This article is especially for those who are new to the world of Mechanical Mod (also known as Mech Mod).
Note: If you are just starting to learn about vaping, you should not start with a mech mod, because this type of device does not have the battery safety mechanism like starter kits and requires users to have some knowledge about using and controlling lithium batteries.
What is Mechanical Mod ( Mech mod )?
Mech mod is a vape device with an extremely simple structure and shape. Mech mod is usually in the shape of a tube, containing a battery inside and a start button below. When the start button is pressed, electricity will be sent directly to the atomizer without going through the circuit board. Mech mod has no wires, solder joints or electronic circuit boards.
Why did you choose Mech mod?
One of the reasons why veteran vapers choose Mech mod instead of Box mod except for its beautiful appearance is the durability of this device. With a Box mod that relies heavily on the electronic circuit board, if just one part breaks, repairing it will be extremely troublesome. There are even some Box mods with internal batteries, after the battery life is over, it can no longer be used.
Although the Mech Mod has a simple structure, the body is very durable and can withstand strong impacts. Because there are no wires or electronic circuit boards inside, repairing errors is also very easy.
Some vapers prefer to use Mech mods because of their ability to run extremely low resistances that no Box mod can do. But of course, this way of using is also much more dangerous than devices using conventional resistances, so you also need a certain amount of knowledge to ensure your safety.
Are mech mods safe?
With such a large amount of power contained in the tiny form of a lithium battery, no device using this type of battery is 100% safe.
Box mods are generally safer than mechanical mods because they have built-in safety mechanisms to prevent things like short circuits. However, a high-quality mechanical mod in the hands of an experienced vaper is relatively safe.
Safety Tips When Using Mech Mods
The following tips will help you stay safe when using a Mech mod.
1. Buy a multimeter
A multimeter is a useful device when using a Mech mod and you can easily buy them from electronics stores. With a multimeter, you will be able to monitor the voltage of the battery, the resistance of the atomizer and detect short circuits in the machine.
2. Battery type and battery quality
Don’t be too careless with the batteries you use in your Mech mod – your safety should be a priority over saving a few extra bucks. Old batteries and batteries with torn or visible damage should not be used.
And you should choose the right type of battery to use with your Mech mod. ICR (lithium cobalt oxide) batteries should not be used in Mech mods because they are prone to overheating. The best type of battery for Mech mods is IMR (lithium manganese oxide).
3. Charger
The quality of each charger is different and choosing a standard charger is important. A poor quality charger will cause the battery to overcharge, become unbalanced, and increase the risk of overheating, gas discharge, and even explosion.
A fully charged IMR battery will have a voltage of around 4.15 to 4.20V. Anything above this will shorten the battery life and reduce its usability, and anything above 4.5V is a recipe for disaster.
4. Battery voltage drop
Unlike electronic box mods that will stop when the voltage drops to a minimum, mechanical mods will run the battery continuously until it is completely drained, which is not good for lithium batteries – this is why you need a multimeter. Immediately charge the battery when the voltage drops to 3.6V or when you notice a decrease in the amount of vapor produced.
5. Check the resistance
Burners should be checked when first purchased and the resistance should be noted after long-term use to ensure that there is no short circuit when the resistance is too low.
6. Air vent
A Mech mod should have a vent system in the machine so that the gas can be released when the machine overheats. Without a vent, the Mech mod is a time bomb that can explode at any time.
7. Start button lock
Most high end Mech mods have a power button lock, which is operated by turning a gear counterclockwise.
Conclude
All of this may seem like a lot, but after using a Mech mod for a while, you’ll naturally follow these guidelines. An experienced vaper won’t ignore these guidelines – they’ll be extremely safety conscious, knowing the consequences of faulty or substandard devices.
