Straight Glass – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Straight Glass is a replacement glass tube for vape tanks and atomisers that features a uniform, cylindrical shape without bulbous or bubble expansions. Its primary purpose is to restore or upgrade the e-liquid capacity of a tank while maintaining a sleek, factory-profile appearance. Designed for both Sub-Ohm tanks and Kit“>Starter Kit clearomisers, straight glass sections are precision-moulded from heat-resistant borosilicate or toughened quartz to resist cracking under thermal stress and acidic e-liquids. By restoring the original tank profile, it keeps overall device height lower, reducing the risk of knocks and making the mod more pocket-friendly for Australian vapers on the go.

Technical Details

Straight glass tubes are manufactured to tolerances within ±0.1 mm to guarantee a leak-proofseal with standard silicone or nitrile O-rings. Common diameters range from 18 mm (MTL tanks) to 28 mm (large Sub-Ohm tanks), while lengths vary from 15 mm to 30 mm, dictating capacities from 2 ml TPD-compliant sizes up to 5 ml aftermarket extensions. Wall thickness usually sits between 1.5 mm and 2 mm, balancing impact resistance with minimal weight. Variants include frosted straight glass for UV light Steeping reduction, coloured resin-infused glass for aesthetics, and high-clarity quartz for purer flavour. Threading is absent; the glass is held by top and bottom hardware, ensuring compatibility across brands as long as the Diameter“>outer diameter and O-ring groove spacing match.

Usage & Tips

• Installation: Always disassemble the tank on a soft surface to avoid chipping. Lightly lubricate O-rings with e-liquid before sliding the straight glass into place.
• Capacity Awareness: When switching from bubble to straight glass, expect a 1–2 ml drop; plan refills more frequently during long days out.
• Common Problems: Hairline cracks from overtightening—tighten only until snug. If leaks appear, check for displaced O-rings or microscopic glass shards.
• Safety: Inspect straight glass weekly for spider cracks. Replace immediately; compromised glass can fail catastrophically under pressure, bypassing Short Circuit Protection safeguards in regulated mods.

History & Context

Straight glass was the original tank material when clearomisers emerged in the early 2010s. The shift to bubble glass for larger capacity began around 2016, but many vapers now revert to straight glass for aesthetics, stealth, and device balance—especially on compact Squonk Mod setups popular in Australia’s flavour-chasing scene.