Reference
Nail drill bit types by shape, material and shank
Pick a bit type to see what it is for, the shank and grit options, and the mistakes that are easy to make with it.
Choose your bit type to see the key facts. Each one links to its source on the full page.
All bit types
- Carbide bit What a carbide nail drill bit is, the cut grades makers sell, the 3/32-inch shank, Medicool's lifespan estimate and the fit catches to check.
- Diamond bit What a diamond nail drill bit is, the grits makers sell, KUPA's 3/32-inch fit statement, Medicool's lifespan estimate and the Prop 65 notice.
- Ceramic bit What a ceramic nail drill bit is, Medicool's lifespan estimate, and why the claim that ceramic runs cooler is a maker claim with no comparative measurement.
- Mandrel and sanding bands What a mandrel and sanding band are, the 3/32-inch mandrel KUPA lists, and how replaceable bands differ from solid carbide or diamond bits.
- Barrel bit (incl. small barrel) What a barrel nail drill bit is, the small and large sizes, the grits KUPA sells, the 3/32-inch fit statement and the shank catch to check.
- Cone bit What a cone nail drill bit is: a tapered head that narrows toward the tip. We have not yet verified a maker fact specific to this shape.
- Flame bit What a flame nail drill bit is: a head that swells and then tapers to a point. We have not yet verified a maker fact specific to this shape.
- Ball bit What a ball nail drill bit is: a small round head on the shank. We have not yet verified a maker fact specific to this shape.
- Safety-top bit What a safety-top nail drill bit is, the carbide safety bit in KUPA's 3/32-inch kit, and why the name describes the top, not a guarantee.
- 3-in-1 carbide bit What a 3-in-1 carbide nail drill bit is, the five cut grades KUPA sells its MANIPro 3-in-1 in, and what to confirm before buying one.
- 5-in-1 carbide bit What a 5-in-1 carbide nail drill bit is, Medicool's two-direction CC22, the 3/32-inch shank, and the Medicool machines it does not fit.
- Two-way (bidirectional) bit What a two-way (bidirectional) nail drill bit is, the Medicool example designed to cut both ways, and the drill feature it needs to be useful.
- Left-hand bit What a left-hand nail drill bit is, which makers sell left- and right-hand versions, and the drill setting a left-handed tech needs to use one.