This absolutely essential dab tool makes dabbing at lower temperatures more effective, supporting a smoother, tastier, more pleasant experience than can’t otherwise be achieved. But what is a carb cap, and how does it affect the process of dabbing?

What is a carb cap and how does it work?

A carb cap is a dab tool available in many colors, styles, shapes, and sizes, all made from heat-resistant materials like quartz, glass, and titanium. Carb caps seal the bucket on a nail or banger after the dab has been dropped in, and function much like a lid on a saucepot. In short, this accessory maximizes convection and airflow control to efficiently vaporize cannabis oil at the lowest possible temperature.

Different carb caps are compatible with different nails, but finding the perfect pair is pretty easy. Whether you have a flat top banger, an eNail, or terp slurp, there is a carb cap designed specifically for each! 

how to use carb cap

Benefits of using carb caps


Carb caps enhance your dabbing experience by allowing you to enjoy the tastiest, most terpene-rich dabs possible.

Improved air circulation & control 

Carb caps offer airflow control by directing it through the cap itself or limiting it in use with nails like the terp slurp. Caps cause pressure in the nail’s bucket to drop, which inturn lowers the required boiling point of your concentrate.

Heat retention

Carb caps are essential for maintaining the nail’s temperature. Many inexperienced users will heat their nail to high temperatures that prove to be detrimental to the preservation of cannabinoids and terpenes. Dabbing at lower temperatures (300-400 degrees Fahrenheit) can retain the strain’s intended flavor, aroma, and effects. When dabbing at low temperatures, carb caps help retain heat so you aren’t left with a puddle.

Waste reduction

Because carb caps help with heat retention, it’s easier to ensure you get every last bit out of your concentrates. Rather than being left with a puddle of oil at the bottom of your nail, using a carb cap can help you vape every last bit. Some of the newer carb cap designs, such as those that facilitate directional airflow, allow you to be even more efficient by directing the heat into every corner of your nail, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Types of carb caps

Carb Caps

All carb caps are made out of heat-resistant materials like quartz, glass or titanium. Carb caps can range from simple, flat-top designs to more novelty options designed for use with specific nails. Each cap has a unique function and design. Some examples of different styles include:

Directional Airflow Carb Cap

Directional carb caps, sometimes called spinner caps, feature a carb hole and an angled tube stemming down the cap. Directional flow carb caps create a proper seal around a nail. When rotated or swiveled, they can direct the oil (and terp pearls) around the dabbing surface for improved vaporization.

Bubble Carb Cap

Bubble carb caps provide users with maximum control over airflow due to their large carb stem and ball-and-socket design. They are especially suitable for flat-top nails.

Universal Carb Caps

Universal carb caps feature a hollow dome that fits over the top of irregularly-shaped nails like e-nails, castle-style nails, and most domeless nails.

Compatibility with dab nails


It’s crucial to select a compatible carb cap to ensure a proper seal with your nail. Due to the overwhelming selection of nails and carb caps, it’s difficult to know which one will fit a setup.

To find the best carb cap for every style of nail, check out our Compatibility Tool. Generally, flat top nails and eBangers are compatible with bubble caps, directional airflow carb caps, thermal caps, and other flat-top caps. Slanted bangers can function with some flat carb caps or titanium banger caps with a slanted top. Hollow, universal carb caps are more compatible with nails that have a center stem higher than the sidewalls.

Quick links

  1. What is a carb cap?
  2. How does a carb cap work?
  3. Benefits of using carb caps
  4. Types of carb caps
  5. Compatibility with dab nails

Explore Articles

Quick links

  1. What is a carb cap?
  2. How does a carb cap work?
  3. Benefits of using carb caps
  4. Types of carb caps
  5. Compatibility with dab nails

Explore Articles

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