The Guide to Nail Drill Bits. Everything You Need to Know About Nail Drill Bits. Buying Guide, Care, Safety and More 

What is a nail drill bit?

A nail drill bit is a nail filing tool used to help with the shaping, removal or exfoliation of artificial or natural nails. A nail bit has two parts, an elongated shaft and the head. The shaft is inserted into the hand piece of your e-file, and the head is what does the actual work on your nails. There are different types of nail bits; some have curved or pointed heads, while others have square heads.

What materials are nail bits made of?

Nail bits come in a wide range of materials, but the most common ones are made out of diamond, carbide, ceramic or fabric sanding bands/mandrel.

The basic Mandrel bit/Sanding bands

Mandrel bits are usually made of metal or rubber and used to hold onto sanding bands.

Sanding bands are made out of fabric and can't be disinfected. For this reason they are only used once and disposed of after each client. Color removal is a common use for sanding bands.

Carbide bits are made out of carbide metal. They are not to be used on natural nails but are ideal for removing and shaping nail enhancements since they scoop away product more quickly. These tools should be used at a high RPM and are designed for 1 direction use. Left-handed technicians should look for left-hand specific carbide bits. 

Diamond bits are made out of diamonds and work by scratching or exfoliating product or skin. They are very durable and ideal for dry manicure cuticle work. Many companies may call their bits ‘diamond’, however, are actually made with glass, crystal, or other synthetic materials. Erica’s 100% natural diamond bits allow for better and longer lasting use.

Ceramic bits are nail drill bits coated in ceramics and have fluted teeth. They scoop away product in a similar style as carbide bits.

What's the different usage of every shape of drill bits?

Overview of Nail Drill Bits

Mandrel Bits & Sanding Bands

You use the mandrel bit with sanding bands of different grits. They come in different abrasiveness such as fine, medium and coarse, depending on what you want to use them for. Sanding bands are suitable for beginners and ideal for removing the shine off of the nail prior to product application. Unlike the other kinds of nail bits, sanding bands are single-use products. Shop Mandrel. Shop sanding bands.

Barrel Bits

Barrels are used for removal or shaping all different types of nail products such as gel, acrylic, polygel, or dip. This shape has a flat top, making it ideal for shortening and shaping artificial nails to your preferred length. You can also use the top edge to tap out lifted product or create smile lines. Shop diamond barrel bits. Shop carbide barrels bits.

Needle Bits

Because of their very pointed and slim needle-like shape, they are the best choice for narrow spots such as the nail sidewalls. They are also can make a design with a hole on your fingernails for dangle artwork and charms! Shop Detail bit.

Cone Bits

Shaped like a cone, these bits are an excellent match for shaping acrylics or gel nails, and even exfoliating cuticles. Because of their unique form, they really complement your natural nail curve. Shop Cone bit.

Ball bits

Nail drill bits that come in this ball shape on top are just perfect for cuticle exfoliation! Once the cuticle has been lifted up and off the nail plate, gently trace the skirt of cuticle with the ball bit. Depending on the skin type, this can replace using cuticle nippers. It is also great for removing and exfoliating hard skin around the finger tips for a smoother result. Shop Ball bits.

Flame Bits

The flame bit is typically used as a second step, making it perfect for cleaning around the nail plate and refining the cuticle area. It helps create a neat cuticle pocket, allowing you to push gel color further onto the nail plate. Its small size also makes it great for working on sidewalls and corners. Shop Flame bits.

Safety bits

Safety bits feature a rounded, smooth top, allowing you to e-file near the cuticle and skin with confidence. Perfect for beginners, they provide a safer experience, making it easier to practice without the risk of cutting live skin. Shop Safety bits.

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Practicing the drill bit on your nails

Before trying an e-file on your own nails, it’s important to educate yourself on what drill bits you use on nails to ensure the best results and prevent any unwanted outcomes or even injuries. Reading the nail bit description will help you understand each bit's purpose and recommended RPM. Understanding how to use a nail drill without damaging nails is key to mastering the technique. Always maintain a gentle grip on the e-file hand piece and rest your operating hand on a surface—never file freestyle without support, as this ensures both safety and precision.

Practicing on yourself allows you to provide the best care and treatment for your clients, as you experience everything firsthand. It also helps you identify areas for improvement and gives you extra practice to refine your skills while learning the best ways to use each drill bit effectively.

