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.