
Vaping is a popular way to consume cannabis or hemp concentrate. However, when a vape battery dies, some people may attempt to hit a cart without a pen. While this is possible, it can be dangerous and may damage the vape cartridge. There are several methods for hitting a cart without a pen, including using a USB cable, a lighter, or household items. However, these methods can result in harsh, burnt-tasting hits and may damage the coil inside the cart or pose a risk of electric shock. A safer alternative is to extract the oil from the cartridge and use it with a dab rig, in a joint, or for edibles, although this can be messy and inefficient.
How to Hit a Cart Without a Pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cut off the end of a charging cable | Android charging cable, USB-C or USB 3.0 cord (not iPhone cables) |
| Strip the outer casing of the wire | Expose 2-3 inches of the wires inside, including red, black, and possibly green/white wires |
| Expose the black and red wires | Use nail clippers or wire strippers to expose 0.5 inches of the wires |
| Connect the black wire to the cart | Insert the black wire into the small hole at the base of the cart |
| Connect the red wire to the cart | Touch the red wire to the metal on the outside of the cart |
| Plug the USB cable into a power source | Laptop, power bank, charging brick, car USB charger, or cigarette lighter adapter |
| Hit the cart | Inhale carefully as the hit may be harsher than usual |
| Alternative methods | Use a dab tool, paper clip, or hair dryer to extract the oil from the cartridge and smoke it separately |
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What You'll Learn

Using a USB cable
First, you'll need an Android charging cable (USB-C or USB 3.0). It's recommended to use an old cable that you don't need anymore, as you'll be cutting into it. Cut off the end of the cable that connects to your phone or device, being careful not to cut the USB plug end or the USB cable port.
Next, strip away about 2-3 inches of the outer coating to expose the wires inside. You can use scissors or wire cutters for this step. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as you want to expose the wires without damaging them. You should see a red wire, a black wire, and possibly green and white wires as well.
Now, you'll need to connect the wires to your cart. Remove any insulation from the ends of the red and black wires using a wire stripper or nail clippers. Be sure not to cut the wires themselves. Connect the black wire to the charging hole on your cart, usually located on the bottom. Then, touch the exposed end of the red wire to any metal section on the cart.
Finally, plug the USB end of the cable into a power source. Avoid using a wall charger, as these provide a stronger electrical current that could damage your cart or even cause injury. Instead, use a laptop, car USB charger, or portable charger. As soon as the cable is plugged in, your cart should be activated. Take a hit, then immediately unplug the cable to conserve your oil and prevent overheating.
It's important to note that while this method is popular, there is no definitive proof that it is 100% safe. It's also important to be careful when handling the exposed wires to avoid any electrical shocks or sparks.
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Removing the mouthpiece
Unscrewing the Mouthpiece:
Most vape cartridges are designed to allow for the mouthpiece to be unscrewed. This is often the simplest method to remove the mouthpiece. Simply grip the mouthpiece firmly and twist it in a counter-clockwise direction. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as it may damage the cart.
Using Pliers:
If the mouthpiece is stubborn and won't unscrew, the next step is to use a tool like pliers. Grip the mouthpiece with the pliers and gently wiggle it back and forth while pulling upwards. This should help loosen the mouthpiece and eventually remove it.
Using a Paper Clip:
For certain carts, like the 510 carts, a paper clip can be used to pry the mouthpiece off. Insert the paper clip into the hole in the mouthpiece and gently lever it off. This may take some force, but be careful not to damage the cart or injure yourself.
Heating the Cart:
If the mouthpiece is stuck due to oil solidification, heating the cart can help loosen the oil and make it easier to remove the mouthpiece. Use a hairdryer on low heat and hold it about 1 foot away from the cart for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, place the cart in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in a bowl of hot water for 5 minutes.
Removing the Oil First:
If you're comfortable with handling the oil, you can try removing it before attempting to take off the mouthpiece. This can be done by using a syringe to extract the oil or by simply letting the oil drip into a small dish if the cart doesn't have a cap. With the oil removed, the mouthpiece can be taken off more easily.
Remember, when removing the mouthpiece, it's important to be cautious and gentle to avoid damaging the cart or injuring yourself. Always handle oil with care and be mindful of the potential risks associated with these procedures.
