A weed dabber is a tool used to handle and apply cannabis concentrates for smoking or vaping. While you can purchase a dabber online or at a headshop, making your own can be a fun and inexpensive DIY project. In this article, we will go through the steps needed to make a weed dabber from materials that you may already have lying around your home.
Step 1: Materials Required
To make a homemade dabber, you'll need the following supplies:
- A metal wire - paper clips, bobby pins, or coat hangers can all work
- A small piece of wood, glass, or ceramic
- Pliers
- Wire cutters
- A drill (optional)
Step 2: Choose Your Material
The first step in creating a homemade dabber is choosing the right material for the tip. This will depend on your preference and what you have available.
- Wood: A wooden tip is lightweight and easy to grip, making it a comfortable choice for extended use. Choose a hardwood like oak or maple, and sand it down to a smooth finish. Wood is porous, so it's crucial to sanitize it before and after each use by soaking it in rubbing alcohol or boiling water to kill any bacteria.
- Glass: A glass tip is non-porous, so it's easier to clean and won't hold onto any bacteria. You can use an old glass stirring rod or a small piece of glass tubing. Be careful when using glass, as it can break if dropped or bumped.
- Ceramic: A ceramic tip is a durable and non-porous material that won't affect the flavor of your concentrate. You can use an old ceramic nail or a small piece of ceramic tile.
Step 3: Shape the Metal Wire
To make the handle of your dabber, you'll need to shape the metal wire into a comfortable grip. You can use pliers to bend the wire into a shape that works best for you. A curved or spiral shape can make it easier to hold and manipulate.
Step 4: Attach the Tip
Using wire cutters, cut a piece of wire that is slightly longer than the length of your chosen tip. Using pliers, bend the wire into a small hook at one end. This hook will be used to attach the tip to the handle.
Next, drill a hole in the center of your tip. If you don't have a drill, you can use pliers or a nail to make a small hole. Once the hole is drilled, slide the wire through the hole, and use pliers to twist the hook around the wire to secure the tip in place.
Step 5: Smooth and Sanitize
Once your dabber is assembled, make sure to sand down any rough edges or sharp points. Then, sanitize the entire tool by wiping it down with rubbing alcohol or boiling it in water for a few minutes.
Step 6: Add Personal Touches
If you have a bit of extra time and want to add a personal touch to your dabber, you can customize it with beads or other decorations. You can slide beads or leather cord onto the handle wire before attaching the tip. Or, you can wrap the handle wire with colored embroidery floss or yarn to make it more visually appealing.
Step 7: Test Your Dabber
Before you use your homemade dabber, test it out to make sure that it works well. Place a small amount of your chosen concentrate onto the tip of the tool and apply it to your smoking device. If the tip is too large or too small, you may need to reshape it or attach a different tip.
Final Thoughts
Making a weed dabber is a simple DIY project that can save you money and allow you to create a tool that is unique to your smoking habits and preferences. By using materials that you already have at home, you can create a personalized and high-quality dabber that works perfectly for your needs.
When making your dabber, remember to choose the right material for the tip, shape the metal wire into a comfortable grip, attach the tip securely, and test it out before use. By following these steps, you'll have a functional and personalized dabber that you can use to enjoy your favorite concentrates.