Easily,
one of the most overlooked components of a vape setup by far is the glass piece
that fits inside your tank. Made from
Pyrex glass, glass pieces are incredibly durable, and they can withstand daily
use and exposure to heat without problems – usually. From time to time, you might have an
accident, and end up breaking that glass piece.
When Should You Replace Your Glass Piece?
In
theory, your tank’s glass piece can last forever if it’s taken care of
properly. The Pyrex glass is
substantially durable, and it can handle the occasional drop or fall without
any issues, while maintaining its structural integrity perfectly for ages even
with daily, heavy use – after all, think of those Pyrex casserole dishes that
have been passed down between generations, and you will know what we mean.
But,
like we said, mistakes happen. The
question is, when are those mistakes severe enough that you need to replace
your glass piece entirely? To better
understand that question, we need to remember that the glass piece is
responsible for keeping the e-liquid in your vape tank contained. It also maintains a certain degree of suction
that enables the proper amount of airflow, so that vapor can properly make its
way through the mouthpiece when you go in for a draw. Now, let’s look at some common reasons/signs
for replacing the
glass of your tank.
Reason/Sign #1: Your Glass is Scratched
Deep
scratches can weaken the structural integrity of the glass, making it more
prone to breaking, specifically the next few signs we will be covered in here.
Reason/Sign #2: Your Glass is Cracked
If you
have a crack in your glass piece – even a hairline crack – that’s a sign that
it’s time for a replacement. And, these
can occur without you even realizing it until way after the fact. Even a hairline crack is at risk of becoming
a bigger problem later on, and keep in mind that once the structural integrity
is damaged, no matter how minor the damage may appear, it can wreak havoc on
your vaping life, as it now allows air and e-liquid to escape, and so, it can
easily shatter the next time you’re less than careful. A cracked glass piece can be far more prone
to breaking when it’s exposed to heat, as well.
Reason/Sign #3: Your Glass is Chipped
Maybe
the rim of the glass is just slightly chipped.
Again, while that might not seem like a big issue at first, especially
if the chip isn’t visible when the glass is installed within its stainless
steel frame, don’t be surprised if your airflow quality goes down tremendously,
and e-liquid leaks out constantly, meaning that you’re going through vape juice
far faster than usual – sounds expensive, right? Chipped glass is, unfortunately, an issue
that can only be remedied by an entirely new glass piece.
Reason/Sign #4: Your Glass Has Shattered
It goes
without saying that a shattered glass piece is completely unusable. And, while Pyrex is far less prone to
shattering than other forms of glass, it can definitely happen, especially if
there’s a big impact involved – like dropping your tank onto concrete from a
decent enough height. Don’t even try to
vape with a shattered glass piece, as fragments of glass can find their way
through the mouthpiece, which is beyond dangerous for the vaper.
Reason/Sign #5: The Glass’ Aesthetics Have Changed
Sometimes,
the glass might become cloudy or discolored over time, and you might want to
replace it for aesthetic purposes. To be
more specific:
- E-liquid Residue: The most common cause of discoloration or cloudiness in
glass vape tanks is the buildup of residue from e-liquids. Some e-liquids contain sweeteners or other
additives that can stick to the glass and become harder to clean over time. - Chemical Reactions: Certain flavors or ingredients in e-juices can react with
the glass or other components of the vape tank. This reaction can lead to
discoloration or a cloudy appearance. - Heat: Repeated exposure to heat from the vaping process can
affect the glass. Over time, this heat
can cause slight changes in the glass’s structure, leading to cloudiness or a
change in color. - Wear and Tear: Regular use and cleaning can cause micro-abrasions on the
glass surface. These tiny scratches can
make the glass appear cloudy. - Quality of Glass: The quality of the glass used in the tank can also be a
factor. Lower quality glass might be
more prone to discoloration or cloudiness over time.
Note: To prevent or reduce these effects, regular and proper
cleaning of the vape tank is recommended. Using high-quality e-liquids and ensuring the
vape tank is made from high-grade glass can also help maintain its clarity.
When Should You Buy Replacement Glass?
So,
let’s say you’ve come to the realization that you do need to replace your
glass. As a rule of thumb, we always
encourage you to buy replacement glass for your tank before you end up breaking
your existing one. Why? Because then, should you end up with broken
glass, you can immediately replace it rather than having to order it online or
track down a local vape shop that happens to carry the glass that’s compatible
with your tank. Keep in mind that glass
pieces are not universally compatible with all tanks, so you will need to make
sure you’re buying the replacement glass made specifically for the tank that
you’re using.
What if My Tank is Warped and My Glass Doesn’t Fit Anymore?
Let’s
say that your glass piece is actually in great shape, but your tank frame has
been damaged – say it got dented due to a drop from a tall height. In that case, we’re sorry to say, but you’ll
need to replace your entire tank. A tank
with a warped shape will never properly allow your glass to fit securely in it,
and that will lead to a host of vaping issues.
A new tank altogether is the only real solution.
Bottom Line: Spare Replacement Glass Comes in Handy
At the
end of the day, we can do our best to protect the glass of our tank, and while
Pyrex is durable, it’s always possible to end up breaking it. Fortunately, if you always make sure to have
a spare replacement glass piece handy (many starter kits/tanks even come with a
replacement piece, just in case), then you’re good to go should an accident
occur. Either way, make sure to exercise
caution with your tank, as Pyrex is durable, but not indestructible.
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