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Using a dab tool
Firstly, carefully remove the metal cap from the cartridge with your fingers or needle-nose pliers. This will expose the wick, which holds the oil. Be cautious not to spill the oil as it can create a mess. It is recommended to wear latex gloves to avoid any mess.
Secondly, take your dab tool and insert it into the bottom of the cartridge. Twist the dab tool until you extract the oil. This method is most effective when the oil is thick and gooey.
Once you have extracted the oil, you can transfer it to another compatible device or mix it with other smoking methods. For instance, you can add the oil to a joint or a bong. Alternatively, you can use a dab rig with a heated nail or banger.
It is important to note that using a dab tool is not the only way to hit a cart without a pan. Other methods include using a paper clip, attaching the cart to a joint, or heating the cartridge from below with a lighter or torch. However, these methods may carry risks and potential damage to the cartridge. Therefore, it is always recommended to use proper equipment and handle these techniques with caution.
If you are tired of makeshift solutions, consider investing in a new vape pen or extra gear to ensure a safer and more reliable experience.
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Heating the cart with a hair dryer
If you want to heat a vape cart without a pan, one option is to use a hair dryer. This method is generally considered safer than using a lighter, which can result in serious burns, the release of harmful chemicals, and burn/fire hazards.
To heat a cart with a hair dryer, place the cart on a flat surface and hold the hair dryer about 1 foot (0.30 m) away from it on low heat. Heat the cart for 1-2 minutes until the oil flows easily. You will know the oil is loose enough when your hand holding the cart starts to get too hot. This method will allow you to unclog any oil within 15-30 seconds without the risk of boiling hot oil going into your throat.
Alternatively, you can place the cart in a sealed plastic bag, then put the bag in a bowl of hot water for 5 minutes to loosen the oil. This method is more gentle and is less likely to degrade terpenes or make a mess.
Another option is to use the \"warm\" setting on your conventional oven to heat the cart. However, it is important to note that vape carts are designed to be used with a compatible pen or battery that controls the heating and vaporization process. Using them without the proper device can be dangerous and lead to poor performance or safety risks.
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Using a lighter
Firstly, it is important to understand the components of a vape cartridge. A typical vape cartridge has a cartridge, an atomizer, and a battery. The cartridge is the vessel for the concentrates, usually with a mouthpiece and a threaded connection for attaching to the battery. The atomizer, situated within the cartridge, serves as the heating element that vaporizes the concentrate when powered by the battery. The battery is often rechargeable and powers the atomizer.
Before attempting to use a lighter, take the necessary preparation steps. Ensure your surroundings are free from flammable materials and potential hazards. Gather your tools: a lighter and a cart with a heating element. Clean the cart's contact points and the lighter's flame port. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Now, you are ready to use the lighter. Hold the cartridge by the base or mouthpiece, keeping your fingers away from the area you plan to heat. Ignite the lighter and hold it a few inches away from the metal part of the cartridge. Ensure the flame is not directly touching the cartridge to avoid burning the oil. Heat the cartridge in short bursts of about 2-3 seconds by moving the flame back and forth across the metal.
It is crucial to select the right type of lighter. Smaller, adjustable lighters give you better control over the flame, allowing you to apply the right amount of heat without overwhelming the cartridge. A standard butane lighter is often the best choice, while windproof or torch lighters should be avoided as they produce excessive heat. Disposable lighters can work, but they may not offer flame control, making it harder to avoid overheating.
While this method may be useful in emergency situations, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks involved.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is always recommended to use a proper battery, there are a few creative methods that can work in a pinch. Here are some ways to hit a cart without a pan:
- Using a USB cable and a laptop
- Stripping an old Android charger
- Removing the metal cap
- Using a paper clip to extract the oil
- Heating the cart with a hairdryer and extracting the oil
First, cut off the end of an unplugged Android USB cable where it plugs into your phone. Then, use scissors to strip the outer casing of the wire and expose the black and red wires. Insert the end of the black wire into the hole at the base of the cart and touch the exposed end of the red wire to the metal on the cart. Finally, plug the other end of the cable into a laptop to activate the cart and take a hit.
You can carefully pull off the metal cap with needle-nose pliers or your fingers. Once removed, you will find the wick inside, which holds the oil. Be careful not to spill anything!











































