A nail drill can shorten the amount of time that you spend filing your sculptured nails and they help ease the burden on your wrists as well. If you have been to the nail salon lately, you would have seen the technicians with these machines in action. Although this all-purpose tool has become commonplace at the salon, would you consider using it at home?
Many people are intimidated by this powerful, handy little tool but you don’t need to be. It is much easier to use than you think and it will cut the time that you spend on your nails in half while leaving your nails looking as though they were professionally done.
What Is an Electric Nail File (aka Nail Drill)?
Nail drills are electric tools that you can use to shape your fingernails. They come with different bits for different kinds of shaping and you will see them in just about any nail salon. Nail technicians use nail drills to file down the nails to your desired length and width. Using this tool saves a lot of time and it makes shaping acrylic or gel nails simple.
These electric nails files resemble a thick pen with an eraser on the top, and are held just like a writing tool. They are made so that they fit in your hand well and the eraser-like tip is actually a round file. The file rotates quickly when you turn it on and it works similarly to a sander. As you rub the end of the nail drill across the tip of your nail, it quickly removes as much of your old nail or polish as you desire.
There are different types of files you can use to assist in the function you need, whether its cutting down the nail, removing gel polish, cleaning underneath the nail, or even buffing. These multi-use files are called nail drill bits.
The Different Types of Nail Drill Bits
There are different nail drill bits that you can use with a nail drill and they each have different functions. You will choose the right one to use based on your nail type. Take a look at the following:
Natural Nail Bit: This bit helps you remove dead cuticles and remove the shine from your nail. It is made with a synthetic rubberized soft bit.
Prepper Bit: This bit is tapered with a flat top and can also be used on a natural nail. It helps to prep the nail and smooth its edges.
Mandrel Bit and Sanding Bands: This nail bit is used for acrylic nails and should not be shared among different people because it cannot be disinfected. It comes in fine, medium, and coarse styles. It smooths or even removes acrylic nails.
Small and Large Barrel Bits: These bits are used for working the surface, shortening the nails, and backfill cutting.
Carbide Nail Drill Bits: These bits work well for advanced users and they are coated in gold or silver. They cut and shape acrylic nails. They can be extra fine, fine, medium, coarse, and extra coarse.
Ceramic Bits: These bits are long-lasting and do not retain heat the way that other nail drill bits do. They can be cleaned and sterilized. They make cuts.
Diamond Bits: These bits are the hardest available and they can remove the buildup of material by scratching it off. They can be cleaned and disinfected.
Pedicure Bits: These are used to remove calluses on the feet.
Safety Bits: These bits are similar to the carbide bit but the end is rounded to prevent injury to the nail. This bit prepares acrylic nails to fit over the natural nail.
UNC: This bit is an under-the-nail cleaner that cleans under the acrylic nail. It won’t clip the fingertip while it works.
Backfill Bits: This bit is used to cut and remove all of the product on the tip of the nails.
These nail drill bits are not all for beginners as some of them can be dangerous if they aren’t used correctly. You should start with a few basic bits and add to your collection as you learn. Start with the following bits:
- Natural nail bit
- Mandrel bit with sanding bits
- Carbide nail drill bit
- Safety bit
- UNC bit
- Backfiller bits
The Ten Best At-Home Electric Nail Files
If you are planning to buy a nail drill to use at home, you should choose one that is reliable and easy to use. Here are ten nail drills that you can use at home for quality manicures. We start with our top pick which is a high performance portable nail drill an move on to the best professional nail drill, best 2 in 1 nail drills, best corded drills, and more.
Not all nail drills are created equal, just like not all peoples nails are the same, so take a look at the options below and choose the one you think will serve you best! Consider whether you have natural nails, use a gel like polish, or wear acrylics to determine the type you need.
Our #1 Pick: The Bestidy Electric Nail Drill
(Check out the Bestidy Nail File Drill Kit Here)
This portable manicure pen nail drill comes with a USB and can be plugged in anywhere. It has six different drill bits and it does a great job of grinding, carving, cutting, polishing, and removing gel polish and cuticles.
