Dealing with syringes (tips and tricks)

[mrcoolbp]

Hey guys!

So I have issues with syringes. Who doesn't? Basically my problem is with Luer-Slip syringes, but even the locking types don't fix my main issue: they are just too darn small!

PG is thick, and VG is much thicker. When making 120ml batches I spent most of my time just drawing up and dispensing PG/VG and nic base. Larger syringes don't help as the needles are the same size. That's bad enough...except it isn't; more than once, the needle slipped off the syringe (during dispensing) and liquid exploded everywhere. Yes, my station, floor, wall, eyes etc. not good.

Clearly I need a lower gauge needle, but I figured out a work-around. I pour my nic base, PG, and VG into beakers (picked up a few from RTS for like $2 each) and draw without needles for any large draws. The speed difference is amazing, and no worry about syringes popping off.

TL;DR Make sure slip needles are *securely* fastened. Forgoe needles when possible. Get the lowest gauge needles you can find for large draws.

Happy mixing.

 

[Bryan lord]

I started with 18g and that was hell. 16 is better but for VG still a pain. Seems like a lesson all new DIYers learn pretty quick. I take the needle off now for my VG


-Lord

 

[Spazmelda]

I just use my syringes like tiny graduated cylinders. I put my finger over the end (no needle) and pour the liquid in from the top. Then I use the plunger to squirt it into my container.

 

[Levitas]

So I have issues with syringes. Who doesn't? Basically my problem is with Luer-Slip syringes, but even the locking types don't fix my main issue: they are just too darn small!

I use luer-lock syringes with 14ga needles, and I've never had a slip, not once.

14ga Blunt Tip Luer-Lock Needle 1.5" - Quantity Discounts

 

[BigCypress]

I have 60ml syringes (luer lock) and have the red luer lock cap.

1. take the plunger out of the syringe.
2. Put cap on
3. fill liquid into syringe ( i use squeeze bottles for vg/pg )
4 Place plunger into hole. Remember it wont seat all the way so just leave pressure on.
5. Flip so plunger is facin down
6. take off cap
7. gently seat plunger.


Its pretty quick once you get the muscle memory.

 

[BigCypress]

I just use my syringes like tiny graduated cylinders. I put my finger over the end (no needle) and pour the liquid in from the top. Then I use the plunger to squirt it into my container.

Or just do this.

Sometimes i like to make things pretty complicated.

 

[yellowsnow]

May I also suggest getting a plastic cup of hot water put your PG/VG bottles in it a good 15 minutes prior to beginning your mix. This will help the viscosity and make it much easier when using needles.

Hey guys!

So I have issues with syringes. Who doesn't? Basically my problem is with Luer-Slip syringes, but even the locking types don't fix my main issue: they are just too darn small!

PG is thick, and VG is much thicker. When making 120ml batches I spent most of my time just drawing up and dispensing PG/VG and nic base. Larger syringes don't help as the needles are the same size. That's bad enough...except it isn't; more than once, the needle slipped off the syringe (during dispensing) and liquid exploded everywhere. Yes, my station, floor, wall, eyes etc. not good.

Clearly I need a lower gauge needle, but I figured out a work-around. I pour my nic base, PG, and VG into beakers (picked up a few from RTS for like $2 each) and draw without needles for any large draws. The speed difference is amazing, and no worry about syringes popping off.

TL;DR Make sure slip needles are *securely* fastened. Forgoe needles when possible. Get the lowest gauge needles you can find for large draws.

Happy mixing.

 

[Bryan lord]

May I also suggest getting a plastic cup of hot water put your PG/VG bottles in it a good 15 minutes prior to beginning your mix. This will help the viscosity and make it much easier when using needles.

That's an idea I really like!


-Lord

 

[FACE MEAT]

A coat of clear nail polish over the markings will keep them from wearing off.

16ga blunt tip needles make a great tool for wrapping micro coils.

 

[Iffy]

I just use my syringes like tiny graduated cylinders. I put my finger over the end (no needle) and pour the liquid in from the top. Then I use the plunger to squirt it into my container.

That's my method for >30ml. Anything greater, I just pour PG/VG/nic directly into a 100ml graduated cylinder. Flavs are still measured using the above syringe (sans needle) method.

ETA: I use good ol' Scotch tape to cover the syringe markings. Have yet to replace any tape.

 

[Spydro]

I use luer-lock syringes with 14ga needles, and I've never had a slip, not once.

14ga Blunt Tip Luer-Lock Needle 1.5" - Quantity Discounts

Same here, never had a luer-lock needle come off. Bought 5 each 18, 16 and 14 size needles to start with... and a bunch of variuos sizes of syringes from 3ml-50ml. Still using the same first of them used with no problem about 6 months in. I just clean them after use use, leave the needles on the syringes they are used on, then check the tightness each time I go to use one. For my 30ml ADV batches I use 14ga for VG on a 20ml syringe, 16ga for PG and my PG nic solution on a 10ml, and 18ga for flavors on 3ml and 5ml syringes (with what will be a lifetime supply for backup). It does take some steady pressure to suck up the VG through a 14ga needle at the room temperature I do it at. I also have graduated beakers from 50-250ml, and graduated cylinders the same, but seldon bother with them and just use the syringes right into the bottles. Also use a mico-mixer to blend everything together right in the juice bottles, works way better than shaking them. Now I have a UC to steep them in, so it shakes, heats and breathes them for me.

