News

There's something deeply satisfying about vaping on a coil you've built yourself. Beyond the cost savings and customisation possibilities, coil building connects you to your device in a way that pre-made coils simply cannot. It transforms vaping from a passive consumption experience into an active craft—one where you control every aspect of your vapour production and flavour delivery.

If you've been intimidated by coil building, wondering if it's too technical or requires engineering expertise, this comprehensive guide will prove otherwise. Building your first coil is entirely achievable, and by the end of this tutorial, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to create perfectly functional coils that rival or exceed commercial alternatives.

Let's demystify the process and get you building.

Why Build Your Own Coils?

Before diving into the how, let's establish the why:

Cost Savings

Commercial Pre-Built Coils:

• Average cost: R30-80 per coil
• Lifespan: 1-3 weeks depending on usage and e-liquid
• Annual cost (replacing weekly): R1,560-4,160

DIY Coil Building:

• Wire spool cost: R50-150 (makes 20-50+ coils)
• Cotton cost: R30-80 (wicks 30-100+ coils)
• Cost per coil: R3-8
• Annual cost (weekly rebuilds): R156-416

Potential savings: R1,400-3,700+ annually

Performance Customisation

Pre-made coils limit you to manufacturer specifications. Building your own allows:

• Exact resistance targeting for your preferred wattage
• Wire material selection (Kanthal, SS316L, Ni80, etc.)
• Coil configuration customisation (spaced, contact, clapton, etc.)
• Perfect sizing for your specific atomiser
• Experimentation to find your ideal setup

Independence and Convenience

• No more desperately searching for specific coil heads
• Build anywhere, anytime
• No dependency on stock availability
• Ability to rebuild on demand

Skill Development and Community

• Join the global community of coil builders
• Understand ohms law and vaping electronics deeply
• Troubleshoot problems independently
• Progress to advanced builds (claptons, aliens, fused claptons)
• Share knowledge and learn from others

Essential Tools and Materials

Before building your first coil, gather these essentials:

Mandatory Tools

1. Precision Screwdriver or Coiling Rod (2-3mm diameter)

• Purpose: Forms the coil around a consistent diameter
• Cost: R20-80
• Alternatives: Allen keys, drill bits (ensure clean and smooth)

2. Wire Cutters (Flush-Cut)

• Purpose: Cleanly trimming wire legs
• Cost: R50-150
• Important: Must be flush-cut, not standard pliers

3. Ceramic Tweezers

• Purpose: Adjusting and positioning hot coils
• Cost: R40-120
• Critical: Must be ceramic or heatproof—metal tweezers will short circuit

4. Coil-Building Wire For your first build, use 24-26AWG Kanthal A1:

• Forgiving to work with
• Room-temperature installation (no temperature control mode needed)
• Predictable resistance
• Widely available
• Cost: R50-100 per 10 metres

5. Organic Cotton (Unbleached)

• Purpose: Wicking material
• Options: Cotton Bacon, Native Wicks, Muji, Puff
• Cost: R30-80
• Avoid: Standard cotton wool (contains chemicals)

6. Ohm Meter or Regulated Mod

• Purpose: Checking coil resistance and detecting shorts
• Cost: Ohm meter R150-400; regulated mods have built-in readers
• Essential for safety

Highly Recommended Tools

7. Coil Jig

• Multi-diameter coiling tool with ejection system
• Makes uniform coils effortlessly
• Cost: R80-250
• Worth the investment for consistency

8. Small Scissors (Curved, Sharp)

• For precise cotton trimming
• Better control than large scissors
• Cost: R30-80

9. Screwdriver Set

• For accessing build deck posts
• Multiple sizes to fit different atomisers
• Cost: R50-150

Nice-to-Have Additions

10. Wire Straightener

• Removes memory curves from wire
• Creates cleaner wraps
• Cost: R50-150

11. Magnification (Loupe or Magnifying Glass)

• Inspect coil quality closely
• Identify hot spots
• Cost: R40-150

12. Cleaning Mat

• Protects surfaces
• Provides organised workspace
• Often includes magnetic sections
• Cost: R80-200

Understanding Resistance and Safety

Before wrapping your first coil, understand these critical concepts:

Ohm's Law Basics

The relationship between Voltage (V), Current (I), and Resistance (R):

V = I × R

For vapers, this means:

