Refillable vape carts offer a cost-effective way to vape cannabis oils. They can substitute for pre-filled THC carts, CBD carts, or delta 8 THC carts. To get started using them, you just need a cart, some cannabis oil, and a vape pen or 510 thread battery.
If you’ve been using pre-filled weed carts, you know the cost can add up. Why not buy oil in bulk and fill your own carts? In this guide, we’ll explain how to fill and use refillable vape oil cartridges and take a look at the best ones you can buy now.
What are refillable oil cartridges?
Refillable carts are empty 510-threaded tanks with built-in coils and wicks. They’re designed to be opened and filled with your choice of cannabis oil. Some people try to use them for nicotine vape juice, but they’re really built for thick oil. (If you want a portable nicotine vape, try a refillable pod vape instead.)
It’s cheaper to refill your own carts than to buy pre-filled carts or single-use disposable CBD vape pens. You can reuse a refillable oil cartridge several times before it stops working properly. The best quality refillable 510 carts have well-made coils that can handle multiple fillings and stand up to higher voltages.
What to look for in an oil cartridge
You can find cheap cartridges in bulk, but you’ll probably be disappointed in them. The carts we’ve listed all have characteristics that set them apart from the no-name competition. These are the qualities you should look for in a refillable 510 cartridge:
- Build quality: Cartridges constructed of high-quality durable materials, like Pyrex and steel, typically have a much longer lifespan than inexpensive vape cartridges. The goal is ultimately for your cartridge to outlast the lifespan of the coil.
- Coil longevity: Your tank is only as good as your coil. If you want to be able to re-use your cartridge for a long time, you want one with good coil longevity. Ceramic coils have become a popular choice because they tend to handle heat better and are less prone to burning out than standard coils.
- Airflow: Some 510 vape carts provide a tight draw, while others have a looser one. Most oil cartridges don’t have adjustable airflow (although some do), but eventually, you will figure out which style of inhalation you prefer best.
- Efficiency: The best refillable vape tanks will allow you to vape oil down to the very last drop. Other cartridges don’t perform well when the oil drops below a certain level, due to poor design. Don’t waste any of your high-quality oil!
- Capacity: Most refillable cartridges come in either half-gram (500 mg) or one-gram (1000 mg) sizes. There are also smaller ones available that hold 250 mg. Smaller cartridges are perfect for traveling or for using super high-potency oil, while the larger ones are more convenient for regular everyday use.
- Aesthetics: Aside from performance, aesthetics may also be an important factor for you. Some oil cartridges look generic—or just plain ugly—and others look downright elegant. If looks matter to you, you’ll want a tank that matches your style.
How to fill an empty oil cartridge
Here’s how to fill (or refill) your empty 510 cartridges:
- If the cart is attached to a battery, remove it.
- Unscrew the mouthpiece on top.
- Fill the tank between the glass walls of the tank and the center chimney. Do not get liquid inside the central airflow hole.
- You might need to use a syringe for extra precision.
- Don’t overfill the cartridge. Allow room to reattach the mouthpiece, or it could overflow.
- Wait at least 10-15 minutes before priming the coil or you might experience a burnt hit (thicker oils and distillates may require even more time to prime).
- After a few refills, the flavor will become faint or start tasting burnt. That means it’s time to replace the cartridge with a new one.
How to use a refillable oil cartridge
Once your oil cartridge is filled, screw it onto your weed pen. Some batteries are draw-activated and will not require you to press any buttons to turn the device on or off, but most require you to press the power button five times quickly. Aside from that, there’s not a substantial difference in how vape pens work.
- Make sure your battery is charged and powered up.
- Set your device to the lowest voltage setting.
- Start by taking a few gentle, short puffs to gauge the effects and prime the coil.
- Some cartridges may require more voltage to produce a satisfying puff.
- Turn the battery off when you are done.
Why buy empty vape cartridges?
Cost savings is a big perk for refillable cart users. Every time you buy a prefilled vape cart, you’re paying for more than the oil inside; you’re also shelling out fors a brand new atomizer, chamber, coil, and mouthpiece. But with empty carts, you only pay for a new one every four or five fills.
Another benefit is the powerful coil technology used in most high-quality refillable carts. You can vape longer and at higher temperatures without burning or damaging the coil.
You can choose exactly how much oil you load into a refillable cart. Since empty carts are available in multiple sizes, you can find one to suit your purposes. No longer must you rely on the manufacturer to produce a particular size or oil quantity.
Lastly, refillable carts are a lifesaver if you’re looking to reduce waste. While it’s theoretically possible to open and refill a disposable cart, most users throw them in the garbage. Refillable vape carts are an eco-friendly way to enjoy THC and CBD oils.
How to clean a refillable 510 cart
Refillable 510 vape carts last longer if you keep them clean and well-maintained. A dirty cart produces poor flavor and may become clogged, reducing (or ending!) vapor output.
It’s easy to clean refillable cannabis carts. After you’ve emptied the oil, go in with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab. Lightly dampen your swab with alcohol and scrub the mouthpiece and chamber. You can use a pin or paperclip to scrape oil from inside the mouthpiece. Be careful not to scratch anything.
Don’t forget to wipe off the threading with alcohol too. Dirt or residue will impair the connection between the cart and the battery.
You have a few options when dealing with stubborn oil buildup. First, you can soften oil by applying light heat to the cart. Hairdryers are a tried-and-true method. Make sure the dryer is on its lowest setting, and hold it around a foot from your refillable cart. After a minute, the residue will be easier to work with.
Alternatively, go right in with an alcohol bath. Soak your chamber in isopropyl alcohol for thirty minutes, then rinse with warm water. Many mouthpieces (including those made from ceramic or metal) can be soaked, but don’t soak rubber or plastic mouthpieces.
Dry your carts completely before reassembling, refilling, and using them.
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