The Best Nail Drills of 2024

Nail Drills: A Buyer’s Guide

Using nail tools can help with maintaining good hygiene and producing a more refined appearance. There are a variety of drill models available, each with a distinct set of features. For example, electric nail drills can help remove dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris from the nails. Some products are more suited to cutting fingernails, while others are better for trimming nails.

Having a nail drill can help you save time by speeding up processes that would otherwise take hours. These machines can also offer longer-lasting, neater, and more polished results. So, if getting more well-maintained nails is your goal, purchasing a nail drill can be an excellent place to start.

There are several factors to consider when purchasing these devices though, such as the rotating speed, motor type, and overall durability. In this buyer's guide, we compiled some of the things that can help make sure you get your hands on a drill that can deliver some salon-level results at home. Let’s get into the details!

Ease of Use

This is one of the most important things to consider before locking in a purchase. You should check if a device matches your experience level. You don’t want to purchase a simpler device if you’re a pro nail stylist since it will probably only slow you down, and professional machines can be tougher to use if you’re more of a beginner. You should also ensure a device has a user-friendly design and a contoured shape that can help you use it efficiently.

Durability

Electric nail drills require a significant amount of upkeep. When you use them regularly, like at a salon, it’s a good idea to go with a long-lasting product that can take regular use. Reading some reviews about a product online can help make sure it can work well and meets your requirements, which can cut down on a lot of hassle and disappointing returns.

Rotational Speed

A nail bit’s rotational speed can vary depending on the material it's cutting and, more importantly, its speed range. A faster cutting speed means quicker cutting, while a less efficient cutting speed means slower cutting.

A lower rotational speed range can be great for beginners because it's much easier to learn to use and handle. On the other hand, if you have previous experience with these kinds of tools, you can invest in a high-rotational-speed device since it should be easier to handle and more efficient—which is why professional tools with higher speeds are ideal for salons.

Low Noise

Lower vibrations and sounds from your device can help make sure you’re not disturbing anyone in your salon or at home. You should look for a fine motor that can help make your drill quieter while still being extremely efficient.

Power Source

A drill with an adaptor requires a wall outlet, and a device with a rechargeable battery needs charging before you can use it. Although adaptor drills can be helpful, they require a constant supply of electricity to function. Rechargeable options are often considered superior because they're easier to maneuver and work well while traveling.

Motor

An electric motor is what powers your device, and because you might use it on natural and fake nails, you should look for something that can last a long time without overheating or dying.

Price

Low-cost devices may be bad investments because they usually won’t last as long. Expensive machines might seem pretty pricey initially, but they can help save you money in the long run. You should look for something that delivers quality while not exceeding your budget.

Types of Bit Heads

Nail drill bits are where the actual cutting happens. A more prominent head expands the surface area but can be challenging to use on smaller nails, which is why you need to be familiar with the various sizes and types of heads.

In terms of sizing, you should make sure that the drill bits you buy are compatible with the drill machine you already have or plan on buying. It’s a good idea to buy a complete set too, so you won’t have to worry as much about the pieces not fitting.

Here’s a quick rundown of the most important types of nail drill heads:

Sanding bits

This first option is one of the most widely used nail drilling bits. It’s a mandrel bit with a lot of sanding bands for sanding down nails, helping make them smoother and ready for polish. These bits can also help remove excess polish and cuticles.

Metal bits

Unlike the previous bit, these versions feature stainless steel, alloys, or ceramic. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can serve a bunch of different functions.

Gentle barrel bits are for use on top of nails to prepare them for polishing, and medium barrel bits are for acrylics that are difficult to smooth out. Because they’re solid, the thickest barrels are only used on artificial nails to help remove gel or large lumps of fake nails.

Cone bits

These bits are another must-have for your drill, as they can really help with tidying up after a manicure. They have a cone shape and come in a few sizes, and they're ideal for producing a professional look.

For added safety, only work with nail bits when you know how to handle and use them, especially since they can damage your nails if they’re misused.