Using syringes and needles

[oplholik]

When measuring out your pg,vg, nic base, and flavorings, do you use one syringe, and one needle for everything, or one needle and syringe for each. Seems like it would be ok to use one needle and syringe for everything, and just wipe off the needle before dipping it into something else. Thanks.

 

[cjf1961]

When I use syringes/needles I use two of each to measure, I don't like to mix flavors with plain nic or vg unless it's already in a mixture. But I've started to go bigger and use a measuring cup now with measurements in ml on the side, then just pour what you want.

 

[wendallb]

I use about three differnet size syringes and clean them with everclear between flavors.

 

[locke2121]

I use a single, but I do it in a very specific order, first nic, then flavors, then VG and finally PG to flush out the thick VG left in the syringe. I keep a rag handy to wipe the blunt needle down before I stick it into each bottle and repeatedly pull and push the plunger into the juice bottle to blow out all the ingredients before I move to the next.

 

[wizard10000]

I keep about half a liter of hot water on the table and rinse the syringe out between ingredients.

 

[NCC]

I use two generally. Larger syringe with a 15 gauge needle for base, and a 1ml syringe with smaller needle (not sure of size) for low viscosity liquids like H2O, PGA & flavorings. And, I swish them out after use.

 

[Nunnster]

I use one syringe for nic, one for pg/vg, and 3ml pipettes for flavors. I store my nic syringe away from my other syringes and toss my pipettes after use.

 

[Seabrook]

I use two generally. Larger syringe with a 15 gauge needle for base, and a 1ml syringe with smaller needle (not sure of size) for low viscosity liquids like H2O, PGA & flavorings. And, I swish them out after use.

This is pretty much how I do mine except that both syringes are 6ml, but my needles are 14ga for VG and 18ga for the others. I just swish and plunge out with hot water b/t each.

 

[ThatJoeGuy]

I'm using the same method as Wendall, basically. I use 3ml syringes that are marked by the .1ml, and have a little container of Everclear that I will rinse them in after each use.

 

[Boodle]

I used different syringes for each ingredient. I pour VG and PG in separate little souffle cups (like the plastic containers at a fast food to put ketchup in). They hold more than an ounce. I use 3ml syringes without needles for measuring PG and VG rather than sticking the syringes in the PG and VG big bottles repeatedly. I wash and reuse those syringes and store in baggies marked PG and VG. For flavors I use a separate syringe then wash in hot soapy water after for the flavors I use a lot. Others, I use once and toss. It's hard for me to get the flavor smell out even with hot soapy water and a PGA/H20 bath. For nic I use a new syringe each time. I get the 200 1ml syringes for $17 deal on eBay. I rinse and throw it away. Now that I'm making 30ml batches, bigger syringes would be better. I mess with the 100mg nic as little as possible.

 

[Iffy]

From the start of my DIY efforts, I have used two syringes; one for VG & PG nic (in that order) and another for the flavoring. I've never been concerned about cross 'pollution' with the nic base and PG/VG. In light of the recent BE fiasco and subsequent noted tolerances, what's the big deal?

I rinse all my DIY equipment with very hot water and let air dry.

 

[oplholik]

Ok, thanks for all your comments, I don't think I will worry about it too much, just make sure I clean everything when I'm done.

 

[Leothwyn]

I do about the same as Iffy... a bigger syringe for VG, PG, and nic. Not worried about those three mixing a tiny amount, since they all get mixed up anyway. Then a smaller syringe just for flavors, which I rinse and wipe between flavors... very thoroughly with really strong flavors so I don't contaminate the next ones. Speaking of strong flavors, I used some cinnamon the other day, and I guess I got some on my fingers, then on the syringe. When I wiped it off, it took most of the numbers and markings off of the syringe!

 

[Seabrook]

Speaking of strong flavors, I used some cinnamon the other day, and I guess I got some on my fingers, then on the syringe. When I wiped it off, it took most of the numbers and markings off of the syringe!

Yes, and it has been known to take the paint off the atomizers also. I'm really careful with cinnamon - afraid it might take the finish off my drainboard if I spill any, so I mix on my breadboard or lay a cup towel down before mixing.

 

[zoiDman]

I don’t like using syringes. Too much of a hassle to draw e-Liquids and too much stuff to wash.

If I need to make a precise volumetric measurement I use a Graduated Cylinder.

Graduated Cylinders Graduated Cylinders : United Nuclear , Scientific Equipment & Supplies

To make a DIY e-Liquid, it ALL goes into the Graduated Cylinder via a “Ladder” recipe.

 

[Iffy]

... I use a Graduated Cylinder.

Recently ordered a set of these!

TBH, when mixing VG & PG nic, I use a needleless syringe with plunger removed, plunger end held upright, with my lil' finger on the bottom. I then pour the liquids to the desired amounts/ratio. Holding the syringe tip over the joose bottle, I remove my lil' finger and insert the plunger to empty. Then I use a smaller syringe for the flavoring. It's soooo much easier than drawing up the liquids with a needled syringe (especially the VG)! Ergo, my order for the cylinder set.

BTW, I have syringes from 1ml to 60ml.

 

[ThatJoeGuy]

Recently ordered a set of these!

TBH, when mixing VG & PG nic, I use a needleless syringe with plunger removed, plunger end held upright, with my lil' finger on the bottom. I then pour the liquids to the desired amounts/ratio. Holding the syringe tip over the joose bottle, I remove my lil' finger and insert the plunger to empty. Then I use a smaller syringe for the flavoring. It's soooo much easier than drawing up the liquids with a needled syringe (especially the VG)! Ergo, my order for the cylinder set.

BTW, I have syringes from 1ml to 60ml.

Hmmm...now that you mention that...I have gotten into the habit of saving all carto condoms. They fit nicely over then Luer-Lok tip of syringes, as demonstrated in some YouTube videos showing how to make a type of carto cleaner.

Some of the condoms have a plug kinda' thing at the bottom, anywhere from a short little nub-type to a long, thin type that fits inside the needle end. Seems to work rather nicely...

 

[sidetrack]

Before I went to just VG and I used PG/VG, I would premix them to the ratio I used. I used a dedicated syringe/needle for the 100mg nic. One syringe/needle to one flavor, never used it again prior to cleaning and airing it out. I always keep a lrg cup of h20 to rinse the flavor out of the needles as soon as I am finished with them. The plunger is what soaks up the flavor in a syringe so the sooner you get it cleaned the better. JMHO

 

[Iffy]

The plunger is what soaks up the flavor in a syringe so the sooner you get it cleaned the better. JMHO

Good point! I rinse/dry the flav syringe(s) with each use. If it sits, it will have a flav 'coating'.

 

[Spazmelda]

I use the syringes like a graduated cylinder. I take the plunger out and hold my finger over the end of the syringe. Then I pour the PG/VG/nic/flavor into the syringe. Then I put the end of the syringe over the mixing bottle and remove my finger so the liquid can flow out. For thicker liquids I'll put the plunger back in to help push the liquid out faster. That way I don't have to worry about contaminating one liquid with another one. Although the tiny bit of contamination that would occur wouldn't bother me much. I just don't like pulling thick liquids up through a syringe. It takes too long.