| Mandrel/sanding band | Carbide Bits | Ceramic Bits | Diamond Bits | |
| Photo |  |
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 |
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| Price | L | M | M | H |
| Working area | surface work, removing gels, and pedicures. | except for natural nail | all | remove the built-up product by scratching it |
| Durable | Disposable | H | H | M |
| Grits | fine/ medium/ course | fine/ medium/ course | fine/ medium/ course | / |
| Heat | H | M | L | H |
| Dust | H | M | L | H |
| Disinfected | no need | can | can | can |
| Name | photo | use |
| Natural Nail Bits |  |
This kind of nail bit is commonly made from synthetic rubber. The natural nail bit is used to buff the nail's surface, remove dead cuticles on the nail, and smoothen the cuticle area. Synthetic rubber bits wear down fast, so remember to reshape it with a simple hand file after every use. |
| Large and Small Barrel bits |  |
The barrel bits are great for doing surface work on the nail. You can also use the barrel bits for backfill cutting, shortening, and shaping the nail to make a smile line. |
| UNC Bits |  |
The UNC bit is under the nail cleaning bit. The shape of the UNC bit is pointed and small. The point size changes from manufacturer to manufacturer. This particular shape helps the bit to get in tight spaces. The UNC bit is commonly used not only for under-the-nail cleaning but also for sidewalls. Some nail technicians also use this bit for making designer holes in the nails. |
| Cone Bits |  |
The cone bit has a long, slim, and tapered shape. You can use this cone-shaped bit for several purposes, such as preparing the cuticle area and sidewalls and cleaning under the nail. You also can use the cone bit on the top of the nail. It is a great shape for toenail surface work but not for fingernail surface work. |
| Tapered Barrel |  |
The Tapered barrel bit has a flat top and a cone shape. It is shorter than the cone bit and is great for surface work, in-fill preparation, cuticle and sidewall preparation. |
Mandrel Bit |
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This bit is commonly made of rubber or metal. You can only work with the mandrel bit after slipping it into the sanding band. The sanding band is made of paper and needs to be replaced after you work on a client. |
| Safety Bits |  |
These are cuticle safety bits and are designed for safe cuticle work. They are rounded at the top and come in various shapes. With these bits, you can easily reach the cuticle and sidewalls without damaging the nail. They are great for in-fill cuticle work. |
Maintenance bits/backfill bits |
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The maintenance or backfill bits are great for replacing the white tip powder on a French manicure and correcting and redoing the smile line. There are several types and sizes of maintenance bits. The 2-week bit is used exactly for what it sounds. It trenches backfill after two weeks of growth. The size of this bit is a quarter of a large barrel bit. The 4-week bit is used to trench backfill after four weeks of growth and is half the size of a large barrel bit. |
