A 510-thread battery is a vape battery or device that’s designed to use tanks or cartridges conforming to the 510-thread specification. Since most of the vaping devices on the market work with 510-threaded attachments, the fact that a given device uses the 510 thread isn’t something that you usually need to think about when you buy a new vape kit – but you might find it rewarding to learn more about this term because it’s one of the most fundamental engineering aspects of vaping.
If you don’t want to delve too deeply into the minutiae of vaping and simply want to buy a vaping device that works, it’s okay if you don’t want to spend the time to learn about what the 510 thread is and how it operates. If you want your vaping experience to be as good as it can possibly be, though, we think you’ll find this information helpful.
So, what is a 510-thread battery? Let’s start by explaining how the term “510 thread” originated in the first place.
A Brief History of the 510 Thread
Refillable cartridges and tanks didn’t exist when vaping was first invented. The creators of the first vaping devices envisioned that most vapers would prefer the convenience of connecting pre-filled cartridges to small rechargeable batteries. Many companies were all developing electronic cigarettes at the same time, and each device was intended to work only with the cartridges designed for it. Each type of e-cigarette battery had its own type of threading, and each thread type had its own name. That way, when companies began to develop third-party cartridges for specific e-cigarette models, the buyers of those cartridges would know whether they’d work with the vaping devices they owned.
In addition to the 510 thread, some of the other thread types that emerged during the early years of vaping include eGo, 801, 901, L88 and KR-808.
As the vaping community grew, the product selection expanded past proprietary e-cigarettes with pre-filled cartridges and began to include bottled e-liquid and refillable vape tanks and cartridges. People wanted to buy vaping devices that were compatible with as many third-party accessories as possible, so it was in the manufacturers’ best interest to develop interoperable products. Before long, almost all vaping devices, vape tanks and vape cartridges on the market used the 510 thread. There’s still the case today because the technology is so reliable that there’s little need for anything else.
How Does the 510 Thread Work?
The 510 thread consists of two main parts: the threading itself and the center pin. The threading is the spiraled metal on the outside, and the center pin is the contact point – usually made from pure or gold-plated copper – in the middle. The threading anchors the tank or cartridge to the vaping device, preventing it from falling off. When you connect the tank to your device, the pin at the bottom of the tank connects to the pin in the center of your device’s threading to allow power to transfer from the device to the tank’s atomizer coil.
If you look at a vape tank’s threading from the side, you’ll see that the center pin extends slightly from the bottom of the threading. That’s to ensure that the pin will make a solid connection with the pin in your vaping device’s threading when you connect the tank to your 510-thread battery. To further promote reliable connectivity, the center pin in your vaping device’s threading is probably spring loaded.
A few 510-thread batteries have adjustable pins. If that’s true of your vaping device, the pin will have an indentation for a flat-head screwdriver. You can use a screwdriver to raise or lower the pin.
If your 510-thread battery is dirty because a tank or cartridge has leaked, you can clean it using a cotton swab moistened with a little rubbing alcohol. The alcohol will dissolve any e-liquid or vape oil that may have contaminated the threading. Use a dry cotton swab to remove any residual alcohol before using the battery again.
What Are the Types of 510-Thread Batteries?
Some people use the term “510-thread battery” to refer generically to almost all vaping devices, but it’s more correct to divide the devices into two separate categories.
- A 510-thread battery is usually a standalone battery that’s sold without a tank or cartridge. People buy 510-thread batteries either because they want to select and fill their own tanks or because they want to use pre-filled vape cartridges. The best 510-thread batteries often have advanced features like adjustable power settings to ensure that you’ll have the best possible experience with a wide variety of third-party accessories.
- A 510 vape pen is usually a complete vape kit that includes both a 510-thread battery and a refillable cartridge or tank. If you’re new to vaping, a full 510 vape pen kit is probably the best product to buy first because it allows you to start vaping right away – just add e-liquid, and you’re ready to go. It’s important to remember, though, that interoperability is one of the greatest benefits of the 510 thread. Although a 510 vape pen includes a compatible tank, there’s nothing stopping you from removing it and using the third-party tank or cartridge of your choice instead.
What Are the Benefits of 510-Thread Tanks and Cartridges?
The 510 thread has been used by virtually all vaping devices, tanks and cartridges for more than a decade, and the reason why no company has bothered trying to create a new type of thread is because there’s no need for one. The 510 thread is completely reliable. Tanks don’t rattle or fall out of vaping devices, and the spring-loaded center pins always transfer power consistently. In fact, thanks to the use of more durable metal alloys, today’s 510-thread batteries are more solid and reliable than ever.
The second major benefit of the 510 thread is the high level of interoperability between products. You can generally assume that whatever vape tank or cartridge you’d like to use will work with the vaping device you already own, and that means you’re free to experiment. If a new vape tank comes out and has a revolutionary new feature you’d like to try, you can most likely use that tank without needing to buy an entirely new vaping device.
The last benefit of the 510 thread is one that you’ll definitely appreciate if you enjoy experimenting with a wide variety of vaping devices and accessories. Because the 510 thread isn’t proprietary, you don’t have to choose an accessory made by a specific company when you want to buy a new tank or cartridge for your vaping device. All of the manufacturers compete with each other, and that helps to keep prices low.
510-Thread Batteries vs. Pod Systems
Although 510-thread batteries are some of the most popular vaping devices on the market, they’re not the only devices that are available. Recently, pod systems have grown in popularity. Pod systems store their e-liquid in drop-in pods rather than threaded tanks, and they present an alternative to traditional vaping devices. Here’s how 510-thread batteries and pod systems compare.
- Since 510-thread batteries conform to an industry standard that’s been around almost as long as vaping has existed, they’re compatible with a wide variety of third-party accessories and are unlikely to ever become obsolete.
- Pod systems are often smaller and sleeker looking than 510-thread batteries because the devices and pods are specifically designed to work with each other. However, the fact that pod systems work only with the pods designed for them means that they’re proprietary and don’t work with third-party tanks or other accessories.
510-Thread Batteries vs. Disposable Vapes
Refillable devices aren’t the only types of vapes that exist. Disposable vapes are also extremely popular because they’re some of the most convenient and simple vaping products on the market. A disposable vape is charged and filled with vape juice at the factory, so there’s no setup required on your part – you can remove a disposable vape from the package and start using it right away. So, how do 510-thread batteries and disposable vapes compare?
- A 510-thread battery lasts longer than a disposable vape since you don’t have to discard the entire device when it runs out of vape juice. Instead, you can simply replace the cartridge or refill the tank. You can continue using a 510-thread battery until it stops holding a charge, which may take anywhere from several months to a year. Because they’re reusable, 510-thread batteries cost less than disposable vapes in the long run. However, they’re not quite as simple and easy to use as disposable vapes.
- A disposable vape has a lower up-front cost than a 510-thread battery because the box includes a complete vaping device that’s filled with e-liquid and ready to use immediately. Even if you don’t intend to use disposable devices permanently, a disposable vape is a great first vaping device because it’s an inexpensive way to introduce yourself to vaping. You also don’t have to learn anything about vaping in order to have a great experience with a disposable device – all you need to do is remove the device from the package and puff on it. When a disposable vape is out of vape juice, though, you need to buy a new one.