The Bestidy drill is a lightweight machine and you can take it with you. It has low heat and noise because it is made with a high-quality aluminum alloy body. It has one button for speed control from 0 to 20,000 rpm so it can do just about anything that you need it to do.
We like this nail drill because its sturdy and has lasted over 101 manicures this far and still going strong for us. We also use in on acrylics and for pedicure use. The usb charge makes it very a very convenient option. The drill bits and sanders are all very quality items.
Pros:
- Light weight and portability
- Ease of operation
- USB charger for easy charging
- Six drill bits
Cons:
- Not as powerful as a professional model
Best Professional Nail Drill Machine
(Check out the Makartt Nail Drill Here)
This nail drill has a quiet, vibration-free motor and can easily remove acrylic nails and gel polish with ease. It comes with a manual and is fairly easy for beginners to use at home. You can use it to grind, buff, sharpen, sand, and polish acrylic nails and remove extension nails.
It comes with thirty pieces of sanding bands as well as a pedal for convenient use. It is designed to have low heat and it has foot and hand modes. If you have thick acrylic nails or just dislike spending too much time cutting down your nails, this is a great option.
Pros:
- Multiple functions with many accessories
- Quiet and low heat
- Low vibration
- Pedal for easy use
- 30000 RPM
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than the others
Best Corded Nail Drill – Beurer 10-Piece Manicure & Pedicure Kit
(Check out the Beurer Drill Here)
You will be able to achieve professional manicures and pedicures at home with this nail file drill by Beurer. It includes a powerful nail drill and ten high-quality attachments as well as a ten-foot-long cord. The storage case is included and can neatly store the drill and accessories.
This drill has variable speeds and rotates both clockwise and counterclockwise. It has an LED light to ensure that you can see every detail. This nail drill also includes nail sanders for thick nails- great for the toes!
Pros:
- 10 high-quality attachments
- Ergonomic handle design
- LED light
- Premium storage case
- Extra-long ten-foot cord
- 18 speed settings
- Dust shield
Cons:
- Gets warm after 15 minutes of use
- Does not come in wireless option
Runner Up For Convenience- Alle’s Nail Drill Kit
(Check out Alle’s Nail Drill Kit Here)
This 20,000 RPM portable electric nail drill is compact and shaped like a pen. It comes with six multi-functional nail drill bits and 106 pieces of sanding bands and nail art brush, which makes it perfect for grinding, carving, cutting, and polishing.
The hand piece is salon-quality but easy enough for a beginner to use at home. It can withstand wear and tear and it has three speeds as well as a forward and reverse switch so that you can use it in either hand.
It is easy to operate and change bits and you can carry it with you anywhere you go. This is a great all-around nail drill kit. Learn how to take care of your nails at home with this drill, then learn how to paint your nails and make them salon beautiful. Just think of all the money you could save.
Pros:
- Loaded with accessories
- Easy to operate
- Portable
- Long-lasting
- Able to assist in nail art
Cons:
- Won’t operate unless it is plugged in
Best Nail Drill For Natural Nails
(Check out PureNails Nail Kit Here)
This corded nail kit by PureNails comes with seven attachments, a storage bag, and a LED grooming light. You will find it easy to smooth calluses, remove cuticles, and shape, file, and buff your nails with the durable sapphire metal attachments.
This nail drill has two speed settings: high for smoothing rough calluses or shortening acrylic nails and a lower speed for treating delicate areas, including your natural nails. The LED grooming light ensures that you see every detail to create the perfect manicure every time. This nail drill can work well as a high grade pedicure kit and make your feet look just as gorgeous as your nails.
Pros:
- Seven interchangeable attachments
- Perfect for Natural Nails
- LED grooming light
- Storage bag that holds nail drill and all accessories
Cons:
- Only two speeds
- Not professional use
Most Adjustable Professional Electric Nail File Machine (30,000RP)
(Check Out the Belle Manicure Nail Machine Here)
This nail machine by Belle gives you everything you need to have the perfect manicure at home. The machine comes with a nail drill that includes drill bits for caving, grinding, sharpening, sanding, routing, engraving, and polishing acrylic nails, artificial nails, or your own natural nails. It is made with reduced noise and vibration.
