Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

Do you have a cheat sheet for the specific use of each drill bits?

April 9, 2007

We asked Vicki Peters, vice president of the Vicki Peters Signature Series for Kupa Inc., to answer with this useful chart:


Bit Style

Benefits

Use

2-Week Backfill

Small 1/4-sized bit to cut new smile lines

To trench out a new smile line on a backfill

4-Week Backfill

1/2 barrel bit to cut new smile lines and remove product

To trench out a new smile line and remove product on a backfill

Inverted Backfill

1/2 barrel angled bit for easier cutting

To trench out a new smile line and remove product on a backfill

Small Barrel

Slimmer and easy to see as you work

For surface work, refining C-curves, and shortening

Large Barrel

Larger for more surface contact

For surface work, refining C-curves, and shortening

UNC (Under the Nail Cleaner)

Tiny, slim pointed bit to get into tight spots and under the nails

For cleaning under the nail and drilling holes

Cone

Longer cone for more surface contact

For cuticle work, sidewalls, and under the nails

Slim Cone

For tight areas such as sidewalls

For cuticle work, sidewalls, and under the nails

Football

The curvature of the football allows you to get underneath a long, curved nail

For cuticle work and under long nails

Tapered Cone

Flat-topped cone for refining sidewalls and cuticle areas

For surface and cuticle work, and under the nail

Safety Bit

Rounded top for safe use at the cuticle

For surface and cuticle work, and under the nail

More FAQ

Should I apply a new coat of acrylic to a weekly acrylic client's nails?

A client wearing acrylics wants to come in weekly. Should another coat of acrylic be added or is there another procedure to follow?... read more

During a fill, how do I make my pink-and-whites thin?

During a fill, how do I make my pink-and-whites thin?... read more

Is it true that some callus buildup can be caused by a fungus?

Is it true that some callus buildup can be caused by a fungus? I have noticed that some callus buildup is flaky and rolls off the client’s foot with just a touch of my hand. Please advise how I might treat this problem.... read more

Can I put gel nails over a set of acrylics? Do I need to remove the acrylic first?

Can I put gel nails over a set of acrylics? Do I need to remove the acrylic first?... read more

What causes air bubbles in my clients’ nails?

What causes air bubbles in my clients’ nails? I nip back completely but about a month later they get the bubbles back.... read more

What’s the different between EZ Flow’s High-Definition Color Polymers and Monomer versus the Q Monomer?

What’s the different between EZ Flow’s High-Definition Color Polymers and Monomer versus the Q Monomer?... read more

What causes the tips to crack but the gel overlay to remain intact?

My coworkers and I have noticed that whenever we use white/French tips with a clear gel overlay, after about four days the tip cracks under the gel but the gel remains intact and uncracked. What’s going on?... read more

What kinds of things should I look for in an acrylic brush?

What kinds of things should I look for in an acrylic brush when shopping for one to know if it’s going to work for me?... read more

What’s the difference between polish removers that contain acetone and those that don’t?

What’s the difference between polish removers that contain acetone and those that don’t? Which is preferred?... read more

I know you can you use primer with liquid-and-powder systems, but what about with UV gels?

I know you can you use primer with liquid-and-powder systems, but what about with UV gels?... read more

I just purchased No Lift Nails primer. The instructions say to “use sparingly.” How much should be used per nail?

I just purchased No Lift Nails primer. The instructions say to “use sparingly.” How much should be used per nail?... read more

Is there any way to file gels off more quickly?

I had a client who needed a whole new set of gel nails. It took three hours to file off the old set. Is there anything that would make this process less time-consuming and easier?... read more