A nail drill bit is the cutting head that fits into an e-file: carbide bits remove and shape product, diamond bits clean the cuticle area, and mandrels hold sanding bands. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks carbide, diamond and ceramic bits, mandrels and sanding bands from ONME, Startool, Medicool, Berkeley and DND, most on the standard 3/32" shank.
Types of nail drill bits
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Large barrel carbide | Removing acrylic, builder gel and tips, and shaping across the whole nail surface. | ONME CY XC 7632, ONME CY C 7632, ONME CY M 7632, ONME XC 168, ONME C 055, Startool Round Top Large Barrel 4X Coarse |
| Multi-purpose carbide | Removing product and shaping with one bit, without changing heads. | ONME 2 Way M 914 (5-in-1), Startool All in 1 Fine, Startool All in 1 Medium, Startool All in 1 Coarse |
| Carbide flame and cone (2 Way) | Cleaning along the cuticle line and sidewalls and removing overflow gel, in forward or reverse. | ONME 2 Way M 156 (cone), ONME 2 Way M 468 (flame), ONME 2 Way C 467 (flame) |
| Diamond cuticle bits | Prep around the cuticle and sidewalls, where the bit works close to the natural nail. | ONME CY M 060 (flame), ONME CY M 350 (inverted cone), ONME M 320 (flame), ONME 2 Way M 310 (ball) |
| Mandrels and sanding bands | Using single-use sanding bands for gel removal, shaping and prep. | ONME Mini Mandrel 0031, ONME Mini Mandrel 0033, ONME Mandrel 551, Startool LOXO Mandrel, Neon pink mini sanding bands #200 |
How to choose a nail drill bit
- Grit by job. Coarse grits (C to 4XC) remove acrylic and builder gel, medium and fine bits remove gel colour, and extra-fine bits work next to the natural nail. Read the letters on the bit; collar colours differ between brands.
- Carbide or diamond. Carbide cuts product quickly. Startool advises that its carbide bits never go on the natural nail, while diamond bits can.
- 2 Way bits cut in forward and reverse, so one bit works for left- and right-handed techs and on both of a client's hands.
- Keep them sorted. A 48-hole bit holder and a bit cleaning brush keep bits in order and free of dust between clients.
Related: Nail e-files, Sanding bands, Nail dust collectors, Storage & organizers, All e-files & bits
Guides
Nail drill bit FAQ
Can I use a carbide bit on the natural nail?
Startool, for one, says its carbide bits should never touch the natural nail; diamond bits can. Use carbide to remove and shape acrylic, builder gel and gel colour, then switch to a diamond or extra-fine bit with light pressure once you are close to the natural nail plate.
What does 2 Way mean on a drill bit?
A 2 Way bit is cut to work smoothly with the drill running forward or in reverse. The same bit then works for left- and right-handed techs and on both of a client's hands without changing bits. ONME 2 Way bits have "2 Way" in the product name.
How do I clean nail drill bits between clients?
Brush the dust out of the flutes with a bit cleaning brush, wash the bits with soap and water, then rinse, dry and disinfect them as your local public health rules require. Store clean bits in a closed holder, not loose on the table. Sanding bands are single-use: throw them away after each client.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.