Can Standard Vape Tank Coils Actually Rust?

Have you ever taken out your mod kit out only to find what appears to be rust around the tank’s coil? If so, did you probably feel a sense of panic at that moment of time. After all, rust can be dangerous to inhale, right? Besides, a rusty vape tanks coil probably means that you won’t have a very satisfying vape experience.

So, can vape tank coils rust, or are your eyes deceiving you? We’ll be covering what causes this, and what you can do about it.

Do Standard Vape Tank Coils Actually Rust, and if So, at What Speed?

Standard vape coils can potentially rust, but this is not very common. Vape coils are typically made from materials like Kanthal, nickel, titanium, or stainless steel, which’re chosen for their resistance to oxidation and their ability to withstand high temperatures. However, under certain conditions, they can still be susceptible to corrosion or rust, especially if they are not maintained properly.

Variables that can contribute to the rusting of vape coils include:

• Moisture: Prolonged exposure to moisture or leaving e-liquid in the coil for an extended period can lead to corrosion.
• Quality of Material: Lower quality materials or coils may be more prone to rusting.
• pH of E-Liquid: Some e-liquids may have components that are more acidic or alkaline, potentially contributing to corrosion over time.
• Storage Conditions: Storing vape devices or coils in damp or poor conditions can increase the risk of rusting.

As for the speed at which a standard vape coil can rust, that’s influenced by several factors including:

1.Material of the Coil: Stainless steel coils are generally more resistant to rust, and even corrosion compared to other metals. Coils made of materials like Kanthal (an alloy of iron, chromium, and aluminum) also have good resistance to oxidation at high temperatures.

2.Environment: Exposure to moisture, high humidity, or salt (if you're near the ocean) can accelerate the rusting process. If the vape is frequently used in damp environments or is not stored properly (left in wet conditions), rusting can occur more quickly.

3.Usage and Maintenance: E-liquid residue can also contribute to corrosion over time. Coils that are regularly cleaned and maintained are less likely to develop rust. On the other hand, coils that are heavily used and not cleaned may accumulate residues that can attract moisture and lead to faster rusting.

How Can You Tell Then if Your Standard Vape Tank Coils are Rusting?

As you can see, while it's less common, coils can deteriorate or corrode, especially if they are not properly maintained or if they are exposed to certain conditions. In fact, there are ways you can check to see if this has happened to your coil.

Tip/Indicator #1: Visual Inspection

Look closely at the coil. Any signs of discoloration, especially orange or brown rust-like hues, might indicate corrosion or gunk build-up. Stainless steel can corrode under certain conditions, but it usually shows pitting, or a rainbow discoloration rather than the red or orange color associated with rust.

Tip/Indicator #2: Taste and Performance

A coil that's corroding or has a lot of build-ups might produce an off taste or reduced performance. If the vapor tastes burnt, metallic, or just unpleasant, it might be time to inspect or replace the coil.

Tip/Indicator #3: Check for Flakes or Particles

If you notice any flakes or particles coming off the coil, that's a bad sign. It could indicate that the material is breaking down.

Tip/Indicator #4: Resistance Changes

If you use a mod that displays the resistance of your coil, a coil that's deteriorating might show fluctuating resistance levels.

Tip/Indicator #5: Leakage Issues

While not a direct sign of rusting, if you notice e-juice leaking more than usual or in places it shouldn't, it might be because the coil or its surrounding structures are not in good condition.

What You Can Do to Prevent Standard Coil Rusting

It’s not necessarily dangerous to vape when your vape tank coil is rusty; however, it will probably interfere with your vaping experience. Rust interferes with the coil’s ability to do its job, and once again, it can interfere with the taste of your juice as well. Besides, when it comes to inhaling rust, you should follow the “better safe than sorry” approach. Once you notice rust, try to rinse it off or gently scrape it off with a sharp object. If it doesn’t come off, toss it in the garbage and grab a new one.

In ideal conditions (properly maintained, used, and stored), a standard vape coil can last without significant rusting for several weeks to months. However, under harsh conditions (high humidity, salt exposure, poor maintenance), rusting can start to occur in a shorter period, potentially within days.

It's essential to regularly check your vape coils for signs of wear, rust, or damage, and to replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendations or if you notice any issues. Again, regular cleaning and proper storage can also extend the life of your coils and prevent rusting.