Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

What should I look for when buying an electric file?

August 1, 2007

At Kupa, we assist thousands of nail technicians yearly, guiding them to make the right decision. This is something the team at KUPA does at trade shows as well. If a nail tech inquires at our trade show booth we give them what I call a “drill tour.” We start at the bottom and work our way to the top of the line, explaining all the features and benefits of each machine, along with the costs.

Purchasing an electric file for the first time can be a bit overwhelming and you need to do your homework. Think of it like buying a car. Shop around, ask your friends, look at what everyone else has, and then do some comparative shopping.

I firmly believe that every nail professional should have a good machine, whether they use it all the time or just once in a while. Electric files can enhance your services, save your hands, do efficient backfills, and get into places a hand file can’t. On the other hand, I believe every tech should be able to hand file without the use of an electric file, producing the same quality service, no matter how you file. Plus you do not want to be handicapped if you don’t have access to an electric file for some reason.

Here are a few things you should consider when doing your comparative shopping:

USAGE

  • Will you use it on every client or only a few times a day?

  • Are you fully booked or just starting out? (That will also play a part in how much you will use it.)

  • Have you been hand filing for years and need to use an e-file to save your hands?

  • How much table space do you have available for an electric file on your desk?

COST

  • Do you want a starter machine?

  • Will you want to upgrade to a higher-end machine later?

  • Do you want the best one available or an intermediate model?

  • How much you plan on spending will dictate what you can get for your money.

If you’re about to venture into electric filing or want to upgrade go to our website (http://kupainc.com) listen to my Drill Tour podcast. 

More FAQ

Is there a way to remove dark spots from the bottoms of my clients' feet?

Now that it’s pedicure season, some of my clients have asked if there is a way to remove dark spots from the bottoms of their feet. They have no medical conditions.... read more

How do you help restore the nail bed after an electric file has been used on it leaving "rings of fire"?

What can be done when a client suffers the painful grooves in her nail from improper drill ulse?... read more

Why are my gel nails still sticky and thicker on one end?

Why are my gel nails still sticky and thicker on one end?... read more

Can you please recommend a good size acrylic brush for the novice to practice with?

I am a nail tech and still new to our industry. Can you please recommend a good size acrylic brush for the novice to practice with?... read more

Do ultra-white gels not cure properly because they are so dense?

I was told that when using ultra-white gels, you have to apply a thin layer of clear or soft white underneath or the gels won’t cure properly. The explanation was that bright whites are denser so the UV light has difficulty penetrating. Is this true?... read more

Are there any dangers associated with children wearing artificial nails?

I know two children (ages 8 and 10) whose mother has had acrylic nails placed on them. I don’t think it’s a good idea to have them on such young girls, especially since they are very active. Are there any dangers associated with children wearing artificial nails?... read more

Why is my gel top coat pitting and separating over my pink-and-white applications?

I use UV gel top coats over my pink-and-whites. Sometimes they don’t set up right — they pit and separate — and sometimes they seem great, only to pit and separate later in the day. Could it be due to air getting in the bottle? It drives me crazy.... read more

Is there a certain technique for drilling out pink-and-whites?

I use a French drill bit to rebalance my pink-and-whites. Is there a certain technique for drilling it out — for instance is there a certain angle? Do I do short nail beds and long nail beds the same way?... read more

Why won't gel nails stay on my client?

I have a client who is a homemaker and nail biter. Gel nails don’t stay on more than 48 hours. They just pop off. She is the only client I’ve had this happen to. Why?... read more

After soaking off old acrylic, can a client, at the same visit, get tips and overlays?

After soaking off old acrylic, can a client, at the same visit, get tips and overlays? Or should we wait until the next visit when moisture in the nail isn’t a problem?... read more

Are there any medications that affect how well acrylic nail extensions adhere to the nail?

Are there any medications that affect how well acrylic nail extensions adhere to the nail?... read more

How do I keep acrylic nails from popping off my client with sweaty hands?

I have a client whose hands sweat like crazy. I put a full set on her and in two weeks they just popped off like nothing. I am using OPI Absolute with primer and Bond-Aid and they just keep coming off. Do you have any advice?... read more