All vaping devices need batteries to power them. But even with a rechargeable vape, you’ll eventually need to replace your battery with a new one. And the 510-thread battery is the most likely replacement battery candidate.
This ultimate guide to thread batteries explains what they are, how they work, and how to care for them.
The Basics
You can’t have a quality vaping experience without a good battery powering your device. The battery is what powers the heating element to heat the vape oil or concentrate, and produce clouds of flavorful vapor.
The 510-thread battery is a staple in the vaping industry. It’s a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that screws into vape cartridges with 510 threading (5 mm in diameter,10 threads per millimeter). This universal thread type is used across most vaping equipment today.
Good news: We found a nice promotion on 510-thread batteries and other vape products for those of you looking to stock up.
Capacity
Threading is just one side of the story, because these batteries come in various sizes and capacities. So, although 510-threading might make a vape battery interchangeable with various vaping devices, its capacity determines how long it will last.
Some 510-thread batteries are compact and portable, with less capacity, while others are larger but offer more capacity. Capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Higher mAh ratings mean longer usage times.
Many users find that batteries in the 650-1000 mAh range offer a good balance between portability and longevity. As a rule of thumb, if you use your vape very frequently, you’ll want the highest capacity available. This will free you from having to charge your device too often.
Voltage
Another significant battery feature to look out for is voltage. A voltage rating shows how much electrical energy the battery can deliver, measured in volts. And this is especially important in vaping, as higher voltage batteries can deliver the denser clouds so many vapers are after.
The problem with higher voltage, however, is that these batteries deplete their charge faster. That’s why many vape manufacturers have introduced adjustable voltage settings, with each setting providing a different vaping experience.
Lower voltages generally produce more flavorful vapor, while higher voltages create larger vapor clouds. Most users appreciate the freedom to switch between voltage settings to customize their vaping sessions.
Charging
Modern thread batteries offer various charging options. Some vaping devices have micro-USB ports, while most newer ones have USB-C connections with faster charging times. A few premium models may even be used while plugged in to charge.
Modern vape kits include various built-in features, including battery charge-level and low-voltage protection. If the voltage of the battery is too low, the device will not start. Other features may include short-circuit and over-discharge protection, and auto-shutoff after a predetermined period of inactivity.
Such features protect the device and the battery, extending their lifespan. Most 510-thread batteries on the market can last a long time before they must be replaced. But some users are prone to bad charging habits that can compromise the lifespan and performance of the battery.
Vape battery-charging mistakes mirror common mistakes made when charging phone batteries. These are: letting the battery discharge completely before recharging and leaving it plugged in long after reaching a full charge. Don’t do this, and your 510-thread battery will perform optimally.
Compatibility
Struggling to recover from edibles? Perhaps you should consider using your concentrates in a concentrate vape instead. Using cannabis concentrates, CBD oils, and THC in vapes is growing in popularity. And these vapes often use the same standardized thread battery.
Standardized 510 threading increases compatibility between vape batteries and vape cartridges. This adaptability has made it a community favorite. Just remember, some medications don’t mix with cannabis. If you’re using cannabinoids in a vape, the same rules apply. Don’t take opioids at the same time.
But while the 510 thread is an industry standard, that does not necessarily mean that all 510-thread batteries work in all vaping cartridges. Some proprietary systems may require specific, branded components and batteries.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping a vaping device working properly and extending its longevity. Most vape users know this, but forget to keep the battery connection points clean, too.
You can keep them clean by occasionally wiping them with a cotton swab or Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Allow the alcohol to evaporate before reconnecting the battery. Never use water or a water-based product to clean a battery’s terminals.
Store your extra vape batteries at room temperature. Exposure to extreme heat or cold can degrade battery performance. If you don’t plan to use your device for a long time, store it with a partial charge in the battery (around 50%) rather than fully charged or drained.