• Lower resistance = higher current draw = more power
• Higher resistance = lower current draw = less power
• Your battery/mod has limits that must be respected

Safe Resistance Ranges

For Regulated Mods:

• Typical range: 0.15Ω - 3.0Ω
• Mod's chipset protects against dangerous conditions
• Still check resistance before firing
• Respect mod's wattage limits

For Mechanical Mods:

• Minimum safe resistance depends on battery
• For single 18650 with 20A continuous discharge: 0.21Ω minimum
• For single 18650 with 30A continuous discharge: 0.14Ω minimum
• Never build below your battery's safe limit
• Calculate using: R = V ÷ I (e.g., 4.2V ÷ 20A = 0.21Ω)

For Beginners: Start with 0.5Ω - 1.0Ω builds on regulated mods. This range is:

• Completely safe
• Easy to achieve
• Performs excellently
• Forgiving of minor errors

Wire Gauge and Resistance

Wire thickness (AWG - American Wire Gauge) affects resistance:

Higher AWG number = Thinner wire = Higher resistance

• 32AWG: Very thin, high resistance
• 28AWG: Thin, moderate-high resistance
• 26AWG: Medium, moderate resistance (great for beginners)
• 24AWG: Medium-thick, moderate-low resistance (great for beginners)
• 22AWG: Thick, low resistance
• 20AWG: Very thick, very low resistance

For your first build, use 24 or 26AWG Kanthal

Coil Wraps and Resistance

More wraps = higher resistance Fewer wraps = lower resistance

Example with 24AWG Kanthal, 3mm diameter:

• 5 wraps ≈ 0.35Ω
• 6 wraps ≈ 0.42Ω
• 7 wraps ≈ 0.49Ω
• 8 wraps ≈ 0.56Ω

Online coil calculators (Steam Engine, Coil Wrap Calculator) predict exact resistance for any combination.

Choosing Your First RDA or RTA

Not all rebuildable atomisers are beginner-friendly. For your first build:

Recommended RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomiser) Characteristics

Large Build Deck:

• Spacious working area
• Easier to manipulate tools
• Forgiving of imperfect placement

Dual-Post or Velocity-Style Deck:

• Simple, intuitive post arrangement
• Traps coil legs securely
• Examples: Dead Rabbit RDA, Drop RDA, Hellvape Dead Rabbit

Adjustable Airflow:

• Allows tuning flavour/vapour production
• Provides options as you learn preferences

Bottom or Side Airflow:

• Direct air-on-coil design
• Easier to position coils optimally

Recommended RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomiser) Characteristics

Simple Deck Design:

• Single-coil RTAs are most beginner-friendly
• Clear wicking channels
• Generous wick ports

Large Juice Wells:

• Forgiving of over-wicking
• Easier initial wicking attempts

Good Documentation:

• Manufacturer tutorials available
• Active community support
• Examples: GeekVape Zeus RTA, Hellvape MD RTA

For your very first build, start with an RDA. Easier wicking, immediate feedback, and no risk of leaking while learning.

Your First Build: Single Round Wire Coil

Let's build a classic single round wire coil—the foundation of all coil building.

Target Specifications

• Wire: 24AWG Kanthal A1
• Diameter: 3mm
• Wraps: 6-7 wraps
• Expected Resistance: 0.40-0.50Ω
• Recommended Wattage: 35-50W

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

1. Clean, well-lit surface (desk or table)
2. Lay out all tools within easy reach
3. Wash and dry hands thoroughly (oils affect cotton)
4. Ensure adequate lighting (desk lamp ideal)
5. Have e-liquid ready for testing

Step 2: Cut Your Wire

1. Unspool approximately 10-12cm of wire (first builds use more; adjust as you improve)
2. Straighten the wire by gently pulling it taut between thumbs
3. Inspect for kinks or defects (wire should be smooth and consistent)

Step 3: Wrap Your Coil

Using a Coil Jig:

1. Select the 3mm rod on your coil jig
2. Insert wire into the jig's securing slot
3. Rotate the jig handle, keeping tension consistent
4. Count wraps carefully (6-7 wraps)
5. Release coil from jig

Using a Screwdriver/Rod (Manual Method):

