Vaping has become widely accessible, from new disposable vape devices to easily usable products, these devices are more popular than ever. And with that, products with Delta-8 THC or HHC are fairly attractive to new and old users.
That said, sometimes a malfunction or mishap from your device might lead you to have a non-usable vape pen with more than half oil in the chamber. Because of that, you might want to pry open your device and put the concentrate elsewhere, but before you do, there are several implications, including legality and even safety, to look at.
So before you grab your pliers, we’ve made a quick how-to get the oil out of a disposable vape guide to let you know the best course of action if you’ve gotten in this type of scenario. We’ll go over the basics of vape pens, the right tools, a step-by-step guide, and some alternatives in case things get messy.
Key Takeaways
- Getting to know the structure of your disposable vape, especially the battery and concentrate chamber, is crucial for safe oil extraction.
- The extraction process itself can be complicated, so getting to know the vape oil’s potency and type of concentrate is key if you plan on reusing the oil.
- Always prioritize your safety by handling the device carefully and uncharged, being aware of the legal implications, and extracting the reusing of vape oil.
- If dismantling your vape seems too daunting or complex, consider professional help to avoid damaging the device or cross-contamination.
- After oil extraction, make sure to responsibly recycle your disposable vape to prevent any environmental harm and contamination from materials like Lithium.
Understanding the Structure of a Disposable Vape
Before we move to an actual step-by-step on how to get the oil out of a disposable vape, let’s break down the structure of a disposable vape first. This is essential for anyone who wants to save up some oil from a broken cart, wants to reuse some distillate, or generally wants to know how vaping works.
Let’s start with the key components that most vape products have.
- Battery. This is the power source of your vape. Some have between 350 mAh and 750 mAh, depending on the brand, power, or size. This is enough to vaporize most of the e-liquid or cannabinoids inside the chamber, making sure to use the vape until it runs out.
- E-Liquid Or Cannabinoid Chamber (Pod, Chamber, Tank). This is where all the good stuff is! Vape pens have a special inside cartridge that’s pre-filled with e-juice or distillate. This reservoir is usually between 2ml and up to 20ml for e-juice, or 0.5g, 1g, 2g, and up to 3.5g for hemp-based vapes.
- Coil/Atomizer With Wick. This part includes a coil wrapped in a wick, which is basically responsible for heating up the e-liquid or concentrate to create the vapor. The battery sends energy to the coil, heating it up, and then vaporizing the content from the chamber.
- Mouthpiece. The end part of the vape where you put your lips and pull is called a mouthpiece. This one is usually integrated into the top of the disposable vape and is directly connected to the cart and chamber.
- LED Light Indicator. Many disposable pens have an LED light that indicates whenever you are pulling or if your device is running out of charge. Some also change colors depending on whether they have an auto-heat function or not.
Now, if you are interested in how all of these interact, let’s go a little bit further to understand how vaping e-juice works and the differences between the potency of cannabinoids and types of oil.
The Basics of Vape Oil and Its Potency
Let’s first differentiate between two things: vape oil and e-juice. The first one is usually referred to as cannabinoid-based distillate, while the second one is usually a mix of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine.
PG and VG serve as carriers for nicotine and flavorings, while the distillates can carry different cannabinoids, from CBD (a non-psychoactive compound) to other compounds like Delta-8 THC or HHC, which are both compounds that might relax you and alter your perception thanks to their interaction with our endocannabinoid system.
Now, most vape oils have different types of extractions. The most basic ones are butane hash oil distillates, which break off the organic matter and turn the crystals and terpenes into a concentrate. There are many types of concentrate depending on their quality, from rosin with a mechanical process, to live resin which uses frozen cannabis with intact THC crystals.
That said, if the extraction process is compromised, the oil’s general potency could diminish, or even worse, some low-quality distillates might have things like cutting agents or flavorings.
Precautions Before You Begin
As always, safety should always be the priority when handling vape devices especially if you plan on dismantling your vape to extract the oil from a disposable. The device’s internal battery and chemical components of these devices can be potentially dangerous if they are mishandled. Exposing yourself to a leaking battery or twisting too hard could break the glass chamber, leading to an accident.
Besides that, depending on the state you are in, you might need to check if the hemp or cannabis-derived product is legal or not. While federally, hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal, each state has its own local laws that permit certain types of products, from banning Delta-8 THC to allowing products as long as they don’t contain more than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC.
As you can see, the process of how to get the oil out of a disposable vape can be complicated, and it requires meticulous care and knowledge. With that out of the way, let’s now go with the step-by-step guide on how to possibly extract the oil.
Step-by-Step Guide to Extracting Oil from Your Disposable Vape
Now, let’s start on how to get the oil out of a disposable vape, step by step. Firstly, prepare your tools. Get some pliers or tweezers, a syringe or dropper for transferring the oil, some gloves for safety, and a clean working area. Make sure your vape has its battery depleted, and clean all surfaces and tools with alcohol to prevent cross-contamination.
With that out of the way, start by carefully removing the mouthpiece of the vape. You can do this by gently wiggling it free or using your pliers if you find it’s too tightly fitted. Next, locate the tank, pod, or chamber containing the oil. Depending on your type of vape pen, you might need to open up the case to get to it.
Once we’ve reached the tank, you are ready for the syringe or dropper to slowly extract the oil. Do this slowly and in small amounts to prevent spilling something, and have your new cart or other container ready.
During the extraction, be mindful of the battery and other components like the wick or coil. These parts can be sensitive and quickly turn hazardous if they are mishandled or damaged. Always use your tools gently on your device, and avoid using excessive force, which could lead to leaks, breaks, or rendering the concentrate unusable.