You can also opt to purchase or create your own practice nail trainer hand! In this YouTube video I share my honest opinion on the different practice hands and even show how you can make your own with items from around the house!

How do I choose a nail drill bit?

Each nail drill bit has its own unique advantages and specific uses in your manicure or pedicure. The choice of bit depends on the particular step or task you want to perform on your nails!

With your electric nail file, you can …

• Shorten your nails
• Shape your nails
• Smooth or scratch nail surfaces
• Remove overgrown cuticles, calluses, and other imperfections
• Remove your gel or acrylic nails
• Alleviate pressure from ingrown nails
• Prep your natural nails before applying new product
• Smooth the skin surrounding the nails on your hands and feet

And all these different goals are reached with specific nail drill bits to make the process faster and easier on your natural nails!

What do the colors on nail drill bits mean?

The colors on nail drill bits are often used to indicate the abrasiveness of the tool, making it easier to select the right bit for different tasks. While the color code may vary by manufacturer, it generally serves as a guide for how to tell which drill bit to use based on its level of coarseness.

For example, what is the color code for drill bits at Erica's ATA? For Erica's diamond bits yellow is very fine, red is fine, blue is medium, and green is coarse. The difference between red and blue drill bits is the level of grit: red bits are fine grit, ideal for natural manicures or thinner nails, while blue bits are medium grit and better suited for nail prepping and exfoliating. By understanding the color key and the abrasiveness, you can choose the appropriate drill bit for your specific nail care needs.

Nail Bits for specific applications

Nail bits to remove gel polishes: GEL POLISH REMOVAL KIT Remove product fast! Easily remove gel polish, hard gel, structured gel, or acrylic with the popular Gel X carbide bit. If you're wondering which nail drill bit to remove gel, the Gel X is perfect for the job. Use the diamond Lg Barrel to remove lifting or product near the cuticle area. The Safety Sciver is a dry mani bit that efficiently cleans up the cuticles and removes the natural shine from the nail plate, prepping it perfectly for product application! Gel X Lg Diamond Barrel (medium) Safety Sciver (medium)

Nail bits best for acrylics: ACRYLIC KIT Quickly remove acrylic with the carbide barrel. Then shape new product with the diamond barrel and refine it with the the Acrylic Shaper. Its perfect for thinning down the product near the cuticle, so you have a smooth transition as the nail grows out. Finally, use the Safety Sciver for cuticle work and nail prep! Lg Carbide Barrel (medium) Acrylic Shaper Lg Diamond Barrel (coarse) Safety Sciver (medium)

Nail bits for dipping powder nails and enhancements: NAIL BIT ESSENTIAL KIT The ultimate bit kit you need to accomplish all your manicure services. Our affiliates intentionally selected these 5 bits as their MUST-HAVE tools!  With Erica's Essential Kit, you can remove products, whether gel, acrylic, dip, gel polish, or poly gel, and complete your nail prep, cuticle care, and shaping with high-quality bits to expedite your service time. Gel X Safety Smooth Top Safety Barrel (medium) Long & Lean (medium) Micro Taper (medium) Polisher (very fine)

Nail bits for natural nails: NATURAL NAIL DRY MANI KIT Give your natural nail clients beautiful, healthy cuticles with this dry manicure kit! Using a waterless and chemical-free technique, it gently exfoliates dead tissue from the nail plate. Wondering which nail drill bit is for cuticles? All the bits in this kit are crafted with fine and very fine diamond, ensuring safe and effective exfoliation without causing harm to the nail or surrounding skin. This kit is ideal for sensitive cuticles, thin skin, and clients of all ages! Sm Tapered Barrel (fine) Refine Ball Bit (fine) Polisher (very fine)

Nail drill for left-handed users

There are specifically manufactured nail drill bits for left-hand use, so make sure you check for this option in our shop. We offer this also in some of our nail bit kits, too.

Tell Me The Difference Between The Flame Bits?