I guess all that's missing for DIY equipment around here is to hire a pearl diver to wash the lab glass.

 

[patkin]

I buy syringes at my local feed store... under $1.00 with .39 the usual. Truly, I don't even know the gauges (just scope them) but some of those bull hides take some pretty big and tough syringes. And the breeding ones!.. well, they're a little much.

 

[Thunderball]

i buy syringes at my local feed store... Under $1.00 with .39 the usual. Truly, i don't even know the gauges (just scope them) but some of those bull hides take some pretty big and tough syringes. And the breeding ones!.. Well, they're a little much.

rawhide !!! ..... good advice..thanks.

 

[Thunderball]

Hey, now that we have all you needle heads in one place... ..Lets talk about that pesky bubble !! If I were a doctor and was going to stick this into someones vein, I would of course turn the needle upright and squeeze it out until I have my desired Mls....... but Im not doing this with flavoring or juice as in Im not wasting any nor do I want to make a mess.

Do you just guess and compensate for the bubble that SOMETIMES gets in there, or do you go to smaller syringes for this "small amount" flavor additions. You know, 1 percent or less of flavoring is mighty hard to get just right. ( my syringes only go down to 3 ml)

 

[Rickb119]

Do you just guess and compensate for the bubble that SOMETIMES gets in there, or do you go to smaller syringes for this "small amount" flavor additions. You know, 1 percent or less of flavoring is mighty hard to get just right. ( my syringes only go down to 3 ml)

I use 1ml (Amazon) for most of my flavorings. As to the "bubble" in larger syringes, try drawing in a small amount of air before drawing in the liquid. Now instead of a bubble, you have an air pocket so the liquid is not touching the plunger. Too much air and you won't be able to draw in liquid to max measuring capacity. Too little air=bubble.

 

[dannyv45]

one word for handling large volumes of PG or VG "Graduated cylinders" Well that's 2 words but you get the idea.

Graduated Cylinders, Beakers, & Flasks - MyFreedomSmokes.com

 

[Hillbillie]

This may have already been mentioned (I didn't read through everyone's response) but for the VG, I use the "needle" that comes in a meat injector kit. The gauge is HUGE and the one I have has 2 openings from which to pull the liquid in. It works beautifully!

 

[Thunderball]

I use 1ml (Amazon) for most of my flavorings. As to the "bubble" in larger syringes, try drawing in a small amount of air before drawing in the liquid. Now instead of a bubble, you have an air pocket so the liquid is not touching the plunger. Too much air and you won't be able to draw in liquid to max measuring capacity. Too little air=bubble.

So easy..... never thought of that. Thank You !!

 

[Spazmelda]

Thunderball, for small amounts I'm using micropipettors. They are borrowed, as that would be quite an investment for DIY, but it's so nice to be able to measure 20 ul or less accurately into a 3 ml test batch. For tiny amounts without the micropipettors I'd probably calibrate a dropper as accurately as possible and figure out drops/ml, convert to ul/drop, and do it that way.

 

[NancyB]

I started with 18g and that was hell. 16 is better but for VG still a pain. Seems like a lesson all new DIYers learn pretty quick. I take the needle off now for my VG
-Lord

For the new vapers reading through these posts, I'd like to add what a 'large needle' and a 'small needle' is called or measured...

14ga (gauge) is a larger needle, 16ga is a bit smaller, 18ga a bit smaller yet, and 20ga is a tiny needle...

so - the 'smaller the gauge number is (14), the larger the diameter of the needle is'. That is the rule (similar to wire gauges in any country and/or industry, though they use different names/charts - ie, AWG = American Wire Gauge or American Standard Gauge)
and vice-versa - the larger the number of gauge is, the smaller the diameter of the needle will be.
gauge wire this is a url for a visual as well as information re: wire thicknesses/gauges (in USA)

I use a Graduated Cylinder Bomex Glass - 25ml (like this one from Wizard Labs) for my mixing and never use a needle with PG or VG, I just pour them into the cylinder, plus my needle measured nicotine, and flavoring, shake up the cylinder (with thumb over top end) and pour it into my storage bottle for steeping (wait 4-7 days). The glass is heavy enough it won't knock over easily - but may break easier than a poly one.

I will say, I learned something reading through these posts - I never thought about using the syringe without a needle! nor painting on clear nail polish to help protect the printing on the syringes! haha Thanks to the folks who posted those tips!

NancyB (have worked with wire in many gauges over the last 25+ years, making chains and jewelry)