Can you Refill Vape Cartridges?

As many cannabis operators know, vape pens have become one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis. While most brands use 510 thread disposable cartridges, the rise in popularity has naturally brought up the idea of refillable vape pens. And, while refillable 510 cartridges may seem like an easy way to save money and reduce waste, it is not recommended for safety reasons.

Cartridge Capping

Whether or not a consumer can refill their disposable cart has to do with the method of capping. The methods for capping 510 thread vape cartridges vary depending on the cartridge design. Generally speaking, the most common capping methods for 510 thread vape cartridges are press-on caps, twist-on caps, and pre capped cartridges .

Twist-on

Twist-on caps come with a large, plastic cap that twists onto the top of the tank in order to securely close the cartridge after filling. The twisting can be done by hand, with no need for a machine. This type of cap is usually easy to open but can be difficult to reseal if not done correctly. 

Press-on

Press-on caps are similar to twist-on caps, except they simply press over the top of the cartridge and fit snugly against it. The capping can be done by hand, but is normally done with a specialized machine to ensure the cartridge is sealed properly. This method is often more secure than using twist-on caps as the seal is more permanent, meaning the cartridge won’t easily open without some effort.

Pre Capped

Finally, the last method is to precap the cartridge. These 510 cartridges are also known as bottom fill carts since they are filled with a syringe through the bottom of the cartridges. Once the tank has been filled, the cartridge seals itself and is ready for use. Since this method fully seals the cartridge, there is no way to open them to be refilled.

Issues with Refilling

Once a user has managed to unseal their weed pen, the refilling can take place. However, as mentioned earlier, there are several safety risks involved with this process. Below is a list of issues that can happen if a vape cart is refilled.

Leaking

The main concern with refilling 510 thread vape cartridges is leaking. When you refill a cartridge yourself, there's a chance that you won't get the seal just right, which could cause concentrates to leak out. 

Improper capping could result in burns from leaking concentrates or inhalation of small amounts of unheated material. This could lead to health risks due to exposure to high levels of cannabinoids or other chemicals present in cannabis-infused liquids. Also, if too much liquid gets inside the cartridge, it can damage the coil or wick and render the cartridge unusable altogether. 

Contamination

Another issue with refilling 510 thread vape cartridges is contamination. If you don’t clean out your cartridge properly before adding new juice, you run the risk of introducing bacteria that can make you sick and potentially cause dangerous side effects if consumed. Additionally, using multiple terpene flavors or types of extracts in one cartridge increases the chances of accidental cross contamination. 

Operational Failings

Finally, when refilling your own cartridges, there’s no guarantee that they will still work correctly after being filled. Cartridges have a limited lifespan due to their cotton wicks. Once used through a whole cycle the wick will be burnt and no longer fresh. 

Since the wick cannot be replaced, users risk burnt tasting vapor or inhaling burnt cotton. Refilling a cartridge may save money, but it risks inconsistent results from puff to puff.

Safety First

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to refill your 510 thread vape cartridges in order to save money or reduce waste, it isn’t recommended due to potential leakage, contamination or reduced cartridge performance issues that can arise from doing so. It’s always best to purchase new pre-filled cartridges from reputable manufacturers who have taken steps to ensure their products are safe for use. If you have any questions or would like help finding the best cartridge option for your cannabis operation, don't hesitate to reach out to S10 Labs' hardware experts.

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