The hand-piece is upgraded with a silicone heat-resistant sleeve, which helps to avoid overheating during use. You will be able to shape your nails easily with this handy nail drill. It is easy to operate and has a foot pedal so you can control the power with your foot while using the nail drill.
Pros:
- 10 attachments and extra sanding bands
- Silicone heat-resistant sleeve
- Ergonomic grip design
- Foot pedal for ease of use
- 30,000 RPM
Cons:
- Some customers say that it doesn’t last
Best Nail Drill Set with a Manicure Kit
(Check out the Butigirl Electric Nail Drill Here)
This electric nail file drill has adjustable speeds and you can use it for both pedicures and manicures. It has very low vibration and a comfortable grip. And it can move in both directions for easy use by the left or right hand. It has low heat because it is made of aluminum alloy, which helps to extend the life of the hand piece.
The Butigirl device comes with six extra drill bits and sanding bands to help smooth calluses and corns, remove cuticles, and file, shape, or buff your nails. It is lightweight and has a compact design for salon, student, and home use. We love the metallic coloring of the manicure kit as well- you will never lose these tools!
The kit comes with the following items:
- One drill machine
- Six metal grinding drill bits
- Five buffing heads
- Six sanding bands
- One AC adapter
- One user’s manual
- One set scald-proof gloves
Pros:
- Light weight and ease of use
- Multiple nail drill bits
- Low heat due to aluminum alloy design
- Accessories included
- Low vibration
Cons:
- Must use cord
Best 2 in 1 Option Nail Drill and UV Nail Dryer
(Check Out the Touch Beauty Electric Nail Drill)
This is a great set that will make you feel as though you are in a salon. It comes with five optional attachments to help you remove cuticles, smooth corns and calluses, and buff, polish, and shine your nails.
The motor is powerful and quiet and it has a built-in UV nail dryer. While you can dry just one nail at a time, it still helps to dry nails quickly so no smudge. This will help you dry your nails fast. This hand held tool has an ergonomic design for the most comfort while you use it. It is small and fits in your hand very easily. The Touch Beauty drill uses two AAA batteries and can go with you when you travel.
Pros:
- Five extra attachments
- Ergonomic design
- Small size and light weight
- Portability
- Quietness and power
- Built-in UV nail dryer
- Storage case
Cons:
- Not as powerful as corded options
Best Portable Electric Drill For All Nails
(Check out the MelodySusie Nail Drill Here)
This multi-functional nail drill comes with six different metal bits and six sanding bands, which allows for easy grinding, carving, cutting, polishing, and cuticle removal. The machine has low noise and low heat but it is powerful enough.
This nail drill is portable and lightweight, and it can go anywhere with you. You need to have the cord plugged in to have it work. It has low heat and it is easy for a beginner to learn how to use it.
Pros:
- Light weight and ease of use
- Six metal bits and sanding bands
- Heat dissipation for low heat
- Suitability for beginners
- Low noise
Cons:
- Up to 20,000 rpm is less powerful than other models
Best Nail Bits with Drill Set
(Check out the AGPtek Nail Drill Set Here)
This is a high-speed electric drill with low noise and low heat. It comes with a number of accessories. You can use this nail drill to carve, polish, shape, engrave, cut, mold, grind, sharpen, sand, remove calluses, file, and just about anything else that you need to do. We love that it offers lots drill bits for natural nails, acrylics, toes, and comes with a full sized duster brush and file.
The set includes the following items:
- One nail drill machine
- Five carbide drill bits
- Six original drill bits
- 16 nylon wheels
- One brush
- One nail file
- One AC adapter
- One manual
Pros:
- Multiple drill bits
- High speed and power
- Low noise
- Low heat
- Wide range of applications
- Ease of use for beginners
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- Some customers say that it doesn’t last
Final Words
If you are looking for an electric nail drill that you can use at home for professional-style manicures, you can choose any of the nail drill kits listed above. These devices make it easy to polish, buff, grind, and take care of your nails. You will be able to attain that in salon feel and look without having to shell out the cash every time.
We recommend giving it a shot, especially if you find yourself getting tired with a standard nail file and are looking for a more manicured look.