How to Get the Last Hits Out of a Disposable Vape Cart?
Think your vape cart is empty? Think again!
It still has some life left inside- waiting for you to puff.
Disposable vape carts often look like they’re out of juice, but they’re not.
Sometimes your beloved concentrates get stuck inside, keeping you from using the last drop.
But HAKUNA MATATA!
With the right tricks, you can squeeze out that one final hit. Or it can be more, depending on how much oil there is.
Simple moves like hand-warming, hair-drying, disassembling the cart, tapping/shaking, or dabbing. All these can help you get the most out of your disposable vape cart.
Disposable Vape Cartridges
Oil-filled tank.
Disposable vape cartridges are small containers in vape pens where the good stuff stays. We mean concentrates. They typically have cannabis (THC), nicotine, or both.
The carts come pre-filled. They’re ready to heat up and turn the concentrates into aerosol. That’s the cloud you inhale and exhale.
Most are designed to be tossed once they’re out of juice. Then again, a few are refillable if you’re feeling thrifty.
Here’s a brief of your vape cart composition.
Design and Functionality
Tank Walls
They’re the sturdy containers that carry your vape juice. The carts are typically plastic or glass.
Glass tanks are on the go for THC vapes. Plastic carts, on the other hand, often tag along with nicotine devices.
Insulation and Seals
Both are silent heroes made of silicone rubber or fiberglass for insulation.
The insulation and seals work like blankets. They keep the heat where it belongs- inside the heating element.
Plus, they’re tough enough to prevent leaks. So, you won’t end up with sticky pockets!
Concentrates
The heart and soul of your vape experience! Vape disposable carts can have different kinds of concentrates.
They can be:
- Oils
- Waxes
- Diamonds
- Juices
Each type delivers a unique, interesting experience.
Heating Element Materials
The star!
Heating elements are the part that gets hot. They heat the liquid and turn it into clouds. They can be either coils or wicks.
Most modern carts boast ceramic coils- safer and more efficient. Some are metals like nickel, chromium, and iron. A few older designs may have fiberglass wicks.
Heating Element Technology
As for the heating tech, there are two main types.
The conduction heating element directly heats the vape cart. It’s faster and more affordable. However, it’s a bit of a diva. Overheat it and your oils may burn.
The convection heating element uses hot air to vaporize e-liquids. This provides a smoother vapor and tastier flavor. But it acts pricier and takes longer to heat.
Connector
Let’s connect the dots now!
The carts mainly use two kinds of connectors: 510 cartridges and pod-style.
The 510 cartridges are the MVP of connectors. They have a universal screw design that fits most vape batteries. The name 510 comes from its design. It refers to 10 threads at 0.5 mm each, with a 7mm diameter.
The Pod Styles are smaller and common in pod systems. They use a screw connector or magnetic attachments. Such styles are often refillable, although some are disposable.
Mouthpiece
This ensures your gateway to that smooth, flavorful vapor.
The mouthpiece is attached to the top of the cartridge. It’s usually plastic or metal.
Battery
The battery powers the heating element.
Most vape pens use small, rechargeable batteries. The voltages range between 2.8V and 6.0V. They ensure the engine keeps your ride going.
3 Common Reasons for Oil Getting Left Behind
Viscosity
A fancy word for how thick or runny the concentrates are.
Too thick oil doesn’t move easily. There are many reasons why concentrates become thicker.
- One reason is the thickening agents like Terpenes and Vitamin E Acetate. Such agents help control the dose and viscosity of your vape. However, incorrect concentration can make the oil super thick.
- Lower temperature is another culprit. It can increase the thickness level of concentrates.
So when “viscosity” happens, the oil fails to flow to the coil fast enough as you take a drag. Eventually, some of it gets stuck on the sides of the cart.
Air Pressure
A vape cart has a lot to do with air pressure.
When you take a puff, the air moves through the cart. That airflow pulls the oil toward the coil. The coil heats the oil, turning it into vapor for you.
But if the air pressure isn’t right, the oil may not flow properly. As a result, some vape oils get left behind.
