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.