How To Build Coils For Your Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer
Making the switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes wasn't an easy process. However, you stuck through with your decision and quickly developed a taste for e-juice. However, the amount of vapor you were receiving from your entry-level device didn't quite cut it. For this reason, you chose to purchase your first rebuildable dripping atomizer even though you haven't yet learned how to build coils. However, by following these steps, building coils will become second nature to you in (almost) no time at all.
Select A Kanthal Gauge
Kanthal is the metal from which e-cigarette coils are made. You can purchase a wide range of kanthal gauges at your local vaping shops or from online retailers. However, you shouldn't purchase just any gauge.
The gauge of kanthal you decide to purchase will significantly affect the resistance (or ohm rating) of your coils. However, the ohm rating of your coil must fall between the safe operating limits of your battery. Check your e-cigarette device's owner manual to determine the minimum ohm rating of your battery and make sure never to go below the threshold set by your device's manufacturer. If you do, your battery will sustain permanent damage and possibly explode while in use.
Luckily, kanthal manufacturers list the ohms per foot of their kanthal gauges online. Refer to the kanthal manufacturer's specifications to select a gauge that will be ideal for your battery's capabilities. However, if you have trouble determining which kanthal gauge you should purchase, then use an online resistance calculator to avoid purchasing kanthal that's unsuitable for your device.
Gather Your Tools and Supplies
Once you've purchased a suitable kanthal gauge, you'll need to gather a few tools to make your coil-creating process as simple as possible. You'll need:
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Mini flathead screwdriver
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Kanthal cutting tool (wire cutters or clean nail clippers will work)
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Tweezers
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510 ohm meter (if your device doesn't feature a built-in ohm reader)
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Wicking material
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Lighter
Your flathead screwdriver will be used as a guide to wrap your coil and to adjust the screws inside your atomizer. Instead of a mini flathead screwdriver, you can use a clean drill bit as a coil guide. However, you'll still need to use a screwdriver to adjust your atomizer's post screws.
A 510 ohm meter is an absolute necessity for building coils. Without being able to read the resistance of your coils, you're likely to make coils that aren't safe for your battery. You can purchase a 510 ohm meter online or at one of your local vaping stores.
Wrap Your Kanthal
Cut about six inches of wire from your kanthal spool and oxidize it by guiding it through the flame of your lighter. Oxidizing your kanthal wire will remove any leftover manufacturing oils and remove the majority of its elasticity.
Create your coil by evenly wrapping your kanthal around your coil guide. The number of wraps you create will determine your coil's ohm rating. A relatively high gauge kanthal will require fewer wraps than a low gauge kanthal.
Once you've wrapped your kanthal around your coil guide, pull the ends of your kanthal tight and slide it off your guide. If you oxidized your kanthal correctly, then your coil won't unravel once it's off your guide. However, if it unravels, then place your coil back over your lighter's flame for a few seconds to further oxidize it.
Install Your Coil
Unscrew the post screws of your atomizer with your screwdriver. Place your coil back on your guide and use your tweezers to thread one end of your coil through the center post of your atomizer. Guide the other end of your coil through one of the side posts. Tighten down the post screws of your atomizer before removing your coil guide. By doing so, you'll allow your coil to retain its shape even after your post screws compress the ends of your coil.
Test Your Resistance
Screw your atomizer onto your 510 ohm meter. Activate your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your coil. If your resistance isn't near the minimum resistance thresholds of your battery, then you can slide your wick through your coil and begin using it to vaporize your e-juice. However, if your resistance is too low for your battery, then discard it and make another coil with a greater number of wraps.
Just like painting or writing music, building atomizer coils is an art that requires practice. If you aren't able to create a coil that works well the first time, then keep trying. After wrapping a few coils, you'll quickly identify the number of wraps, resistance, and coil size that suits your preferences the best. However, if you have trouble understanding the problems you're encountering, or if you need additional help, then stop by one of your local e-cigarette stores for help.
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