Nano Coil – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
A Nano Coil is an ultra-compact rebuildable coil—typically under 2 mm in Diameter“>inner diameter—crafted from a single, very Wire“>thin wire (often kanthal, stainless steel, or Nichrome Wire). Designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL) and restricted direct-lung (RDL) vaping, it boosts flavour clarity and conserves battery life by requiring lower wattage. Because it heats quickly and evenly, a nano coil is ideal for discreet pod-mods and squonk setups, letting Australian vapers enjoy both Nicotine“>freebase nicotine and Nicotine Salt e-liquids without bulky gear.
Technical Details
Construction & Measurements
- Inner diameter: 1.5–2 mm (some builders push to 1.0 mm)
- Wire gauge: 28–34 AWG kanthal, SS316L, or Ni80
- Target resistance: 0.6–1.2 Ω for single-coil MTL builds
- Wraps: 6–10 spaced or contact wraps to fit tiny decks
How It Works
The coil’s low mass means it reaches operating temperature almost instantly when powered by a Mod“>regulated mod or a small NiMH Battery in pen-style devices. Reduced surface area concentrates heat on a smaller wick, vaporising thin e-liquid films more efficiently—perfect for high-strength Nic Salt juices that would feel harsh at higher wattages. Variations include twisted 32 AWG strands for extra surface area, or parallel nano coils for slightly warmer vapour while remaining within low-wattage limits.
Usage & Tips
Mount the coil high and centred in the airflow to avoid flooding, then wick lightly with Cotton“>organic cotton—just enough to touch the deck without blocking juice channels. If flavour tastes muted, check for hotspots and strum gently with ceramic tweezers. Beginners often over-wick, leading to dry hits; trim tails so they barely reach the juice well. Always pulse the coil at 10–15 W before final wicking to ensure even glow from centre out. Finally, respect battery amp limits: a 1.0 Ω nano coil at 12 W draws only 3.5 A, keeping most NiMH Battery cells well within safe C-ratings.
History & Context
Nano coils emerged around 2016 when high-strength Nicotine Salt e-liquids gained popularity in Australia. Builders downsized traditional micro coils to match the reduced airflow of pod-style atomisers, creating a stealth-vaping revolution that still dominates today’s compact rebuildable scene.