We have five types of diamond flame bits and one flame carbide bit: Here's more about them:

• Erica's Flame carbide bit removes gel and enhancements like butter- so smooth and quick! The tapered shape allows for product removal close to the cuticle area. Specialty carbides last longer and do not fill up with debris as quickly as standard carbides. Use this tool at a high RPM. Left-hand option available. View here.
• Erica's Large Flame bit is bigger than the Russian Flame but still allows you to nicely open and clean out the cuticle pocket for a beautiful, tucked product application. Available in fine grit. View here.
• Erica's Russian Flame bit is one of Erica's most popular high-end Dry Manicure / Russian manicure tools. Use it to open and clean the cuticle pocket, allowing you to tuck the color further back onto the nail. Its small size also helps remove excess debris and skin from the nail plate! Available in fine grit. View here.
• Erica's Precision Flame bit is the most pointy of the flame bits Erica's offers. Use for very concise cuticle cleaning. Available in fine and medium grit. View here.
• Erica's Rocket Flame bit is Erica's personal favorite! This shape has a bigger 'belly.' Its size is smaller than the LG Flame but bigger than the Russian Flame bits. Available in fine and medium grit. View here.
• Erica's Soft Flame bit has a beveled tip, making this the ideal flame shape nail bit to begin working with. Available in fine and medium grit. View here.

What nail bits will take off acrylic nails?

To remove acrylic nails, we suggest you use our Gel X specialty carbide bit! We call this our go-to removal bit as it is one of the most popular bits for product removal! The unique cutting flutes remove gel polish quickly without damaging the hard gel or acrylic or underneath. It can be used on enhancements, structure base, or double base manicures. Specialty carbides last longer and do not fill up with debris as quickly as standard carbide bits.

Tell me all about the safety tool?

Safety nail drill bits come with a smooth rounded top. They allow you to cut close to the cuticle and skin with confidence when filing near live tissue. This way you can efile with more confidently with the added safety feature.

How do nail drills work?

Nail drills, electric nail files, or e-files are tools used to file or exfoliate your fingernails or toenails. When paired with professional nail drill bits, which are inserted into the hand piece, these tools can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for manual hand filing. A wide variety of nail bits are available to perform different tasks, such as removing product, exfoliating the cuticle, reducing calluses, shaping product, and much more! Trying to figure out how to choose the right nail drill can be tricky with so many options, but we've taken out the guess work and fully trust the Medicool 35K.

How much do nail bits cost?

This depends on the quality of the nail bit and the material that it is made out of. High quality bits will last longer and work more efficiently- saving you time and money. We recommend Erica's Nail Essential Kit to get you started with your first efile bits!

Nail Bit cleaning tips

Make sure to clean and disinfect nail drill bits after each client! We have a tutorial on Youtube How to clean nail bits, explaining everything you need to know.

How often should a bit get replaced?

Erica's nail bits last 150-300 services. The smaller the bit, the sooner it will need to be replaced because of its smaller surface area.

The best type of nail drill bits

Every nail technician or manicurist has their preferred nail bits. Generally, choosing a high-quality set is the best way to ensure optimal results for you, your salon, and your clients. This choice will save both time and money in the long run. Shop nail professional's most loved bits.

Tell me the main use of nail drill bits?

Nail drill bits are tools used with an electric nail file to perform various manicure or pedicure services.

Can Nail Drill Bits be sharpened?

No, nail drill bits cannot be sharpened. Once they dull down, they need to be thrown away and replaced. Dull bits will lead to friction and heat, creating an unpleasant experience for both you and your client.

Nail Drill Bit safety / safety tips for Nail Drill Bits

Make sure that the nail drill bits you want to use are suited for the type of nail or product type in which you want to use them for.

Each nail drill bit has its limits, and it’s important to respect those. What works on artificial nails can be too harsh for natural nails, and some bits aren’t ideal for cuticle work and could harm your nail plate. Always do your research before using any tool to avoid injury, and remember to be gentle when treating yourself to a manicure or pedicure with our most popular nail bits!

An electric nail file allows you to create a gorgeous at-home or salon manicure and pedicure in less time than the classic hand filing. With just a push of a button, you can quickly file, shape, and polish your fingernails and toenails. The repetitive filing movement is eliminated because the machine does all the work. The e-file rotates electronically, and you can regulate the speed and direction of rotation. This makes it way faster than filing your nails by hand- and saves your hands the strain! But an e-file can do much more than only file your nails. It comes with several attachments, called nail drill bits, for the electric nail file. And you can use each nail drill bit for its own specific purposes!

As an extension of the nail file, these special tools, the nail drill bits, can be set at different angles so that you only need one tool instead of two to do all the work. This makes life easier and more efficient.

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