1. Hold 3mm rod in your non-dominant hand
2. Anchor the wire: Leave 5-6mm straight leg, then begin wrapping
3. First wrap: Place wire against rod at 90-degree angle
4. Wrap tightly clockwise (or counter-clockwise—be consistent)
5. Keep wraps touching (contact coil) or evenly spaced (spaced coil)—contact is easier for beginners
6. Maintain tension throughout—wraps should be snug but not deformed
7. Count wraps: 6-7 complete wraps
8. Finish with straight leg matching the starting leg length

Common Mistakes:

• ❌ Wraps too loose (gaps between wraps)
• ❌ Wraps overlapping each other
• ❌ Inconsistent spacing
• ❌ Wire kinked or bent during wrapping
• ✅ Even, tight, uniform wraps

Step 4: Inspect Your Coil

Before installation:

1. View from side: Coil should look like a perfect spring
2. View from top: Wraps should be concentric circles
3. Check for gaps: Contact coils have no gaps; spaced coils have even gaps
4. Straight legs: Both legs should extend straight from coil
5. No crossed wires: Wraps shouldn't cross over each other

If coil is imperfect: Unwrap and try again. Practice makes perfect—your third attempt will be better than your first.

Step 5: Install the Coil

Preparation:

1. Disassemble your RDA completely
2. Clean build deck with tissue
3. Ensure posts are accessible
4. Identify positive and negative posts

Installation Process:

1. Loosen post screws (don't remove completely)
2. Insert coil legs into posts:
   • Most RDAs: one leg in each post
   • Some designs vary—consult manual
3. Position coil centrally above airflow
4. Tighten post screws firmly (secure but not stripped)
5. Trim excess wire legs flush with posts using flush-cut wire cutters
6. Check for shorts: Coil shouldn't touch deck, posts (except connection points), or cap

Step 6: Mount on Ohm Meter or Mod

1. Attach RDA to ohm meter or regulated mod
2. Power on device
3. Read resistance display:
   • Expected: 0.40-0.50Ω
   • If significantly different: check connections, recount wraps
   • If "Short" or "Atomiser Short": coil is touching something it shouldn't
   • If "Open" or very high (>2.0Ω): poor connection, tighten screws

Step 7: Dry Burn and Adjust

Dry burning heats the coil without cotton to:

• Burn off manufacturing oils and residues
• Identify hot spots (uneven heating)
• Work out wire memory
• Ensure even glow

Process:

1. Set wattage low (15-20W for this coil)
2. Pulse fire button in 1-2 second bursts (don't hold continuously)
3. Watch coil heat:
   • Ideal: Coil glows evenly from inside out
   • Problem: One section glows before others (hot spot)
4. Let cool between pulses (5-10 seconds)
5. Repeat 3-4 times to remove oils

Eliminating Hot Spots:

If coil glows unevenly:

1. Let coil cool completely
2. Use ceramic tweezers to gently compress wraps together
3. Strum the coil lightly with tweezers (like guitar string)
4. Fire again at low wattage
5. Repeat until glow is even

Final check: Coil should glow evenly from inside outward, all wraps heating simultaneously at 20W.

Step 8: Prepare Your Cotton

Selecting Cotton Amount:

• Too much: Difficult to pull through, dry hits
• Too little: Flooding, spitting, leaking
• Just right: Slight resistance when pulling through

Process:

1. Wash and dry hands again (critical for cotton)
2. Pull off a strip of cotton approximately 5-6cm long
3. Twist one end into a tight point (threading needle)
4. Roll gently between fingers to compact slightly
5. Test fit: Should slide through coil with slight resistance

The Scottish Roll Method (Alternative):

1. Tear cotton strip, lay flat
2. Roll tightly lengthwise
3. Twist ends
4. Creates denser, longer-lasting wick
5. Slightly advanced—try after first few builds

Step 9: Wick Your Coil

1. Thread cotton through coil:
   • Insert twisted end through centre
   • Pull gently until equal cotton on both sides
   • Should feel snug but not force
2. Position cotton: Centre coil on cotton
3. Trim cotton legs:
   • Cut at angle for easier tucking
   • Length: Should just touch build deck (not too short, not bunched up)
4. Fluff cotton ends:
   • Gently separate fibres
   • Creates better surface area for e-liquid absorption
5. Tuck cotton into juice wells (RDA) or wicking ports (RTA)

Common Wicking Mistakes:

• ❌ Cotton too tight (dry hits, burnt taste)
• ❌ Cotton too loose (flooding, spitting)
• ❌ Cotton too long (blocks airflow, choking)
• ❌ Cotton too short (doesn't reach e-liquid)
• ✅ Snug fit, appropriate length, fluffed ends

