There are so many different ones! Diamond, carbide, ceramic, sanding bands, and more, all in varying shapes. Use the wrong ones and prep isn’t clean or nails are too worked over. But all you need for success is just a little information. Let’s talk about how to choose the right nail drill bits. This guide walks you through selecting the correct bits for the job at hand so you can work faster, safer, and with confidence.
How to Choose the Right Nail Drill Bits
Sanding Bands and Mandrel Bits for Removal
Mandrels are smooth, barrel-shaped bits made to hold sanding bands. The bands come in coarse, medium, and fine textures. Coarse bands are labelled with a low number, like 80. Fine grit has a higher number, like 180, or might be labelled “F” for fine. When you see them side by side, it’s easy to tell which are the finer or coarser ones. It’s just like a manual nail file.
If you’re new to using them, start with a finer grit (higher number) to avoid over-filing.
Also, use less pressure, not more, to make the task go more quickly.
Sanding bands for personal use at home can be re-used. However, they are disposable, single-use only in salons because they can’t be properly disinfected.
Use sanding bands to remove the prior gel, dip powder, or acrylic manicure.
Lavis Pink Sanding Bands
Carbide Metal Bits for Removal
You can also use carbide metal bits for product removal. Some are gold, others are silver, and some are even more colorful. Never use carbide bits on natural nails. They are only suitable for removing acrylic, gel, and dip powder manicures. The good news is they are long-lasting and powerful. Plus, they can be cleaned and reused.
If you look closely at a carbide bit, it has tiny teeth that scoop out the product. The coarser the grit, the larger the teeth. They work well at lower speeds and don’t get very hot. Some bits are designed for use in one direction only. Keep that in mind in case you’re left-handed.
4-Piece Everyday Nail Tech Kit
Here’s a set of bits that every nail tech needs. There are four pieces including two carbide bits and two diamond bits.
For fast product removal, use the #34 Carbide 5in1 Drill Bit C. Next, for natural nail prep, use the #89 Drill Bits NIB for precision cuticle cleaning.
Follow up with extra detailing courtesy of the #48 Diamond Cuticle Ball Drill Bit 3mm to polish the fold area.
If you’ve just crafted extensions with builder gel, poly gel, or acrylic, the #07 Carbide Large Barrel Smooth Top Safety Bit M will refine the apex and smooth the overlay.
Here’s another set with carbide and diamond bits so you can see different shapes and purposes. It includes a carbide barrel bit for refining the length and shape of artificial nails. Barrel bits are handy for backfill cutting, but those are usually much shorter in length than this example.
There’s also the same cone bit for product removal we just saw in the prior kit. Notice that there’s a green band on both the one above and this one – it shows you the grit at a glance.
Meanwhile, there’s a blue grit indicator on the needle diamond bit with a medium grit. It’s ideal for cleaning under the nail and along the sidewalls and grooming the cuticles.
3-Piece Essentials Kit (Minimal but Mighty)
Diamond Bits for Natural Nail Care And Russian Manicures
Diamond bits are perfect for waterless manicures. They quickly remove dry skin. Every nail tech doing Russian manicures needs them. Here are a couple examples of various diamond bit shapes.
6-Piece Advanced Artist Kit
This kit covers what a nail artist needs. It covers product removal, nail prep, and bits to refine overlays and extensions.
1. Prep: (Diamond bits)
#89 Flame bit NIB – detailed cuticle prep and piercing nails for jewelry.
#49 Cuticle Ball Drill Bit 3.5mm – clears dead skin and smooth pocket lifting.
2. Refine:
#30 Carbide 5in1 Drill Bit M – refine overlays.
#50 Cuticle Under Nail Cleaner Drill Bit Silver –for under edges of soft gel tips, shaping free edges.
3. Remove:
#44 Carbide Volcano Drill Bit XC – rapid product removal of hard gel and acrylic. Looks like a tapered cone.
#66 High Quality Big Sanding Mandrel + Sanding Band (Medium/Fine) – gentle surface smoothing and natural nail prep (shown without sanding band).
You might’ve noticed that there’s a volcano drill bit in that kit. They have a special cone shape for quick material removal. Moreover, the rounded teeth at the top prevent cuts to the cuticle and gouges in the natural nail.
Safety bits also have rounded tops so that technicians can work close to the cuticle without damaging the skin.
5-Piece Versatile Pro Kit
This kit features everything you need to manage natural nails and structured manicures. Notice the diamond cuticle ball bit (#48) and the diamond spiral bit (#87) for taking care of cuticles.
There’s a tapered barrel with medium grit for refining acrylic or gel near the cuticle and sidewalls. And there’s a carbide five-in-one coarse removal bit for clearing off product.
The final piece is a small sanding mandrel shown without the sanding band. Use a fine grit and buff the natural nail with it.
Here’s another example of a safety bit (#90) with a rounded top. It’s an excellent choice for a beginner but also handy for pros.
What about ceramic bits compared to carbide or diamond? Ceramic bits run cooler even if they don’t last quite as long as carbide bits. Still, you can easily clean and reuse them.
How to Clean and Maintain Nail Drill Bits
After use, remove debris from the drill bits and disinfect them. Make sure they are fully dry before storing them.
Here’s a cheap tool that makes cleanup much faster. It’s a cleaning brush for nail drill bits.
Conclusion
If you have questions about how to choose the right nail drill bits, drop by our store or contact us for more information. Join our Rewards program, take advantage of our sales, and enjoy free shipping to stay on budget. We’re here to help you reach all your nail goals this year!