Screw – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

In vaping, a screw is the threaded metal pin or post that connects an atomiser, tank, or rebuildable deck to a mod. By twisting the component clockwise, the screw forms a secure electrical path between the battery and the coil, allowing current to flow and produce vapour. Most screws are made from stainless steel or brass, and they double as the negative or positive contact point in Sub-Ohm builds and Kit“>Starter Kit clearomisers alike. A clean, tight screw ensures steady resistance readings and prevents misfires.

Technical Details

Vaping screws follow two main thread standards: 510 (pronounced “five-ten”) and eGo. The 510 is the universal benchmark—7 mm diameter with 0.5 mm pitch—found on nearly every modern tank and mod. eGo threads are wider (12 mm) and sit outside the 510, mainly on older pen-style batteries. Inside rebuildable atomisers, smaller grub screws (usually M2 or M2.5 hex) clamp coil legs to the deck; typical materials are 304 stainless steel for corrosion resistance or copper-plated brass for lower voltage drop. Tolerance is tight—over-torquing beyond 0.4 N⋅m can strip the soft metal, while under-torquing causes arcing and Short Circuit Protection errors.

Usage & Tips

  • Before first use, wipe the screw and mod contact with isopropyl alcohol to remove machining oil; this lowers resistance and prevents “hot button” issues.
  • When rebuilding, tighten grub screws until the driver stops, then add an eighth-turn—just enough to pinch the wire without cutting it.
  • If a tank wobbles, check for crossed threads; back it out gently and realign rather than forcing it, which can shred the screw and void warranties.
  • Periodically inspect for black carbon build-up—especially on Squonk Mod 510 pins—and scrub with a nylon toothbrush to maintain conductivity.

History & Context

The 510 thread was pioneered by Joyetech in 2010, replacing the leaky eGo standard and paving the way for today’s high-power Sub-Ohm culture. As Aussie vapers adopted rebuildables, local machinists began producing aftermarket copper screws, chasing micro-ohm builds that pushed battery safety to the limit—spurring firmware updates for better Short Circuit Protection.

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