Step 10: Prime and Test

Priming:

1. Drip e-liquid directly onto cotton until saturated
2. Drip e-liquid on coil itself (3-5 drops)
3. Let sit for 2-3 minutes (cotton fully absorbs)
4. Check from below: Cotton should be visibly wet but not dripping

First Fire:

1. Start at low wattage (25-30W for this build)
2. Take gentle test puffs
3. Listen: Should hear gentle crackling, not violent popping
4. Taste: Should taste clean, not burnt
5. Gradually increase wattage to your preference (35-50W typical)

Success indicators:

• ✅ Smooth, warm vapour
• ✅ Good flavour (taste your e-liquid clearly)
• ✅ No spitting or flooding
• ✅ Even heating sensation
• ✅ Adequate cloud production

Problem indicators:

• ❌ Burnt taste (wick too tight, insufficient saturation, or wattage too high)
• ❌ Muted flavour (wick too loose, wattage too low)
• ❌ Excessive spitting (too much e-liquid, wick too loose)
• ❌ Dry hits (wick too tight, insufficient e-liquid)

Step 11: Reassemble and Enjoy

1. Reattach RDA cap ensuring proper alignment
2. Adjust airflow to preference (start half-open, adjust from there)
3. Take a few gentle primer puffs without firing
4. Begin vaping at your determined wattage
5. Monitor performance for first 10-15 puffs

Congratulations—you've built your first coil!

Troubleshooting Common First-Build Problems

Problem: Resistance Reading is Unstable or Jumping

Causes:

• Loose post screws
• Wire leg not making solid contact
• Debris in post holes

Solutions:

• Tighten all screws firmly
• Remove coil, clean posts, reinstall
• Ensure wire legs are straight and fully inserted

Problem: "Atomiser Short" Error

Causes:

• Coil touching build deck
• Coil touching chamber walls
• Trimmed leg touching post incorrectly

Solutions:

• Visually inspect all points
• Adjust coil position higher/lower
• Ensure no wire scraps remain on deck
• Check cap isn't pushing coil down

Problem: Burnt Taste Immediately

Causes:

• Insufficient wicking/priming
• Wick too tight
• Wattage too high

Solutions:

• Re-saturate cotton generously
• Rewick with slightly less cotton
• Reduce wattage by 5-10W

Problem: Flooding/Gurgling

Causes:

• Wick too loose
• Excessive e-liquid
• Wattage too low

Solutions:

• Rewick with more cotton
• Clear excess liquid from airflow
• Increase wattage slightly

Problem: Uneven Glow/Hot Spots Persist

Causes:

• Wraps not touching evenly
• Wire defect or kink
• Inadequate strumming/adjustment

Solutions:

• Pinch coil tighter with ceramic tweezers
• Strum more aggressively
• Rebuild if wire is damaged

Problem: Weak Vapour Production

Causes:

• Resistance too high
• Wattage too low
• Airflow too restricted

Solutions:

• Verify resistance reading
• Increase wattage gradually
• Open airflow more

Maintaining Your Build

Coils last 2-4 weeks with proper maintenance:

Daily Maintenance

After Each Vaping Session:

• Check e-liquid level (RDAs need frequent dripping)
• Wipe down exterior if e-liquid leaked

Weekly Maintenance

Every 5-7 Days:

1. Remove cotton completely
2. Dry burn coil at low wattage (15-20W)
3. Rinse under warm water whilst pulsing (coil cools rapidly)
4. Final dry burn to remove water
5. Re-wick with fresh cotton

This extends coil life significantly.

Monthly Maintenance (or When Needed)

Replace Coil When:

• Resistance changes significantly
• Coil won't clean properly
• Wire shows physical damage
• Flavour consistently muted despite cleaning

Progressing Beyond Your First Build

Once comfortable with basic round wire coils:

Next Steps

1. Dual Coil Builds

• Two identical coils in same RDA
• Halves resistance
• Increases vapour production
• More wicking challenges

2. Different Wire Materials

Stainless Steel 316L (SS316L):

• Can be used in wattage or temperature control mode
• Lower resistance than Kanthal
• Slightly faster ramp-up time
• More expensive

Nichrome 80 (Ni80):

