Chazzing: How to Clean a Chazzed Nail and Prevent It from Happening in the First Place
As passionate dabbers, we’re all too familiar with the dreaded chazzing effect that can occur after enjoying our favorite pastime. We absolutely hate any marks or nicks in our quartz setups, especially on our nails. So, after plenty of trial and error (and lots of scorched dabs), we’ve put together a comprehensive guide with tips to help you maintain a chazz-free experience.
What is chazzing?
Chazzing, or chaz, refers to the burnt-on resin that accumulates on the bottom and sides of quartz nails. This grimy surface is not exactly the ideal environment for savoring the flavor of your concentrates. Imagine eating a gourmet meal on a dirty plate. If you want the best and most flavorful dabs, keep reading for our expert advice on cleaning a chazzed quartz banger.
How to clean a chazzed dab nail
We’ll outline routine maintenance to keep your banger clean, as well as instructions for deep cleaning nails that are so chazzed you can’t see through them.
Clean your dab nail routinely
We know cleaning up after every session can be a hassle, but it’s the only proven way to prevent chazzing. One of the most essential dab tools for keeping a chazz-free quartz banger is the humble cotton swab.
Keep a few cotton swabs handy during your session to wipe the nail’s base after every dab. A clean cotton swab can easily remove the hot and sticky resin before it has a chance to permanently settle into the quartz’s pores.
Use isopropyl for deep cleaning
For more thorough cleaning of your chazzed banger, turn to isopropyl alcohol. It’s the ultimate cleaning agent for long-term care. Just soak your rig, nail and all, in isopropyl alcohol for a few hours or even an entire day, depending on the severity of the chazzing. Submerging it for an extended period breaks down the impurities causing the chazz.
Sometimes, the chazz can be entirely eliminated after soaking, but it’s best not to let it reach this point to avoid damaging your dab rig.
What you need
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Rock salt
- Ziplock bag
- Warm water
- Scraper
Tutorial
- Begin by soaking your quartz banger in isopropyl alcohol inside a ziplock bag. Use the strongest ISO available – anything over 99% should work. We recommend leaving it to soak overnight to let the alcohol dissolve the burnt-on resin.
- After soaking, add some rock salt to the ISO and securely close the bag. Shake the ziplock bag to let the alcohol-salt solution scrub the banger’s sides.
- Remove the banger from the alcohol solution and rinse it thoroughly with warm water to eliminate any alcohol residue.
- Use a scraper to remove the chazzing. It might require some elbow grease, but it usually comes off.
- Rinse again with warm water.
- Place the banger back on your rig and use a torch to heat it to around 600-800 °F. This can help burn off any remaining marks.
How to Avoid a Chazzed Dab Nail
To keep your dab nail from getting chazzed over time, there are several things you can do. We’ll break them down for you below.
1. Stick to low-temperature dabs
We understand the thrill of taking a high-temp dab feels like an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster ride. However, excessively heating your nail isn’t good for your gear, extracts, or lungs.
Instead, let your quartz banger do the work. Quartz is known for its ability to retain heat longer than titanium, so you don’t have to crank up the heat to enjoy a flavorful dab.
Opt for low-temperature dabs, which not only reduce the risk of injury but also decrease the chance of chazzing your quartz. Aim for temperatures between 500 and 650º F for the perfect experience.
2. Know your dabbing setup
The goal of torching the nail is to heat the surface enough to vaporize your extracts. Inexperienced users might heat their nails for too long, which can lead to issues. The heating time depends on the quartz quality, base thickness, and torch strength.
After heating, how long should you wait to cool down? Everyone’s answer varies. To avoid a mess or a harsh hit, use a timer on your phone or watch and test different cooldown times to find your perfect balance. This simple experiment can save you time and money in replacing a chazzed dab nail.
For an effortless and convenient solution, invest in an electronic nail (eNail). eNails provide continuous heat, so you always know the temperature you’re dabbing at. No need to count heat-up or cool-down times. With eNails, it’s always dab time.
3. Try reverse dabs
Reverse dabs, or “cold start dabs,” involve placing your extract on your nail first, then gently applying the torch flame to the bottom of your banger until the dab starts to bubble up.
This technique requires some finesse to maintain a steady and precise heat source, but it helps prevent chazzing your quartz banger.
Consider using quartz inserts to further reduce chazzing chances. Quartz inserts add a second layer between the dab and the bottom of your nail, ensuring a chazz-free experience.
4. Keep your nail clean
Maintaining the cleanliness of your dab nail is essential for preventing chazzing. After each dab, use a cotton swab to wipe away any residual concentrate from the nail. By cleaning the nail after each use, you can prevent the buildup of residue that leads to chazzing.
5. Use a carb cap
A carb cap is an essential accessory for dabbing enthusiasts. It helps regulate airflow and traps heat, allowing you to take low-temperature dabs more efficiently. By using a carb cap, you can avoid overheating your nail, which contributes to chazzing.
6. Avoid overloading your nail
Applying too much concentrate at once can lead to chazzing, as the excess material may not vaporize properly and leave behind a scorched residue. To prevent this, use smaller amounts of concentrate and ensure that each dab fully vaporizes before adding more.
7. Regularly inspect your nail for signs of wear
Inspect your nail regularly for any signs of chazzing or wear. By addressing any issues early on, you can prevent further damage and maintain the longevity of your dab nail.
