Carbide E-File Bits Explained: How to Choose the Right Carbide Bit for Fast, Safe Removal

Carbides tend to bring up one of two reactions: confidence… or fear.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about which carbide to grab, how fast to run it, or whether you’re doing damage to the natural nail, you’re not alone. Carbides are powerful tools, and when you understand them, they can completely transform your service time, consistency, and confidence behind the table.

In this post, we’re breaking down barrel and flame carbide e-file bits, how they work, how they differ from diamond bits, and how to choose the right one for your service. This guide is designed for professional nail technicians who want faster removal, better control, and safer use of carbide bits—whether you’re new to carbides or refining your technique.

TL;DR: Carbide bits are designed for fast, controlled removal of gel and acrylic—choosing the right shape, grit, RPM, and direction is key to working safely and efficiently.

What is a carbide e-file bit?

Carbide bits are e-file bits designed specifically for removal and debulking of nail enhancements like gel and acrylic. For safety, they should never be used on the natural nail plate or surrounding skin. You’ll find them in a few variations—large or small, tapered or barrel shaped, and smooth or corrugated top—but they all share the same purpose:

• Fast, controlled product removal
• Reducing length FAST
• Reduced hand fatigue
• Clean debulking without compromising the nail plate

Carbide bits shave product away using cutting flutes, not abrasion. That’s why they’re so efficient—and why correct technique matters.

Carbide vs. diamond bits: what’s the difference?

While both carbide and diamond bits are essential tools, they serve very different purposes—and using the wrong one can impact efficiency, safety, and results. Knowing their differences is important at every experience level.

Carbide bits:

• Made of carbide metal
• Designed for removal and shaping of product only
• Cut using flutes that shave product away
• Not for use on the natural nail plate or skin
• Used at higher RPMs
• 20x stronger than steel
• Grit is determined by the depth and spacing of the flutes

Diamond bits:

• Designed for skin exfoliation, cuticle work, and roughing of the natural nail
• Remove material by abrasion (scratching), not cutting
• Used at lower RPMs
• Ideal for prep, cuticle detailing and finishing—not bulk removal
• Available in a wide range of grits for different skin and nail needs

Carbides and diamonds aren’t interchangeable—each is designed for a specific job, and using them correctly is key to working safely and efficiently.

Why quality matters with carbide bits

One of the quickest ways to spot a low-quality carbide? It’s not symmetrical. Asymmetrical bits wobble, create vibration, and make removal uncomfortable for both you and your client. 

Quality carbides are precision-balanced and built with a reinforced pedestal for stability. These design details are what separate professional-grade carbides from lower-quality options.

All Erica’s ATA carbide bits are:

• Made in the USA
• Manufactured with premium materials
• Designed for durability, balance, and consistent cutting
• Created by nail techs, for nail techs

Quality = more control and comfort. More control and comfort = faster services & happier clients.

Directional use: a non-negotiable rule

Carbide bits are directional due to their cutting flutes. Because carbide bits cut using directional flutes, rotation directly affects efficiency, control, and safety.

• Right-handed techs: use carbides in forward, moving right to left or top to bottom of the nail
• Left-handed techs: use carbides in reverse, moving left to right or top to bottom

Using a carbide in the wrong direction reduces efficiency and increases risk. Direction matters.

11 Commonly-Used Carbide Bits (Uses, RPMs & Grit Explained)

Below are some of the most commonly used professional carbide bits, along with recommended RPM ranges and best-use scenarios for each.

Let’s look at 11 essential carbide bits so you know exactly when and how to use each one:

Safety Smooth Top Tapered Barrel

• RPM: 20,000+
• Use: Removal, smoothing, length reduction
• Grits Available: Medium, Coarse
• Pro Tip: Beginner-friendly with improved visibility near sidewalls due to it’s tapered shape and smooth top.

Safety Smooth Top Barrel

• RPM: 20,000+
• Use: Removal, smoothing, length reduction
• Grits Available: Medium, Coarse
• Pro Tip: Excellent confidence-builder for new techs - you can work close to the cuticle and sidewalls with confidence due to it’s smooth top. Includes left-hand option.

Small Barrel

• RPM: 20,000+
• Use: Removal, smoothing, length reduction
• Grits Available: Medium, Coarse
• Pro Tip: Ideal for smaller or flatter nail beds or toes. Beginner-friendly.

Large Barrel

• RPM: 20,000+
• Use: Removal, smoothing, length reduction
• Grits Available: Medium, Coarse
• Pro Tip: Perfect for fast debulking on structured services. Great for confident techs who want maximum cutting surface area. Beginner-friendly.

Gel-X

• Specialty Carbide
• RPM: 25,000+
• Use: Removal, length reduction
• Pro Tip: Designed specifically for efficient structured gel in-fill services. Scoops away top coat and color layers FAST.

Gel-X

• Specialty Carbide
• RPM: 18-25,000
• Use: Removal, length reduction
• Pro Tip: Designed specifically to be used with gel tip systems like Gel-X or Gelip. Left-hand option available.

Shaper

• Specialty Carbide
• RPM: 20,000+
• Use: Smoothing
• Pro Tip: Use to refine and smooth product after application to get the perfect sculpted shape. Beginner-friendly.

Flame

• Specialty Carbide
• RPM: 20,000+
• Use: Removal, Smoothing, length reduction
• Pro Tip: Offers precision removal with superior visibility due to a narrower profile and tapered tip. Left-hand option available.

Piranha

• Specialty Carbide
• RPM: 20,000+
• Use: Removal
• Pro Tip: Aggressive and efficient for experienced techs. Especially good for removing thick 3d and encapsulated designs. Left-hand option available.

Uh-Oh

• Specialty Carbide
• RPM: ~12,000
• Use: Refinement
• Pro Tip: Designed for removing cured flooded product from the cuticle or side walls.

Under Nail Cleaner

• Specialty Carbide
• RPM: ~20,000
• Use: Refinement, Smoothing
• Pro Tip: Designed for removing excess cured product from under the nail to create a beautiful c-curve safely and efficiently.

To explore these options further, view our full lineup of professional carbide e-file bits.

Common questions about Carbide e-file bits

Can carbide bits damage natural nails?

When used correctly, carbide bits remove enhancement product efficiently without damaging the natural nail. Damage typically comes from improper pressure, RPM, or technique—not the bit itself.

What RPM should I use with carbide bits?

Most carbide bits perform best between 18,000–25,000 RPM depending on the bit design and service. Always adjust speed based on control, pressure, and product thickness.

Are carbide bits safe for beginners?

Yes—when beginner-friendly designs like smooth-top barrels are used with proper education and technique. We always recommend practicing on tips or false-hands when starting your carbide journey.

Learn to use carbides with confidence

Carbides shouldn’t feel intimidating. With the right knowledge and technique, they should feel empowering.

Inside Bits 101, Erica teaches:

• How to choose the right carbide for each service
• Proper RPMs and pressure
• When to switch tools for safety
• How to work faster without sacrificing nail integrity

Ready to learn from the pros with a library of easy-to-follow tutorials? 👉 Sign up for Bits 101 to start using carbides with confidence.