is My Dab Pen Not Working? 6 Fixes

The malfunction of the dab pen is attributed to issues with battery, heating coil, and airflow blockage in the dab pen.

Don't worry! Let's know the details and solutions with the following content.

1. Battery Issues

The most common reason why a dab pen may not hit is battery issues.

If the battery is lower, it may not be able to provide enough power to heat the concentrate. 

Additionally, if the battery is damaged or faulty, it may not work at all.

How to Fix: 

First, check to make sure that your device is fully charged by plugging it in for at least an hour.

If your device still does not turn on or heat up, try cleaning the connection between the battery and the heating chamber part with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol.

Cleaning will help to ensure that the battery is making proper contact with the atomizer and providing the necessary power.

If the battery is old, broken and no longer holds a charge, it may need replacement. Consult your dab pen's manufacturer or the place of purchase for replacement batteries.

Pro Tips: To know if the battery is dead, plug the dab pen into the charger. The charger will show a red light if the battery is dead, and a green light when the battery is charged.

2. Airflow Blockage

Another thing is that due to the nature of concentrates, compared to e-liquids, dab pens are more likely to get clogged.

Dabs are thick substances that are more likely to gunk up the inside of your device, interfering with airflow.

Blocking can happen if you use your device for an extended period of time without cleaning it. 

Over time, residue from the cannabis concentrate can build up on the airway, causing it to become clogged and preventing the vapor from flowing properly.

How to Fix: 

Do not add too many weed concentrates at once. Clean promptly after each use.

Remove the mouthpiece or lid, If you see any debris or blockages, carefully remove them using a toothpick or a small needle.

Use alcohol and a brush to clean the mouthpiece,airway, chamber, and coils, promptly. Be careful when touching the coils directly.

3. Damaged Heating Element

Another reason why your dab pen may not working is due to a damaged heating element, usually the coils.

The reasons of damage are varied, like wear and tear of coils, short Circuit issues, chipset problems, etc, resulting in poor vapor production or no vapor at all.

Coils wear out over time due to repeated heating and cooling. 

If your coil is touching anything that they are not meant to touch, it may be shorting your coil.

The chipset controls features like wattage, temperature, and other variables. If the chipset is broken, the coil won't work.

How to Fix: 

Carefully inspect the atomizer on your dab pen for any physical damage.

If you suspect or sure that your heating element is damaged, try replacing it with a new one.

Most dab pen manufacturers offer replacement coils that are easy to install, so you can get your device up and running again in no time.

If it is a chipset problem, please send it back, throw it away, or just purchase a new one.

4. Incorrect Temperature Setting

Some dab pens come with adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to customize the temperature to suit your preferences.

If your dab pen is not hitting properly, it may be due to an incorrect temperature setting.

How to Fix: 

Make sure that your device is set to the correct temperature for your chosen concentration.

Different concentrates require different temperatures to vaporize properly, Denser solid wax may require higher settings.

Use your dab pen's button to pulse the coil several times and soften the wax before you take your first deep puff.

5. The Device Has Overheated

If the voltage, wattage, or temperature of the dab pen is set too high, the coil heats up and produces continuous heat, causing the entire device to overheat.

If this constant heating is prolonged, the coils will eventually burn out or melt, The device will stop hitting or working.

How to Fix: 

If you smell burning, you need to stop dabbing and allow the device to cool back down.

And lower the voltage, wattage, or temperature setting the next time you use it.

If the coil is damaged, you need to replace it.

6. Faulty Device

In some cases, it's a lost cause, as the manufacturer made a critical error that means that no matter what, you can't fix your dab pen.

How to Fix: 

The best way to avoid ending up with a dud is to choose your dab pen from a trusted brand like Lookah that has a reputation for quality and consistency.

Conclusion

There are several reasons why your new dab pen may not be hitting properly.

By troubleshooting the above issues and taking proper care of your device, you can ensure that you get the most out of your dabbing experience.

Remember to clean your device immediately after use, use high-quality concentrates, and follow the dab pen manufacturer's instructions for optimal performance.

With the right care and maintenance, your dab pen can provide you with a satisfying and enjoyable dabbing experience for years to come.

But if all the above solutions fail, then you can contact the Manufacturer or just buy a new dab pen.