Winding – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Winding is the process of coiling resistancewire into a tight spiral to create a coil wrap that heats e-liquid into vapour. It is the first step in building or rebuilding an atomiser, where vapers manually shape wire—usually Kanthal, Ni80, or stainless steel—around a rod or screwdriver to form the heating element. The winding determines surface area, resistance (measured in ohms), and ultimately the wattage range suitable for the coil. A well-executed winding ensures even heat distribution and efficient vaporisation of juice absorbed by the wick.

Technical Details

During winding, the wire is wrapped in consecutive loops called “wraps.” Diameter“>Inner diameter (ID) typically ranges from 2 mm to 4 mm; common choices are 2.5 mm and 3 mm. The number of wraps plus wire gauge and material sets resistance: more wraps or thinner wire equals higher ohms. For example, six wraps of 26-gauge Kanthal around a 3 mm rod yields ≈0.5 Ω. Variations include micro-coils (tight, touching wraps), spaced coils (gaps between wraps), and complex builds like Claptons or fused Claptons that require dual winding. Consistent tension and spacing are critical to avoid hot spots and ensure uniform wattage delivery.

Usage & Tips

• Even tension: Keep each wrap snug but not overlapping to prevent hot legs.
• Check resistance: Always test with an Ohm Reader”>ohm reader before firing on a mod.
• Secure leads: Trim excess wire and tighten post screws to avoid shorts.
• Common problems: Uneven glow—pulse fire at low wattage and pinch or strum wraps until the coil heats from the centre outward.
• Safety: Use ceramic tweezers to adjust while firing; never touch metal while the device is powered.

History & Context

Winding began in the early 2010s when Australian and global enthusiasts moved from factory clearomisers to rebuildable dripping atomisers (RDAs). As regulated mods gained popularity, precise winding became essential for temperature control and high-wattagevaping. Today, pre-made coils dominate retail, yet winding remains a core skill for hobbyists seeking customised flavour and cloud production.