Meet your new favourite power tool. The e-file delivers speed, precision, and salon-clean results. This guide breaks down bits, speeds, and best practices so you work smarter every time. When we talk about speed we use the acronym:
RPM = Rotations per minute. aka Revolutions per minute
What an E-File Does and Why Pros Love It
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Speed & consistency: Faster debulking, cleaner refinement.
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Ergonomics: Less wrist strain than endless hand-filing.
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Precision: Tidy cuticle work and controlled shaping.
Cuticle Bits vs. Removal Bits
Cuticle bits - are your gentle detailers. They’re usually fine-grit and in shapes like flame, cone, or balls. Their job is to exfoliate the non-living cuticle and leave a clean finish. Work at low speed, use a feather-light touch, and keep the bit moving to avoid damaging the skin or nail plate. We always work with a speed below 20,000 Rpm when working on the cuticle area.
Removal bits - are your power tools. These are designed to take down bulk fast. Hard gel, acrylic, polygel, or the top layers of gel before a soak-off. They run at a higher speed and should glide over the surface with the belly of the bit, not the tip. They’re for product only, not bare natural nails. We always work with a speed above 20,000 Rpm.
Why do the E-File bits have different colour bands?
Red Band 🔴 – Fine grit
- Gentle removal
- Perfect for refining, prepping and delicate work around the cuticle area.
Blue Band 🔵 – Medium grit
- The most “universal” grit.
- Good for shaping product, removing bulk, and everyday use.
Green Band 🟢 – Coarse grit
- Best for taking down bulk of hard products (builder gel, acrylic, hard gel).
- Very strong.
What speed should I use?
Each E-File bit requires a slightly different speed to work to its full potential. Please remember every e-file is slightly different so it is important to get comfortable with YOUR file and adjust the speed accordingly.
Here is a general guide for removal bits:
Cuticle bits are slightly different, they can come in all shapes and sizes. Always use under 20,000 RPM. Here is a rough guide to using cuticle bits:
(Its also good to note that sometimes the manufactures can make mistakes and mix up the directions FORWARD & REVERSE. We have come across this many times in our E-File courses as our students use many different style e-files from many different brands. If you feel there is something not right and the bits aren't working to their full potential maybe your e-file is back to front too. Simply switch direction and see if this helps. It's silly but it happens very often.)