Nail drill bits are chosen by three things and nothing else: material, shape and grit. C8 Nail Supply stocks e-file bits on the standard 3/32" shank that fits almost every professional handpiece. Carbide does the bulk of the work — large and small barrels in gold and silver, round-top barrels, the large tapered, the chamfered special-cut tungsten, and the carbide safety bit with its rounded tip for working close to the cuticle without cutting skin. The 3-way carbide bits in gold and silver, in large and small barrel, are the ones most techs reach for on a backfill.
For removal and prep specifically: the gel removal bit and the blue gel removal bit strip product without heat build-up, the 5 in 1 handles several steps on one bit, the cone round-top and blue cone round-top get into the sidewall and under the free edge, and the buffer spiral cut at 2.3mm smooths before finish. Diamond bits such as the diamond cone are for detail and natural-nail work rather than bulk removal. Sanding bands and mandrels are stocked alongside.
Fit them to a machine from our nail drill range, match with carbide bits, ceramic bits and diamond bits, and finish by hand with nail files and buffers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Nail Drill Bits
What size shank do nail drill bits use?
The professional standard is 3/32", and the bits stocked here are 3/32". Almost every salon e-file handpiece takes that size. Check your machine before ordering if it was sold as a home or compact unit, as some use a different collet.
What is the difference between carbide, ceramic and diamond bits?
Carbide bits cut with fluted edges and remove product fast, which suits acrylic backfills and bulk reduction. Ceramic bits run cooler and clog less, so they are used for longer removal sessions. Diamond bits abrade rather than cut and are for detail work, cuticle areas and the natural nail.
What is a safety bit for?
A safety bit has a smooth rounded tip instead of a cutting point, so the end of the bit cannot dig into the skin at the cuticle or sidewall. It is the bit to use when working close to soft tissue, particularly on a client you are not familiar with.
Which bit removes gel polish?
Use a dedicated gel removal bit rather than a standard barrel. They are cut to take off gel layers at lower speed with less friction heat, which is what causes the burning sensation clients report during removal. Keep the bit moving and never hold it in one spot.
Does C8 Nail Supply sell nail drill bits wholesale?
Yes. C8 Nail Supply carries carbide, ceramic and diamond e-file bits, sanding bands and mandrels at retail and wholesale pricing for licensed nail technicians and salons, shipping nationwide from Garden Grove, California.
