How to choose the right nail drill bit for each application

The right bit is the difference between fast, painless work and traumatised tissue. Selection always comes down to three parameters: material, shape, grit - then you set the speed.

Carbide or diamond?

Carbide (metal flutes): removes material fast, works by shaving, and is made for artificial material - gel, acrylic, bulk removal, cleaning under the free edge. See the Carbide Bits category.

Diamond (grit coating): works by abrasion, is gentler and more controllable, and is intended for living tissue - cuticle, side walls, finishing. See the Diamond Bits category.

The rule: hard material → carbide, skin and cuticle → diamond.

The colour code

The ring on the shank tells you the grit:

• Yellow / red: extra-fine to fine - finishing, sensitive skin.
• Blue: medium - the everyday, safe default for most work.
• Green / black: coarse - only for fast bulk removal on artificial material or heavy callus.

Always start one step gentler than you think you need.

Shape by task

• Cone: opening side walls and working along the nail plate. E.g. Staleks Carbide Cone Bit EXPERT, blue 2.3/14mm - slim diameter for tight areas.
• Corn / frustum: bulk removal of gel and acrylic over larger surfaces, such as the Staleks Carbide Corn Bit EXPERT, blue.
• Ball: pterygium and cuticle work with controlled pressure - Staleks Diamond Ball Bit EXPERT, red 3.5mm for sensitive skin, blue for slightly firmer work.
• Flame: detail in the nail corner and under the free edge.
• Cleaner / mini: final clean-up under the edge, like the Staleks Carbide Cleaner Mini Bit EXPERT.

Speed: lower than you think

• Cuticle and living tissue: 8,000–15,000 rpm.
• Gel / acrylic removal: 15,000–25,000 rpm.
• Callus with a coarse bit: up to 20,000 rpm, always moving.

The bit never stops in one spot. Heat comes from pressure and dwell time, not from rpm alone. If the client feels burning, reduce pressure before you reduce speed.

Care and lifespan

1. Brush residue off mechanically right after use.
2. Soak in a dedicated bit solution such as Prosept Burs.
3. Dry, pouch in small 75x100 mm sterilisation pouches and autoclave.

A diamond bit that slides without abrading has lost its grit - replace it. A carbide bit that overheats has gone blunt.

A solid starter set

• One blue carbide corn or frustum for bulk.
• One red diamond ball for cuticle.
• One slim cone for side walls.
• One cleaner for the free edge.
• Abrasive consumables from the Files / Buffers category.

Related products

- Categories: Carbide Bits, Diamond Bits - Staleks Carbide Cone Bit EXPERT, blue 2.3/14mm - Staleks Diamond Ball Bit EXPERT, red 3.5mm