E-file bits are made from different materials, come in different shapes, sizes and styles and have different purposes and benefits, says Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education.
There are some bits which must only be used for certain techniques, otherwise it is down to preference. But it can be hard to tell the difference between some bits and when one is priced at £5 and another at £20, it can be tempting to purchase the cheaper bit. However, the quality of the bit is essential to prevent damage and to make your work easier.
Poor quality vs high-quality diamond particle application.
E-file bits have developed over time to become more specialised, beginning with the mandrel bits that were first used in the 1980s – when nail techs started using woodworking tools such as the Dremel to shape enhancements. Soon, the first dedicated E-files were developed, with aesthetically pleasing designs and greater control over RPM (revolutions per minute: the speed of the E-file when the bit is spinning in the handpiece.)
E-file bits come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common are barrel, cone, cuticle cleaner, safety, flame, ball and 5-in-1.
Most bits are made of a hard material, such as stainless steel or tungsten carbide steel, and it is recommended to use single-piece bits for stability and to avoid shearing. Some will come with an additional coating, such as diamond for hardness or a cosmetic colouring.
The head of the bit will be either machined or coated. Machined bits have grooves cut into them at different angles and depths, to simulate the grit of a sanding band. The deeper the cut and wider the gap between the cuts, the courser the grit. Coated bits will have a material such as diamond grit applied to the head. This allows for a very fine grit.
Some bits are designed to be used in one direction. For example, left-handed bits have cuts machined at an angle to the shaft, meaning they will work better in one direction. For most nail techs, these are unnecessary and the standard, bi-directional bits work for all.
Let’s delve into which E-file bit to use for each technique and why…
Carbide bits
Carbide bits are strong, durable and usually made from tungsten carbide metal, which is twice as strong and dense as steel. They are ideal for tasks like removing acrylic, builder gel and gel polish and cutting/shaping. Carbide bits are designed to be long-lasting and have flute-like cuts on them. These enable the bit to shave product off and not scratch it like diamond bits, which would be ineffective in reducing bulk.
Carbide bits.
Carbide bits usually come in a variety of grits ranging from XXF to XXC. The grit scale is determined by the flutes or teeth on the bit. Deep and large flutes create a coarser grit, while shallower flutes commonly indicate a finer grit. Some bits like a 5-in-1 bit will have more than one grit per bit. For example, a fine-grit 5-in-1 bit will have XXF, XF and F. You can measure the grit of a nail bit by the number of abrasive particles per square inch. The more particles, the smaller they are.
Carbide bits should be used at a speed of 15-30,000 RPM, depending on technique, and can be easily cleaned, disinfected and sterilised.
Mandrel bits
Mandrel bits, made of rubber or metal, are designed to be used in tandem with sanding bands. These bands are ideal for refining, natural nail prep, removing gel polish and performing pedicures. You can work with a mandrel bit only after slipping it into the sanding band. The sanding band is made of sandpaper, like a nail file, and needs to be replaced after being used on a client. Mandrel bits should be used at 1-7,000RPM on the natural nail and 7-20,000RPM on enhancements.
KB Mini Mandrel and KB Mini Sanding Band.
Ceramic bits
Ceramic bits, like carbide bits, are very durable but they are not as effective. Some are only ceramic coated, so will not last as long. This type of bit is often used to remove bulk and sometimes designed for cuticle work. Ceramic bits can help reduce heat created by an E-file, however with correct technique, speed and pressure, this should not be any issue with any E-file bit.
Like carbide bits, ceramic bits can have flute-like cuts, which help them to shave off product quicker. You can find ceramic bits in several grits, such as medium-coarse and fine-coarse. They should be used at 10-25RPM, depending on technique. Ceramic bits can be cleaned and disinfected, but not sterilised.
Ceramic E-file bits.
Diamond bits
Diamond bits are intended to scratch off residue, debris and product buildup on nails, instead of shaving it off, like ceramic and carbide bits. They are typically made of synthetic or natural diamond particles, and are strong and long-lasting. Diamond bits tend to have a stainless steel core, then the diamond particles are added to the head. Low-cost diamond bits may remove product unevenly, however you won’t have this problem with higher-priced diamond bits, which are often of higher quality.
A diamond bit before diamond particles have been attached.
Diamond bits come in a variety of grits from fine to extra coarse, but as these are usually used on the cuticle area and skin, fine to medium-grit is the most that should be used for this. These bits should be used at 5-15,000PRM. Just like ceramic and carbide bits, diamond bits can be cleaned, disinfected and sterilised.
Silicone bits
Silicone bits can be used for polishing the skin or nail, whether it is the natural nail or an enhancement. They should be used at around 25RPM when polishing. They can be sanitised, but not disinfected or sterilised.
KB The Lucy Silicone Polishing Bit.
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