Prebuilt and handmade coils can significantly improve your vaping experience. Knowing how to install them properly can turn a time-consuming task into a simple routine. In today's guide, we'll show you that installing vape coils doesn't have to be scary — and can even be enjoyable.
Today, we'll go over some installation tips for pre-made coils. These tips will make coil installation a breeze, and they'll work 99 percent of the time, regardless of board style. Above all, remember to take your time; the building is a skill that requires patience, so don't get frustrated if you make a mistake. Even the most experienced builders make mistakes from time to time.
We recommend getting some pre-built coils to use in your RDA if you're interested in rebuilding. We have a wide range of coils to suit every advanced vaper's needs, from simple wound coils to more advanced claptons and hive coils.
With our recent partnership with advanced vape and selling their professional pre-built coils we figured it was time for a short article on installing and using premade coils in your RDA.
Using a builder’s rod or jig tool of equal diameter is the easiest way of placing your premade coil on the deck at first. The use of a rod keeps the coil level, making it easier to guide the leads through the post holes. However, you may find that installing the coils with your hand works better for you; don't be afraid to try both methods!
By matching the coil length to the distance between your post holes, you can save a lot of time straightening! The RDA/RTA you're using is too large if you have to pull on the leads just to get your coil in both threaded inserts!
Center your coil on the deck of whatever RDA or tank you're using and give both pins a fine twist.
Here are a few things to remember:
In fact related to your post height/post holes, you want your coil to be centered. Make sure the coil is as close as possible to your posts without touching them. Final alterations can be made later, but the closer everything is aligned at this point, the better!
Make sure your leads aren't too tight. You've gone far enough when they begin to bend mildly.
This is probably the simplest step in the entire setup procedure. Trim both leads as close to the posts as possible with a good pair of sharp wire cutters. If you're doing a double build, you may need to trim one side first, then remove the opposing side (after it's been tightened enough) and cut along the post screw signs.
Before cutting the entire thing through, press your finger on the lead's end. Any chance of moving metal will be eliminated as a result of this.
To middle anything that, use a coil wrapping rod or a piece of metal with the same or slightly smaller inner diameter. The coil/coils should be perpendicularly in the middle of the post and as close to the center of the bottom air flow as possible. Take your time here; you want everything to be exactly where you want it.
Don't be scared to softly push up on the coil or pull it outward. The materials used in pre-builts are often quite forgiving.
Strumming is a methodology for evening out the gaps in the coil material. Strumming the coil back and forth in both particular direction with the tip of a metal rod ordinarily, this is done in a strum — pulse repeat pattern.
Fiddling is a technique for fine-tuning the position of the leads and the spacing between the contact materials. Pull softly outwards at this point, making final adjustments to the coil's angle (ideal angle: 180 degrees), and positioning the build's leads as close to the front center of the post holes as practically possible. Usually, this is done in a fiddle/adjust — pulse repeat pattern.
When it comes to pulsing, less is more, particularly when you're first getting started with your component. You can use a low-wattage short burst of power. If you're using an unregulated device, try to keep the pulses less than 1 second. Continue strumming and fiddling with your coil until it glows evenly from the inside out. Once you've achieved a nice even glow, heat the entire element until its red hot.
In short, all you have to do now is choose your and follow the instructions below to install your pre-built coils on the deck.
Remove the cotton and old coils from your RDA and clean it of e-liquid. Pick out your new coils and get them ready. Place the new coils in the posts and gently tighten the screws to keep them in place. With a screwdriver, center the coil and trim the excess wire with wire cutters. Check your resistance with an Ohm reader to ensure there are no shorting issues. Use ceramic tweezers to gently squeeze the coils while they are being fired to ensure that they heat up evenly. Cut a wicking material strip the same size as the coil and twist it into shape. Cotton should be threaded through each coil. Trim any excess cotton evenly and soften for effective wicking. Place both ends of the cotton wick in the wells and fill with juice until the cotton is completely saturated.
Please remember that coil building is an art, so take your time and think things through when installing them. Remember the advice above, and your next installation should go off without a hitch! Beside coils, it is important to choose the right battery for RDA.
Premade coils are pre-wrapped coil wire (Clapton, fused Clapton, alien, etc.) ready to install in rebuildable atomizers without manual wrapping. They come with leads attached, requiring only: trimming to length, installing in RDA posts, checking resistance, and wicking with cotton. Bridges gap between buying pre-made tank coils and building from scratch.
Essential tools: wire cutters/flush cutters (trim leads), ceramic tweezers (adjust hot coils safely), small screwdriver or Allen key (tighten post screws), ohm reader or regulated mod (check resistance), scissors (trim cotton), and coil jig optional (maintains shape). Basic toolkit costs £10-20—one-time investment for ongoing use.