• Lower resistance than Kanthal
• Faster heating
• Cannot use temperature control
• Slightly higher cost

Nickel 200 (Ni200) or Titanium (Ti):

• Temperature control only (never wattage mode—dangerous)
• Specialized applications
• Not recommended for beginners

3. Spaced Coils

• Even gaps between wraps
• Eliminates hot spots naturally
• Slightly different flavour profile
• Easier in some ways than contact coils

4. Advanced Wire Types (After Mastery)

Clapton Wire:

• Core wire wrapped with thinner outer wire
• Dramatically increased surface area
• Superior flavour
• Higher mass requires more power

Fused Clapton:

• Multiple core wires with outer wrap
• Exceptional flavour and vapour
• Complex to build (or buy pre-made)

Alien, Staple, Framed Staple:

• Highly advanced exotic coils
• Incredible performance
• Buy pre-made initially
• Learn to build after significant experience

Safety Reminders

Coil building is safe when done properly:

Essential Safety Practices

1. Always Check Resistance:

• Before first fire
• After any adjustments
• If performance changes
• Use reliable ohm meter or mod

2. Know Your Battery Limits:

• Understand continuous discharge rating (CDR)
• Calculate safe resistance minimums
• Use battery safety calculators
• Never exceed limits

3. Ensure Proper Connections:

• Tighten screws firmly
• Check for loose leads
• Inspect regularly

4. Use Quality Materials:

• Purchase wire from reputable sources
• Use authentic cotton
• Avoid unknown wire compositions

5. Work Cleanly:

• Remove all wire scraps from build deck
• Keep workspace organised
• Don't rush

6. Start Conservative:

• Build higher resistance initially
• Use lower wattages when testing
• Increase gradually as confidence builds

The Economic and Satisfaction Benefits

Let's revisit the cost savings with real numbers:

Three-Month Comparison

Pre-Built Coils (Average User):

• R50 per coil × 12 coils = R600
• Plus: Frustration when sold out, limited customisation

DIY Coil Building:

• Wire spool: R80 (lasts 40+ coils)
• Cotton pack: R50 (lasts 50+ wicks)
• Tool investment: R400 (one-time, lasts years)
• Three months: R530 total (including tools), then R15-20 per month ongoing

Savings after first three months: R70 Savings months 4-12: R550+ Annual ongoing savings: R1,800+

Beyond money, you gain:

• Complete control over your vaping experience
• Pride in your craftsmanship
• Problem-solving skills
• Community connection
• Self-sufficiency

Joining the Builder Community

You're now part of a global community:

Online Resources

YouTube Channels:

• Vaping Bogan (entertaining, informative)
• GrimmGreen (comprehensive tutorials)
• Jai Haze (advanced builds)
• RiP Trippers (energetic, detailed)

Forums and Communities:

• Reddit: r/electronic_cigarette, r/Coilporn
• Facebook Groups: Coil Building Communities
• VapingSA (South African forum)

Tools and Calculators:

• Steam-Engine.org (resistance calculator)
• Coil.Art (building guide)
• OhmSlawCalculator.com (safety)

Local Resources

Visit Downtown Vapoury locations for:

• In-person demonstrations
• Tool and material purchases
• Community meetups
• Troubleshooting assistance
• Advanced techniques

Conclusion: You're a Builder Now

You've just completed something many vapers never attempt: building your first coil from scratch. That coil may not be perfect—first builds rarely are—but it's yours. You created it, installed it, and vaped on it successfully.

Each subsequent build will be easier, faster, and better. The wraps will be neater, the wicking more intuitive, the results more consistent. Before long, you'll be building coils in minutes without conscious thought, achieving performance that surpasses anything you could buy pre-made.

Coil building isn't just a cost-saving measure or a hobby—it's a fundamental shift in your relationship with vaping. You're no longer dependent on manufacturers or retailers for your vaping experience. You're self-sufficient, knowledgeable, and empowered.

Welcome to the builder community. Your journey has just begun.

Now, go build your second coil—it'll be even better than your first.

---

Downtown Vapoury stocks everything aspiring coil builders need: wire in multiple gauges and materials, organic cotton, building tools, ohm meters, and beginner-friendly RDAs and RTAs. Our knowledgeable staff can demonstrate building techniques in-store and recommend the right starting equipment for your needs. Visit any of our South African locations or browse our online selection to begin your building journey.