510 Thread Batteries Explained: Voltage, Preheat and Picking One
510 batteries are everywhere, and for good reason: they’re small, simple and work with a huge range of cartridges. But between voltage settings, preheat and a dozen different shapes, picking one can feel like more work than it should be. Here’s a quick, hardware-only guide to the 510 thread battery.
What Does 510 Thread Mean?
“510” is the name of the threaded connection where the cartridge screws onto the battery. It’s become the industry standard, so most cartridges labeled 510 will fit most 510 batteries. That’s the whole appeal: one battery, lots of options.
Some batteries use a magnetic adapter ring instead of screwing straight on. You screw the ring onto the cartridge, then it snaps into the battery. Same thread, just easier swaps.
Variable Voltage: Low, Medium, High
Most 510 batteries let you pick from a few voltage settings, usually by clicking the button a few times.
- Low: cooler, smoother hits and the most flavor. A good place to start.
- Medium: a balance of flavor and vapor.
- High: warmer and bigger hits, but it can taste harsh and wears cartridges out faster.
Tip: start low and work your way up. If a hit tastes harsh or burnt, drop the voltage.
What Is Preheat?
Preheat warms the cartridge at a low setting for a few seconds before you take a hit. It’s handy when it’s cold out or when a cartridge feels clogged or slow to draw. On most batteries, you activate it with a double-click. Check your battery’s instructions, since button patterns vary by brand.
Stick vs. Box Style
Stick (Pen) Batteries
The classic. Slim, light and easy to pocket. Some have a twist dial on the bottom for dialing in voltage. Examples we carry: the Cartisan Ego Twist 1300, Ooze Sim Twist 2.0 and Pro Pen NEO 900. Bigger batteries like the Ego Twist 1300 last longer between charges.
Box and Palm Batteries
Small, flat or rounded batteries that hide the cartridge inside or hold it securely. They’re discreet, sturdy and often have bigger batteries. Popular picks include the Yocan Flat Mini, Yocan Flat SLM, Yocan Kodo Plus, Blinksy and Ooze Tanker. We also carry fun novelty designs like the Lookah Guitar.
How to Pick Your 510 Battery
- Want something simple and pocketable? Go stick style.
- Want discreet and durable? Go box or palm style.
- Use different cartridges? Pick one with variable voltage and preheat.
- Use it all day? Look for a higher mAh rating and USB-C charging.
Battery Care Tips
- Don’t leave it charging overnight or in a hot car.
- Keep the threads clean with a dry cotton swab.
- Don’t over-tighten the cartridge. Snug is enough.
- Use the charger that came with it, or a quality USB-C cable.
Running a mod with removable cells too? Read 18650 and 21700 Battery Safety. Browse all of our 510 Batteries online.
510 Thread Battery FAQ
Most do, since 510 is the standard thread. Very wide cartridges may not fit inside some box-style batteries, so check the opening size.
Start on the lowest setting and turn it up only if you want bigger hits. Lower voltage is smoother and easier on the cartridge.
It warms the cartridge at a low setting for a few seconds, which helps when it’s cold or the draw feels clogged.
It depends on the battery size and how often you use it. Higher mAh batteries last longer between charges.
For adults 21+ only. 510 batteries are sold for legal use only.