Installation steps: 1) Loosen RDA post screws, 2) Insert coil leads into posts (check polarity), 3) Center coil above airflow, 4) Tighten screws securing leads (firmly but not stripped), 5) Trim excess lead wire flush, 6) Check resistance on ohm meter, 7) Dry burn to remove hotspots, 8) Pinch with ceramic tweezers achieving even glow.
Resistance depends on coil type and battery limits: single coil RDAs typically 0.4-0.8Ω (30-60W), dual coil RDAs 0.15-0.4Ω (60-120W). Always check coil specifications and ensure within mod/battery amp limits. Regulated mods provide safety protections; mechanical mods require Ohm's law understanding—know your limits.
Dry burning process: install coils without cotton, pulse fire button at low wattage (15-20W), coils glow from center outward (indicates even heating), use ceramic tweezers to pinch/strum glowing coils (removes hotspots), repeat until coils glow evenly orange, let cool completely, then wick. Essential for optimal performance.
Wicking technique: cut cotton strip matching coil inner diameter, gently thread through coil (snug not tight—should slide with slight resistance), trim cotton tails reaching RDA deck floor, thin tail ends slightly (better juice absorption), saturate completely with e-liquid, check for hot spots by pulsing, adjust if needed.
Premade coil benefits: save time (no wrapping), consistent performance (professionally made), complex wire types accessible (Clapton, alien), beginner-friendly (easier than wrapping), and still customizable (choose resistance, wire type). Trade-off: slightly more expensive than raw wire but dramatically easier than building yourself.
Common types: standard Clapton (wrapped wire, good flavor), fused Clapton (multiple core wires, better performance), alien coils (complex pattern, excellent flavor), staple coils (flat ribbon cores), framed staple (premium performance), and tri-core fused Clapton. Each offers different flavor, vapor, and ramp-up characteristics—experiment finding preference.
RDA coils last significantly longer than tank coils: 2-6 weeks with proper maintenance, sometimes months. Maintenance extends life: dry burn weekly removing gunk, re-wick every 3-7 days (cotton degrades faster than coils), rinse coils between cotton changes, and replace when resistance changes significantly or damage visible.
Wattage depends on coil mass and resistance: simple Clapton 0.5Ω = 30-50W, fused Clapton 0.3Ω = 50-80W, alien/complex 0.2Ω = 60-100W. Start low and gradually increase until reaching optimal flavor/vapor without burning. Higher mass coils need more power heating larger surface area.
Most premade coils fit most RDAs but verify: post hole size (coil legs must fit), deck space (coil diameter fits without touching cap/posts), and resistance appropriate for your mod. Single coil RDAs accommodate one coil; dual coil RDAs need two matched coils. Check RDA specifications before purchasing coils.
Use quality vaping cotton: organic unbleached cotton (no chemicals), Cotton Bacon (popular brand), Muji cotton pads (budget option), or specialized vaping cotton. Avoid: regular cotton balls (impurities), colored cotton, or anything with additives. Pure organic cotton ensures clean flavor without off-tastes or health concerns.
Hotspot elimination: pulse coils at low wattage watching for uneven glowing, use ceramic tweezers gently squeezing coils while pulsing (careful—they're hot), strum coils with tweezers creating vibration evening out heat, repeat until glowing evenly center-outward, then let cool completely. Patience achieves perfect even heating.
Premade coil costs: 10-pack £8-15 (£0.80-1.50 each), lasting 2-6 weeks each. Organic cotton: £3-8 for months supply. Monthly cost: £3-10 versus £15-30 for pre-made tank coils. Significantly cheaper than tank coils while offering superior flavor and vapor—excellent value for performance enthusiasts.
Premade RDA coils advantages: superior flavor (direct coil contact, no tank restrictions), customizable setup, longer lifespan (cleanable/maintainable), cost-effective, and enthusiast satisfaction. Disadvantages: requires dripping e-liquid frequently, more maintenance, learning curve. Tank coils offer convenience; RDA coils offer performance—different priorities.
On regulated mods: no, chip enforces safety limits. On mechanical mods: absolutely essential—must calculate amp draw (voltage ÷ resistance), stay within battery CDR limits (20-30A typically), and understand battery safety. Beginners should only use premade coils on regulated mods with safety protections—mechanical mods for experts only.
RDAs work best with: high VG (70/30 or Max VG) for smooth clouds, low nicotine freebase (3-6mg max—RDAs deliver intense throat hit), premium flavors (flavor quality shines in RDAs), and less sweet e-liquids (preserve coil cleanliness). Avoid: high nicotine (unbearably harsh), thin 50/50 liquids (may leak).
Buy premade coils and RDA accessories at WizVape, offering: variety of premade coil types (Clapton, fused, alien), organic cotton, building tools, authentic RDAs, high VG e-liquids for dripping, expert guidance on installation, and fast UK delivery for advanced vaping performance with simplified coil building.
