A Beginner's Guide to Vape Coils and How to Replace Them
Introduction
Vape coils are integral components of electronic cigarettes, responsible for heating the e-liquid to produce the vapour inhaled by the user. As a beginner, understanding vape coils, their maintenance, and replacement can significantly enhance your vaping experience, optimise device performance, and ensure a safer vaping practice. This comprehensive guide provides clear, expert insights into vape coils, addressing common questions and providing practical, actionable steps to confidently handle coil replacement.
What Are Vape Coils and How Do They Work?
Vape coils, often referred to simply as coils or atomisers, are the heating elements in vaping devices. They consist of a wire wrapped in a spiral shape around a wicking material, typically organic cotton. When you activate your vape, the battery sends an electric current through this wire, heating it and vaporising the e-liquid absorbed by the wick. This process creates the vapour you inhale.
Different coil materials such as ceramic, stainless steel, nichrome, and Kanthal provide varied vaping experiences. Ceramic coils offer smoother vapour and better longevity. Stainless steel coils heat quickly and can be used in temperature-controlled and wattage modes. Nichrome heats faster than Kanthal, providing a robust flavour, while Kanthal remains popular for its durability and consistent performance.
Understanding Different Types of Vape Coils
Vape coils vary widely in terms of resistance, airflow, and usage style, affecting the overall vaping experience significantly. The main categories include sub-ohm coils, mouth-to-lung (MTL), and direct-to-lung (DTL) coils.
Sub-ohm coils have a resistance below 1 ohm, ideal for producing large clouds of vapour and intense flavour, preferred by cloud-chasers. Mouth-to-lung coils offer higher resistance (above 1 ohm), mimicking the draw style of traditional cigarettes, suitable for beginners and those seeking a familiar smoking sensation. Direct-to-lung coils typically provide an airier draw, allowing vapour to flow directly to the lungs, resulting in greater vapour production but less throat hit.
Signs Your Vape Coil Needs Replacing
Recognising when your vape coil requires replacement is essential for maintaining optimal device performance. The most common indication of coil degradation is a burnt or unpleasant taste during vaping. This occurs when e-liquid residue builds up and the coil begins to burn the wick instead of the liquid.
Additional signs include reduced vapour production, diminished flavour intensity, leaking or gurgling sounds from your device, and visible darkening or crusting around the coil. Regular inspection and awareness of these symptoms will ensure you replace coils timely, preserving both the device's performance and your vaping satisfaction.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Replace a Vape Coil
Replacing a vape coil may seem daunting initially, but it is straightforward with practice. Here’s a detailed, beginner-friendly guide:
Necessary Tools and Preparation:
- Fresh coil compatible with your device
- E-liquid
- Paper towels for clean-up
Steps to Replace Your Coil:
- Turn off your device and unscrew the tank.
- Empty the remaining e-liquid from the tank into a suitable container.
- Unscrew the old coil from the tank base and dispose of it responsibly.
- Prime your new coil by applying a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick.
- Screw the new coil firmly (but not too tight) into the tank base.
- Reassemble your tank and fill it with fresh e-liquid.
- Wait 5-10 minutes to allow complete wicking before using.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Coils
Beginners often make several common mistakes when replacing coils, impacting coil life and vaping experience negatively. A primary mistake is failing to prime coils adequately, resulting in immediate coil burn-out. Ensure sufficient saturation by priming coils before use.
Another frequent issue is overtightening coils, causing difficulties in later replacements or damaging your tank. Furthermore, using incorrect wattage settings can rapidly degrade coils. Always adhere to recommended wattage ranges indicated by the coil manufacturer to prolong coil lifespan.
How Often Should You Replace Your Vape Coil?
Generally, coils should be replaced every one to two weeks. However, this can vary based on vaping frequency, coil quality, and e-liquid type. Heavy vapers might need replacements weekly, while occasional vapers can extend this interval significantly.
Factors influencing coil lifespan include vaping style—sub-ohm vaping often requires more frequent coil replacements—and e-liquid characteristics. Sweetened e-liquids containing high sugar content degrade coils faster due to residue build-up. Regular monitoring of coil performance and timely replacements ensure optimal functionality and vaping pleasure.
Best Practices for Extending Coil Lifespan
Extending the lifespan of your coils saves money and enhances your vaping experience. Start by correctly priming coils, ensuring adequate saturation to prevent early burn-out. Additionally, maintaining moderate wattage settings within coil recommendations prevents overheating and extends coil life.
Choosing less sugary e-liquids or clear liquids reduces residue build-up, significantly prolonging coil performance. Regularly cleaning your tank and coils, gently rinsing and drying them, can also help maintain coil efficiency, ensuring longer intervals between replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vape Coils
Can you clean and reuse vape coils?
Yes, certain coils, especially rebuildable ones, can be cleaned and reused. Rinse gently with warm water and allow to air dry completely before reuse.
Are expensive coils worth the investment?
Higher-priced coils typically offer better build quality and longevity, providing more consistent flavour and vapour production.
What causes coils to burn quickly?
Frequent dry hits, incorrect wattage settings, insufficient priming, and high-sugar e-liquids contribute to rapid coil degradation.
Safety Tips for Handling and Replacing Vape Coils
Safe handling of coils is paramount. Always power off your device before coil replacement to avoid accidental activation and burns. Store coils away from children and pets, as small components pose choking hazards.
Proper disposal of used coils is crucial. Old coils should be discarded responsibly to avoid environmental harm or accidental ingestion by animals. Many vaping stores offer recycling programs specifically for vape components.
Where to Buy Quality Vape Coils and What to Look For
Purchasing vape coils from reputable suppliers ensures authenticity, safety, and reliability. Prefer trusted, established brands recognised within the vaping community. Verify coil compatibility with your specific vaping device to avoid disappointment or potential damage.
Important considerations include coil resistance ratings (ohms), preferred vaping style, and brand reputation. Buying coils in bulk from reliable sources can also offer cost-saving opportunities, ensuring consistent vaping quality over extended periods.
Conclusion
Understanding vape coils and their maintenance is crucial for enhancing your vaping experience. Regular coil replacement, proper priming, and adherence to recommended practices can significantly improve device performance and flavour quality. Take control of your vaping experience by implementing these essential coil maintenance tips, ensuring both safety and optimal enjoyment.
