Vaping is a widespread practice among tobacco consumers who seek a safer alternative to smoking and substance consumption. This practice involves inhaling and expelling vapor produced by a vape device or an e-cigarette. E-cigarettes usually consist of an inbuilt atomizer that heats the e-liquid or oil distillate and turns it into vapor.
Before turning into vapor, the vape substance is stored in the vape cartridge, which attaches to the battery of the vape device. Although vape devices have provided people with a convenient vaping experience for almost two decades, many vapers feel stumped when it comes to refilling their vape cartridges.
But we bring you good news. Filling your vape cartridge is not as intimidating as it first appears.
Whether you are a seasoned vaper or a beginner who is itching to explore the DIY realm of vaping, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the quick and easy process of filling your own vape cartridge.
And that is not all. We have included a video guide with this written content to make things more convenient. This visual aid will give you an interactive demonstration, which will ensure that you understand the process and master it with confidence.
But before you jump into the video, let us explore the basics of filling a vape cartridge. It may seem like a difficult task at first. But with the right guide and a little practice, you’ll fill vape cartridges according to your preferences like an expert soon enough.
Regardless, keep in mind that although all vape cartridges look and function in similar fashions, they are not all the same. Thus, before purchasing your distillates, make sure that they are suitable for your empty distillate cart.
Filling your Vape Cartridge in Seven Easy Steps
Step 1: Gather your Materials
Before diving into the process, the first thing to do is to gather all the necessary materials. These include:
- Empty cartridge
- Distillate oil of your choice
- Syringe
- Heat source
- Terpenes
- And optionally, a distillate oil filler machine.
Filling a vape cartridge happens either by hand or through an oil filler machine. These machines can act as both a heat source and a syringe for heating and injecting the distillate, respectively. A syringe is essential for accuracy and control during the filling process. It allows you to measure the amount of the distillate you need and inject it into the cartridge.
But, because oil distillates are thick, you will need a heat source to warm the distillate. Heating makes it more fluid and easy to work with. Still, be careful not to overheat the distillate because excessive heat will diminish its quality.
Terpenes play a vital role in the overall vaping experience. They reintroduce flavors and aromas that may have been lost during the distillation process into the oil distillate.
Terpenes are aromatic yet potent compounds that provide vapers with an original and pleasurable vaping experience. However, you must use them in measured amounts to achieve the desired flavor and avoid overpowering the oil distillate.
Step 2: Unscrew your Cartridge
If you have yet to unscrew your cartridge, do so by disassembling the mouthpiece to reveal the empty tank. Some cartridges have extra components you must detach before accessing the tank. So, carefully separate these compartments according to the cartridge design to expose the tank.
Once you see the empty tank, inspect the parts you removed for distillate residues and clean them. Make sure you handle them cautiously to avoid damaging them.
Step 3: Heat the Oil Distillate
After unscrewing your vape cartridge, proceed to warm your distillate. The amount of heat you apply to your distillate depends on its viscosity. Thicker oil distillates will require a higher temperature than thinner types.
This step aims to make your distillate more fluid so that it is easier to extract with a syringe and inject into the tank. It is best to warm your distillate via indirect heat sources. You can wrap a warm towel around your distillate container or place it inside warm water to heat its content slightly.
Remember that patience is key in this step. Using direct flame to heat your oil distillate will end up reducing its quality and causing potential harm to the terpenes. A cartridge filler machine usually has an option that allows you to select your desired temperature. This thing makes the heating process easier and limits the chances of overheating.
Step 4: Introduce the Terpenes
After achieving the desired temperature for your distillate, it is time to introduce your terpenes to enhance the flavor of the oil. The recommended terpene ratio is between 5% and 15% of the total distillate volume. For instance, if you have 100 milliliters of distillate, you should add between 5 and 15 milliliters of terpenes into the oil distillate. If you add more than this amount, it will affect the oil’s viscosity by making it thinner than it should be.
After measuring the appropriate amount of terpenes, add them to your distillate. Stir the combination and be mindful of the heat. This will help to achieve an even distribution and a well-balanced flavor profile.
Step 5: Fill your Syringe and Inject the Distillate
With your distillate in a liquid form, take out your Syringe and draw it into it. The Syringe controls the amount of distillate you inject, thus allowing you to fill your vape cartridge reservoir accurately.
If you find it difficult to extract the liquid, inspect the temperature of the distillate and the terpene ratio. The distillate will not remain liquid if it isn’t hot enough and complicates the process. Additionally, an imbalance in the ratio of terpene to distillate will affect the thickness of the oil and lead to unwanted complications during the filling process.
People seeking an automatic and efficient approach should use a cartridge filler machine. You only need to pour the liquid into the device and adjust the shot settings to tailor the filling process to your preference. The adjustable quality of a vape filling machine ensures that each cartridge receives the perfect amount of distillate. As a result, it ensures consistency throughout your vaping experience.
This machine also has a syringe that is used to inject the distillate into your cartridge. But instead of shooting the oil into the device by hand, the machine has a button or lever that automatically activates the shot and provides a precise release system.
Step 6: Seal off your Cartridge
After filling your vape cartridge, the next and final step is to seal it off to preserve the integrity of the e-liquid. Replace the plastic cap or fasten the mouthpiece onto the cartridge to prevent leakages and contamination.
Once you finish sealing the cartridge, exercise a bit of patience and allow your filled vape device to settle for about 12 to 24 hours. This timeframe ensures that the e-liquid fully saturates the coils, which enhances your vape experience. It is crucial to allow the e-liquid to soak into the coils because it helps achieve consistent vapor and flavor production. This waiting period will minimize the risk of dry hits and ensure that you get the best sensation out of vaping.
Step 7: Post-fill Checkups
After the settling period, you should conduct a few last-minute checks before using your freshly filled vape cartridge. Check the vape device for visible leaks, as well as the connection between the cartridge and the battery. If you notice any leakage, proceed to tighten the previously disassembled components to stop the oil distillate from oozing out. Moreover, ensure the cartridge is properly attached to your vape battery, as a loose connection can affect vapor generation.
Furthermore, you can take a few initial test draws without activating the heating element to prime the coil and help the e-liquid fully saturate around it.
Concluding Remarks
As we carefully explained in the above sections, filling a vape cartridge is an easy and straightforward process that anyone can master. By following the diligently curated steps outlined in this guide, you will be armed with the knowledge to fill your vape cartridge independently.
However, a word of advice is to not make a habit out of reusing vape cartridges. This is because these little vessels were made for one-time performance, and continuously refilling them could be wasteful and risky. It is best to give your oil distillate a fresh stage for every new performance to ensure its optimal flavor and guarantee your safety.
We hope this tutorial helps you navigate the unfamiliar terrain of filling a vape cartridge. Remember to peruse the accompanying video guide to receive a visual representation that supplements the written instructions. With each successful refill, you save yourself extra costs and also gain a more in-depth understanding of the design of your vape device. Enjoy!