Complete Guide to Secondhand Vaping Devices

Whether you’re a beginner of a seasoned vaper, this article gives you the knowledge and insights you need to navigate the world of secondhand vaping devices.

As the world of vaping grows more popular, the chances of you purchasing a secondhand vape device increase. While disposables and pod kits are difficult to reuse, mod kits are frequently resold to new users.

Vape kits are reusable and most of the parts of a vape or mod kit are replaceable. As such, it only makes sense that you might opt for a new handset colour, new design of vape pen, or upgrade to a stronger model. When this happens you can sell on your secondhand vape device to try and recover some of the cost of your new parts.

This article contains everything you need to know about secondhand vape devices so that you can get to grips with recycling vapes. Is it cheaper? Are secondhand vapes safe? Let’s discuss. 

What are Secondhand Vaping Devices?

When you decide that you would like to start using vape devices, you are faced with a wealth of options. You might buy disposable vape devices to start off with, then move on to pod kits. You could upgrade to a vape kit or, eventually, onto a mod kit. But what do you do with your old devices when you decide to upgrade? Why not trade them back in to resell to other, newer users?

You can buy brand new vape kits or secondhand ones. There is a little difference in price. Buying a secondhand vape device might help you save a little cash when you want to upgrade to a stronger device but are short on cash. You can also sell on your old vape device to recoup some of your losses.

A secondhand vape device is simply one which has been pre-used. Since everything down to the mouthpiece is replaceable on a vape device, you can be sure of a new, safe, pleasant vaping experience, without fear of catching any cooties.

Types of Secondhand Vaping Devices

There are several types of vape device but not all of them are suitable for reuse or for resale. If you have a whole disposable device, you cannot remove parts like the mouthpiece. Also, a disposable device has a 600 puff limit and the battery ought to last for around five days. They are not rechargeable. This means that the only type of vape device you absolutely cannot resale is a disposable vape. All other types of vape device can be recycled.

Secondhand vape devices include vape kits, pod kits, and mod kits. All three of these are types of secondhand vape device. This is possible because each type of vape device has the durability to be reused, even after one person has had their use from the item.

Many vape device users upgrade their equipment as they progress in vaping. Like any good hobby, once you know you are committed to it, you will invest more money in buying quality equipment. Upgrading doesn’t mean that your old vape kit is defunct. Rather like an old phone, it will lie in a drawer unused until you sell it on or gift it to another.

The most common types of secondhand vape devices are both refillable vape kits with a detachable vape tanks and mouthpieces, and mod kits which come in separate parts, ready for the user to build up with interchangeable modifications. You can browse our vape mods products here.

Secondhand Vaping Liquids

Can you use secondhand vaping e-liquids? The question should not be about using up what is left over, but more about the quality of that e-liquid.

Secondhand vaping liquids are old. They have been produced at some point prior and have remained inside a drawer or on a shelf, waiting to be used. They have remained there for long enough that the user has traded them in or passed them on because they realise that they will not use that vape juice. The problem with old vape juice is that it starts to lose its integrity.

Once e-liquid reaches between 18 months and 2 years old, the VG starts to break down inside the mixture. This can result in a watery, lumpy, or inconsistent texture. You must also consider the chance that a secondhand e-liquid has been stored incorrectly. If it has been stored in a cupboard with a very strong smell, then it is possible that the liquid will have retained that strong smell!

Instead of using secondhand vape juices, we recommend that you browse our list of Beginner e liquids instead. You can also learn more about how safe old vape juices are to use in our previous article. But overall? If in doubt – chuck it out.

Benefits and Drawbacks

There are benefits and drawbacks to using a secondhand vape device. Let’s take a closer look.

The Benefits of using Secondhand Vape Devices include:

• You get to recycle and save a product from landfill
• You can buy whole new parts if you are worried about cross-contamination
• Most parts of a vape device are replaceable
• It could work out cheaper than buying a device brand new
• You get access to better quality of devices for your budget
• Secondhand vape devices work just as well as brand new devices do

The Drawbacks of using Secondhand Vape Devices include:

• You may have to replace parts of it, especially if you are uncomfortable
• You may need new glass, a new tank, new coils, or a new mouthpiece
• Pre-loved vape devices may have restraints on battery life or functionality
• You do not know how new the battery is, nor how many charges it has left before you must replace it

Safety and Health Concerns

Of course, with Covid barely a distant memory it makes sense that there might be some health and safety concerns surrounding buying a secondhand vape device. Most of these can be swept aside when considering the way vape device parts and especially mod parts can be interchanged.

If you buy a secondhand vape device, you may experience lesser battery health than a new device might have. You do not know how well the previous owner has taken care of it. Nevertheless, if you follow the battery safety articles we have outlined in this previous article, then you should be just fine in that regard.

As for any health concerns you may have, if you replace both the tank and the mouthpiece, then no parts of your secondhand vape have ever come into contact with another person’s lungs. This makes it perfectly safe for use without fear of catching cooties.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Device

When you choose a secondhand vape device there are some factors to think about. Firstly, don’t reuse Disposable kits. If you buy these secondhand there will likely be no flavour, puffs, or battery left! Stick to pods, vapes, and mods.

Next, check the device if you can to ensure full functionality before you buy it. Look for good battery life, working LED or LCD lights and screens, check for broken glass, leaks around the tank area, and wear and tear. If the device has small defects, you can probably fix these with replacement parts. However, will that work out cheaper than simply buying a new vape device?

Mod kits are often resold and are the most commonly passed on secondhand vape device. Mods are passed around between friends, shared between cloud chasers, and used in professional vape competitions.

Conclusion: Secondhand Vaping Devices for Recycling and Upgrading

When you opt for a secondhand vape device, you are doing your part to keep that device out of a landfill site. You are reusing the lithium battery, which is the main environmental issue protestors have with vape use. You avoid disposable devices, have the capacity to upgrade your own kit, and you do your part for the environment. All these are good things.

Secondhand vape devices can save you money but be careful that you do not spend more replacing the parts. Weigh up the pros and cons carefully before you buy.