MBI (Master Beauty Instruments) is a Canadian instrument maker based in Pickering, Ontario that has supplied the nail and beauty trade since 1978. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks 38 MBI tools in Markham, Ontario: cuticle nippers, pedicure and ingrown nail nippers, cuticle pushers, tweezers, foot files, nail clippers, metal nail files and a tip cutter.
MBI states that its stainless steel instruments are surgical grade, can be chemically sterilized or autoclaved, and carry a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects. The tables below list every MBI tool we carry by model number, using the names and sizes from MBI's own catalogue.
MBI cuticle nippers
In MBI codes, S means single spring and D means double spring. Each model comes in more than one jaw length.
| Model | Length | Handle | Spring | Jaw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBI-103D | 4" | Standard handle | Double spring | Full Jaw, 1/2 Jaw, 1/4 Jaw |
| MBI-103S | 4" | Standard handle | Single spring | Full Jaw, 1/2 Jaw, 1/4 Jaw |
| MBI-102S | 4.5" | Medium handle | Single spring | Full Jaw, 1/2 Jaw, 1/4 Jaw |
| MBI-101D | 4.75" | Delicate long handle | Double spring | Full Jaw, 1/2 Jaw, 1/4 Jaw |
| MBI-104D | 4.75" | Handle with safety lock | Double spring | Full Jaw, 1/2 Jaw, 1/4 Jaw |
| MBI-116 1/2 Jaw | 4" | Finger loop (scissor-style) handle | None (scissor action) | 1/2 Jaw |
| MBI-116 1/4 Jaw | 4" | Finger loop (scissor-style) handle | None (scissor action) | 1/4 Jaw |
MBI pedicure and ingrown nail nippers
| Model | Length | Jaw and handle | Spring | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBI 201 | 4.75" | Concave 17 mm jaw, safety lock | Double spring | Thick toenails |
| MBI-209 | 5.5" | Concave jaw, safety lock | Barrel spring | Thick toenails |
| MBI-212 | 5" | Straight pointed jaw, standard size | Double spring | Ingrown toenails |
| MBI-213D | 4" | Ultra fine straight pointed jaw | Double spring | Ingrown corners, tight spaces |
| MBI-215 | 3.5" | Scissor rings, small flat pointed jaw | None (scissor action) | Side nails, ingrown corners |
MBI cuticle pushers
| Model | First end | Second end |
|---|---|---|
| MBI-302 | Scoop cuticle pusher | Ingrown nail lifter |
| MBI-322 | Angled scoop pusher | None (single sided) |
| MBI-327 | Scoop cuticle pusher | Small curved pterygium blade |
| MBI-337 | Medium scoop pusher | Flat edge |
| MBI 340 | Curved scoop cuticle pusher | Fine curved ingrown nail lifter |
| MBI-346 | Small scoop pusher | Knife end |
| MBI-352 | Medium scoop pusher | Angled scalpel |
MBI tweezers and extractors
| Model | Length | Tip | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBI-401-2 | 4" | Slanted, gold colour | Eyebrows |
| MBI-404 | 4" | Pointed claw tip with a slanted edge | Eyebrows: single and bulk hair |
| MBI-405 | 3.5" | Straight, pointed | Electrolysis, stray hairs after waxing |
| MBI-409 | 4.5" | Extra fine needle point, slight angle | Eyelash extensions |
| MBI-410 | 4.5" | Needle point, angled | Eyelash extensions, ingrown hair |
| MBI-412 | 4.5" | Ultra sharp point, curved | Eyelash extensions |
| MBI-424 | - | Angled, with a ribbed grip | Eyebrows |
| MBI-431 | - | Fine point | Splinters, fine hairs, close work |
| MBI-444 | - | Fine curved hook tip | Skin care extractions |
| MBI-315 | - | Two wire loops, small and large | Single and bulk blackheads |
MBI pedicure tools, files and cutters
| Model | Tool |
|---|---|
| MBI-230 | Wooden foot file, coarse / medium |
| MBI-233 | Wooden foot file with thick handle, coarse / medium |
| MBI-236 | Callus shaver with replaceable blade |
| MBI-261 | Nail clipper, curved edge, 3" |
| MBI-262 | Nail clipper, straight edge, 3" |
| MBI 131 | Tip slicer, long handle, straight blade, 5" |
| MBI-506 | Nail scissors, curved or straight, 3.5" |
| MBI-372 | Double-sided metal nail file, full-length filing surface |
| MBI-377 | Double-sided metal nail file with grip |
MBI questions and answers
What is MBI?
MBI stands for Master Beauty Instruments. It is a Canadian maker of stainless steel manicure, pedicure and esthetics instruments with its headquarters in Pickering, Ontario. MBI says it has been producing instruments since 1978.
What do the S and D in MBI nipper codes mean?
S is single spring and D is double spring. MBI-103S Cuticle Nipper and MBI-103D Cuticle Nipper, for example, share the same 4 inch size and standard handle and differ only in the spring. A double spring uses two leaves that push against each other, which generally gives a smoother, lighter opening action. A single spring is the simpler design with a firmer return.
What is the difference between Full Jaw, 1/2 Jaw and 1/4 Jaw?
The jaw size is the length of the cutting edge. MBI's jaw chart shows four lengths: 1/1 (full), 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8. A Full Jaw has the longest blade and removes the most cuticle per cut. A 1/2 Jaw is the general-purpose length. A 1/4 Jaw has a short blade for precise work in tight corners and on small nails.
Can MBI instruments be autoclaved?
Yes for the steel tools. MBI states that all of its cobalt and stainless steel instruments are surgical grade, so they can be chemically sterilized and autoclaved without damage. MBI advises autoclaving hinged tools in the open position, rinsing off every trace of solution, and lubricating the joint after each cycle. The wooden foot files are washed and sanitized, not autoclaved.
What warranty do MBI instruments have?
MBI's published guarantee covers its instruments for life against manufacturing defects, provided the instrument is used for its intended purpose. It does not cover normal wear, dulling from use, or damage from dropping or misuse. The guarantee is given by the manufacturer.
Which MBI nipper is for ingrown toenails?
MBI-212 Ingrown Nail Nipper is the standard ingrown nail nipper: 5 inches, straight pointed jaw, double spring. MBI-213D Ultra Fine Ingrown Nail Nipper is the 4 inch ultra fine version for tight corners, and MBI-215 Scissor Ring Nail Nipper Flat Jaw is a small scissor-handled nipper for side nails. For thick toenails rather than ingrown corners, use a concave-jaw toenail nipper: MBI 201 Toenail Nipper or MBI-209 Toenail Nipper Concave Jaw.
Where can I buy MBI instruments in Canada?
M1 Nail & Beauty Supply in Markham, Ontario stocks 38 MBI tools for in-store pickup and ships across Canada. The cuticle nippers are sold by jaw size, so you can pick Full, 1/2 or 1/4 Jaw on the product page.