A sanding band is a disposable abrasive sleeve that slides onto a mandrel bit in a nail e-file, used for shaping and for removing product. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks standard and mini bands from ONME, DND, Milken, Cre8tion, Aprés and MNBS.
Types of sanding bands
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bands, bag of 100 | Trying a grit or a brand, or a station that goes through bands slowly. | ONME Premium Purple, ONME Premium Green, ONME Zebra, DND Zebra Fine, DND Brown Medium, Milken Brown Coarse 80 |
| Bulk bags of 1,000 | Busy salons that use a new band for every client. | ONME Premium Purple 1,000, ONME Zebra 1,000, ONME Premium Green 1,000, DND Medium Zebra 1,000, Nail-Shape Zebra 1,000 |
| Mini bands | Smaller bands for small nails and tight spots, used on a matching mini mandrel. | ONME Mini Pink, 100, ONME Mini Pink, 1,000, Neon Pink Mini #150, Mini Sanding Bands #80 |
| White bands | Less dark dust: Milken's bag label says the white colour eliminates black dust. | Milken White Fine 180 Grit, Milken White Medium 150 Grit |
How to choose sanding bands
- Check the grit number, not just the word. ONME Fine is #180 on Premium Purple and Zebra but #240 on Premium Green and Mini Pink.
- Match band and mandrel. Standard and mini bands are different sizes; a band that is loose on the mandrel slips and wears unevenly.
- Buy the bag size you use. A 100-piece bag is enough to test a grit; once you settle on one, the 1,000-piece bag of the same band means fewer reorders.
Related: Nail drill bits, Nail e-files, Nail dust collectors, Nail buffers, All e-files & bits
Guides
Sanding band FAQ
Are coarse, medium and fine sanding bands the same grit in every brand?
No. The words are only a guide; the grit number is the real measure. ONME calls #180 Fine on its Premium Purple and Zebra bands but #240 Fine on Premium Green and Mini Pink. Compare numbers when you switch brands.
Are sanding bands single-use?
Yes, treat them as single-use. A band is a paper or cloth abrasive around a hollow core, so it cannot be cleaned and disinfected the way a metal bit can. Put a new band on for each client and throw it away after the service, as your local public health rules require.
Why does my sanding band slip or fly off the mandrel?
Usually the band is the wrong size for the mandrel, is not pushed all the way down, or the mandrel is worn. Push the band fully on, use mini bands only on a mini mandrel and replace a worn mandrel.
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.