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

How do I get a high-gloss shine on my pink-and-whites?

One of my biggest problems with pink and- whites is achieving a high-gloss shine. Over the last few months I have tried all kinds of files and buffers, but I still cannot achieve what I want.... read more

Are there special considerations when cutting elderly clients' toenails?

The quick of the nail grows more closely to the nail tip as we age. Consequently, it becomes easier to nick a client if you cut too closely.... read more

How can I get the same results from a file versus a sanding band when prepping the nail?

How can I get the same results from a file versus a sanding band when prepping the nail?... read more

How can you help clients with deformities of the feet to feel comfortable about receiving procedures?

How can you help clients with deformities of the feet to feel comfortable about receiving procedures?... read more

How do I advise clients to care for their nails that were damaged by improper drill use?

How do I advise clients to care for their nails that were damaged by improper drill use?... read more

What causes the natural nail to separate from the acrylic at the free edge?

What causes the natural nail to separate from the acrylic at the free edge?... read more

My pedicure client has deep cracks in her heels. Is it safe to work on her?

I have had pedicure clients (usually elderly) who have deep cracks in their heels. The cracks don’t bleed or appear to be an open sore. Is it safe to work on these clients? Is there anything the client or I can do to start the healing process?... read more

Is it best to have a toenail removed completely if you suffer from chronic ingrown toenails?

Is it best to have a toenail removed completely if you suffer from chronic ingrown toenails?... read more

When applying small wet beads of acrylic in the cuticle area, wouldn’t this make your ratio off and cause lifting?

I’m a newbie and I’m confused. When applying small wet beads of acrylic in the cuticle area, wouldn’t this make your ratio off and cause lifting because of overly wet beads? Should I use the same ratio for all three beads?... read more

When starting a pedicure, do you soak the client’s feet in disinfectant for at least five minutes or just soapy water?

When starting a pedicure, do you soak the client’s feet in disinfectant for at least five minutes or just soapy water?... read more

I have a client who has been working on her feet for 36 years and is now developing painful calluses. How can I ease her pain?

I have a client who has been working on her feet for 36 years and is now developing painful calluses. How can I ease her pain? What’s best for calluses like these?... read more

I think I may have scaly skin that's caused by something called two foot/one hand syndrome. What do I do?

In the November 2002 issue you mentioned that scaly skin can be caused by something called two foot/one hand syndrome. I believe that I have just that. (It’s awful.) What do I do?... read more