- Clogging can cause this issue. Because over time, the concentrates can build up in the tiny air pathways of the cart. This can block the airflow.
- You can also be a culprit. Small, weak puffs don’t create enough suction to pull the oil down. Thus, some oils remain in the cart.
- Some carts have bad airflow designs. If the air holes are too small, the pressure can’t be strong enough to move the oil evenly.
Cart Design
Bad designs of your vape cartridge are the big offenders here.
The signs? The cart will have a small opening, or the wick/coil isn’t placed well. Because of such designs, the oil may not reach the coil properly.
This mostly happens with cheaper carts. Since the cart design is poor, they fail to use the oil effectively.
For this, more liquid gets wasted.
Signs of Bad Vape Carts
Usually, the bad vape carts are to blame for the remaining oil. They can easily affect the efficiency of oil use when vaping. This leads to leftover concentrates in the cart.
- To avoid them, watch out for the signs like-
- Bad packaging: Poor quality or missing details = red flag.
- Overly sweet, burnt, or chemical flavors indicate fake or contaminated oil.
- The color should be consistent (light yellow/amber). Dark or uneven = bad.
- Oil should be thick like honey. Runny = fake.
Techniques to Extract the Last Hits
Gentle Warming Methods
Hand Warmth
The easiest one- use your hands!
Just rub the disposable vape cart between your hands (palms actually). Do it for a minute or two. The trick is simple.
Your body temperature is the main actor here.
The 98.6°F (37°C) is enough to:
- Slightly warm the oil inside
- Decrease the viscosity, and
- Make it easier to flow
When the oil is warm, it travels better through the cartridge.
Hand warmers work the same.
Just don’t overdo it. You don’t want runny oil since it doesn't work effectively either.
Now, you can enjoy the last hits out of the disposable vape cartridge.
Hair Dryer Technique
If it’s so thick that hand-warming doesn’t work, grab your hair dryer.
The tool gives the vape pen oil a little extra warmth. Use it on low heat.
Also, hold the dryer a few inches away from the cart. The goal is to gently heat it. So, don’t aim it at full blast. Otherwise, it can damage the cart or even melt the plastic parts.
Usually, a hair dryer on a low setting has a temperature of about 80°F (27°C) [Source: xsooh].
It’s hot enough to thin the oil but not too hot, which can risk damage. Once the oil melts into the coil, puff it out and enjoy the last hits out of the pen.
Warm Water Bath
A neat trick.
Get a water-tight plastic bag. Seal the cart in the bag. Run it under warm water for 1-2 minutes. Let the warmth do the trick.
This helps loosen the oil and make it less viscous.
Make sure the water isn’t too hot. Around 100°F (38°C) is fine.
Water transfers heat reasonably well. So, this method gently warms the entire cart as long as it’s not too hot. Or else, there can be hot spots and damage.
Manual Extraction
Syringe
Got a clean syringe lying around?
You can use it to suck out the remaining oil. Just insert the needle into the mouthpiece (if possible).
If not, then try to take the cart off the battery or detach the mouthpiece. The technique varies based on the device.
Look for the spot where you can inject the syringe. In case you get the spot, pull the oil into the syringe carefully.
Now, use it to get the last hits. There are multiple ways you can do this. For instance-
- Transferring the oil to another cart if you’re using replaceable models.
- Making edibles by mixing the oil with the food.
Make sure the syringe is clean and sterile. However, the technique may not work for all vape pens.
Some models may not have spots where you can insert the syringe.
Disassembling the Cartridge
Feeling a little daredevil today? Why not take apart the entire disposable vape cartridge? But this requires a bit of caution. So be careful!
Look for a small mouthpiece or cap that can be unscrewed or popped off. Since most carts are glass-made, ensure you don’t break anything.
Once open, you can scrape out any leftover oil.
You can use a small tool like a toothpick or a dab rig. This method is super cool because you get access to every bit of oil.
Just be gentle.
Centrifugal Force Method
Just like a science experiment!
The idea is the use centrifugal force so you can move the oil of the disposable vape cart toward the mouthpiece.
Enter: The Sock Trick
Place your cart inside a clean sock (yes, a sock!). Ensure it’s clean.
