Titanium and ceramic nails are the alternatives to quartz - titanium for near-indestructibility, ceramic for heat retention and neutral flavour. Below you'll find titanium and ceramic dab nails at Smokerolla in 14mm and 18mm fittings, shipping fast from the US.
Titanium vs ceramic vs quartz
Each material trades something different:
Titanium
Effectively unbreakable and heats fast. Grade 2 titanium is the standard. Downside: a faint metallic note some dabbers notice, and it must be seasoned before first use.
Ceramic
Holds heat longest and is completely flavour-neutral. Slower to heat, and it will crack if dropped or thermally shocked.
Quartz
The most popular today - best flavour, fast response, moderate durability. See quartz bangers.
Which to pick
Travel and durability favour titanium. Low-temperature flavour sessions favour ceramic. Everyday all-round use favours quartz.
Getting it right
Season titanium first
Heat until red, cool, and repeat two or three times before the first dab. This removes machining residue - skipping it is why some people report a metal taste.
Do not overheat ceramic
Ceramic holds heat far longer than it looks. Heat less than you would quartz and wait longer before dropping the concentrate.
Match the joint
14mm and 18mm, male or female - the same fitting rules as any nail. Measure before ordering.
Universal nails
Some titanium nails are adjustable to fit both 14mm and 18mm joints, which is useful if you own several rigs.
Titanium & ceramic nails at Smokerolla
Frequently asked questions
Is titanium or ceramic better for dabbing?
Titanium is nearly unbreakable and heats quickly, which suits travel and heavy use. Ceramic holds heat longer and is completely flavour-neutral, which suits low-temperature flavour dabs. Ceramic is more fragile; titanium needs seasoning.
How do I season a titanium nail?
Heat it until it glows red, let it cool completely, and repeat two or three times before the first dab. This burns off machining residue from manufacturing - an unseasoned titanium nail is the usual cause of a metallic taste.
Do ceramic nails break easily?
They are more fragile than titanium and will crack if dropped or thermally shocked. Avoid running cold water over a hot ceramic nail, and let it cool naturally between sessions.
What temperature for a titanium nail?
Titanium retains heat well, so heat it less than quartz and let it cool longer - roughly 45-60 seconds after heating. Overheating titanium is the main cause of harsh, burnt dabs.
Can I use a titanium nail on any rig?
As long as the joint size and gender match. Some titanium nails are adjustable and fit both 14mm and 18mm. Check our adapters if your fittings differ.
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Quartz Bangers & Nails · Carb Caps · Electric Dab Nails · Dab Rigs · Terp Slurpers