Once the oil has been successfully extracted, consider whether manual extraction is actually worth future attempts. If the process seems too challenging or if you are concerned about damaging certain parts, maybe try exploring alternative solutions, especially if your vape has a low concentrate content already, it starts leaking on the bottom, or has an airflow but won’t create any vapor.
You can also check this handy visual guide if you are more of a visual learner:
Transferring oil from a vape device to another cart should only be done with compatible equipment and tools, so make sure to have everything ready or look for an expert if you are absolutely sure you want the oil transferred.
Professional Help and Alternative Solutions
In some cases where the extraction process is just beyond your comfort level or if the device is particularly difficult to dismantle (like all-in-one pens), you might want to seek professional help. We really would consider getting the oil out of a vape only if you had more than 50% of the content still and you are not getting any response from the retailer or manufacturer you got the vape from.
In those cases, you might want to go to a local vape shop or electronic repair services for help. They usually have the tools and expertise to safely extract the oil without damaging the components.
Now, when considering if you want to transfer the remaining oil, it’s essential to use it in a compatible cartridge or device to make it work safely. Some devices, specifically concentrate-based ones, are designed for thicker substances and probably will burn your e-juice. Before attempting the oil transfer, research your device’s specifications or consult a professional to prevent any mishaps.
Disposable Vape Pen Alternatives
If your vape pen is giving its last days, you might want to look for an alternative that can make you feel safe without the need to get the oil out. Here are three of our favorite options that have very sturdy device bodies, airflow, and heating chambers to prevent this from happening next time.
Mellow Fellow Resin Disposable Vape
Mellow Fellow is a hemp brand that’s known for its high-quality, pharmacist-formulated blends and high-performing disposable pens. You can try a new disposable at an accessible price with their Charged Tokyo – Diesel Drift Sativa 1ml Resin Disposable Vape.
Besides its durable body and great airflow, their THCv, H4CBD, CBG, and HHC blend is perfect if you want an extra boost to conquer your slow days. It has delicious sweet and fruity flavors that mingle with the gas-like aftertaste.
Delta Munchies Slushy Juice THCP Disposables
Now, Delta Munchies is a safe bet if you want good airflow, no clogging, and delicious tasting blends. Their Blueberry Faygo Slushy Juice 4G THC-P Vape is a steal with its 4 grams of THCP and Delta-8 THC blend, with a sleek device that allows for seamless pulls and big puffy clouds.
Besides, their vape has multiple heating functions and a preheat button, with adjustable airflow and a self-drawing system that prevents clogging.
Taste-wise, this vape is perfect if you love sweet-tasting blends. With a sativa-inspired strain flavor and tons of blueberry, fruity, and dessert-like notes, this vape is the perfect replacement if you want a high-quality device and formula.
RabBeats RC10000 Disposable Vape
Last but not least, if you want a nicotine-based device or want a break from concentrates, the RabBeats RC10000 Disposable Vape is a pretty good alternative for people looking at big clouds, delicious flavors, and decent nicotine content.
Each of these devices comes with about 10,000 puffs and a 5% nicotine content, with seven flavors available ranging from Blackberry Cranberry to Watermelon Ice. The device has a mesh coil with a hefty 18ml juice capacity with a sturdy body and great airflow, perfect to get a rich flavor and consistent pulls from the first pull to the last.
Disposing of the Empty Vape Responsibly
Lastly, the proper disposal of electronic waste is critical, and disposable vape are no exception. While convenient, it is important you always bring your items to prevent further environmental damage and the loss of sources like lithium, which can be contaminated in the long run.
For responsible disposal, first consider contacting your local vape or smoke shop. Most of these shops have recycling programs for disposable vapes, depending on state regulations. However, the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities are generally equipped to handle these devices.
You can find their bing in large retailers or shops with battery or vape bins. Some might not take the entire device, so try asking your local shop first and look for your local policies regarding disposable vapes.
Final Thoughts
At last, we’ve got to the end of this small guide on how to get the oil out of a disposable vape pen. Whether you want to get the last drops of oil from your vape device or simply want to transfer to a device with a stronger coil, we prepared a guide from understanding how your device works to responsibly disposing of vape parts.
We also went around how oil potency and consistency matter, especially for lower consistency and thickness oils like Live Resin. As we mentioned before, being safe and assessing if you can take your pen apart or look for a professional is crucial so you don’t damage the device or put yourself in danger in the process.
Remember to always check your local laws and restrictions, but also the general local recycling programs with your local vape or smoke shops in case you still need to dispose of your faulty vape or the parts if you manage to transfer your oil safely.
How to Get the Oil Out of a Disposable Vape: Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Tell if All the Oil Has Been Extracted From My Disposable Vape?
If you want to tell if all the oil has been extracted or changed, you can check the tank or cartridge of your disposable vape. If it's empty, you won’t be able to detect any smoke or vapor when pulling. If the tank is translucent, you might be able to verify if you shine some light on the chamber too.
Is It Legal to Extract Vape Oil From a Disposable Device?
The legality of extracting or not the vape oil depends on your local laws, especially those that state the difference between the possession or modification of vaping products or substances like nicotine or Delta-9 THC. Always consult your local laws in your area before you try dismantling your vape.
What Should I Do if I Accidentally Damage the Vape While Trying to Extract the Oil?
If you ever accidentally damage the vape, stop any attempts to extract the oil to avoid any injury or damage. Safely, dispose of the damaged device or part according to your local regulations and consider purchasing a new one.
Can I Reuse the Oil in Another Vaping Device?
While reusing the oil from one vaping device to another is possible, this is not recommended as the oil may have lost its potency or gotten contaminants throughout the extraction process. Besides, not all vaping devices are compatible with different oils, like how e-juice and distillate work differently.
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