Hold the sock at the top. Now, swing it around in circles. Do it for 30 seconds. This nifty trick is centrifugal force!
It’ll push the oil towards the mouthpiece, making it easier to vape.
The concept is backed by physics.
“Objects in motion tend to stay in motion.” So the oil gets moved forward.
Tapping and Shaking
All it takes is a little tap sometimes.
Hold your vape cart upside down. Now, just tap it gently. This technique pushes the oil toward the coil.
That way, you can get the last hits out of a disposable cart.
But be careful not to hit it too hard, or you may end up breaking the material.
If tapping doesn’t work, try shaking it.
Lightly shake the disposable vape cart while it’s upright. This will help redistribute the oil inside and prevent clogs.
It also ensures everything inside is mixed properly and flowing down the mouthpiece.
The trick is simple but effective, oftentimes.
Alternative Uses for Remaining Oil
Let’s say you’ve extracted a little oil. Now what?
Try out these uses!
Enhancing Joints or Bowls
Did you know that mixing different strains can make you feel higher? The leftover disposable vape cart oils can do that.
Just add the oil to your flower. It’ll give you that extra kick.
Such a method blends the flavors that the oils carry with the ones from the cannabis. This boosts the effects of the cannabis more.
The best part- the flavor intensity!
Yes. It gives you a more intense flavor experience. This can make your joints or bowls richer and hemp sesh better!
Dabbing
You need a dab rig for this.
This is one of the most incredible options for leftover vape pen oils.
Just use the dab tool. Here’s how it works!
- Heat the nail with a torch.
- Wait for a few seconds.
- Use the tool and apply a small amount of oil to the hot nail.
- Vaporize it and inhale!
Dabbing offers a super potent hit. It maximizes the benefits of your remaining concentrates.
Studies also say that-
“Dabs are three times more potent than the strongest marijuana plant.”
Edibles
Feel crafty?
Use the remaining concentrates to make edibles.
Just ensure you decarboxylate the oil first. This will activate the cannabinoids.
Now add the oils to your favorite recipe. It can be brownies, gummies, chocolates, or anything sweet.
Sweet because it can help increase the release of feel-good chemicals (dopamine).
Don’t know how to cook one?
- No worries! Find the making process of edible here.
Preventative Measures to Maximize Cartridge Life
Proper Storage
Don’t run into the trashcan in the first place.
First, store your cart properly. Because it works to maintain the oil consistency.
Keep it upright in a cool, dark place. It’ll help keep the concentrates flowing toward the coil while preventing them from pooling at the bottom.
Ensure the environment isn’t too high or low. Room temp is fine! It’ll help avoid making the concentrates thicker.
We suggest keeping the original packaging. It can help regulate the ambient temperature to some extent.
Also, don’t leave the cart exposed to the air for too long. It can dry out and affect the oil’s taste and quality.
Optimal Inhalation
When using a disposable vape pen, take slow, steady draws.
This helps the concentrate vaporize evenly and keep it from getting stuck inside. Then again, ensure the drag isn’t super weak.
Choosing Quality Cartridges
Spend your bucks on better carts.
Cheaper products leave behind more concentrates. The reason is that they aren’t designed properly. The poor airflow structure is one of the culprits.
For this, the vape pen fails to use the concentrates effectively.
So, look for carts that have a good reputation. Ensure they prioritize full oil use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get the last bit out of a disposable vape?
There are multiple ways to do it. Consider hand-warming, hair-drying, using a syringe, disassembling the cart, tapping/shaking, or dabbing. These options can help you get the last bit out of a dispo vape cart.
How to get extra hits out of a disposable vape?
The best way to get extra hits out of a disposable vape is- rubbing it with your hand or hair-drying. This melts the thickened oil and lets you enjoy the extra hits.
How can I make my disposable vape last longer?
Proper storage, slow drags, and quality cart. These three steps are the golden key to making your disposable vape last longer.
Why is my disposable vape still hitting after I hit it?
There can be two reasons why the vape still keeps firing after hitting. A stuck puff sensor or an issue with the device's circuitry.
