Watchmarks Nails

Bit type

Left-hand nail drill bits: what left-handed techs need

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.

Also listed as left-handed nail drill bit, reverse bit

By Watchmarks EditorialUpdated

Short answer

A left-hand bit is a version of a cutting bit made to cut when the drill runs in reverse, for left-handed techs. Erica's ATA sells many of its bits, though not all, in left- and right-hand versions. You also need a drill with reverse: KUPA and Medicool list forward/reverse on their portable drills.

Key facts

Cutting direction
Cut for reverse rotation[1]Erica's ATA offers many bits in separate left- and right-hand versions; not every bit has both.
Maker examples
Erica's ATA (many bits in left- and right-hand versions, plus a left-handed filter)[1]
Fit caveats
Needs a drill with reverse[2][3][4]KUPA lists forward/reverse on the Passport NEXT and Medicool on the 35K Portable. MelodySusie's FAQ says its drills have it, but that is a range-wide answer; confirm per model.
Typical use
Left-handed techs[1][5]Two-way bits are the alternative: Medicool markets its 5-in-1 CC22 for right- and left-handed techs.

Watch out for

  • Not every bit comes in a left-hand version. Erica's ATA sells many, not all, in both versions; check the exact bit.
  • Confirm reverse on your exact drill. MelodySusie's forward/reverse answer covers its range in general; pen-style models may differ.

See the two-way bit for bits that cut in both directions, and forward and reverse on a nail drill.

Questions

Do left-handed nail techs need special bits?

Usually a left-hand version of a cutting bit or a two-way bit, used with the drill in reverse. Erica's ATA sells many bits in left- and right-hand versions, and Medicool markets its two-direction 5-in-1 CC22 for right- and left-handed techs.[1][5]

Sources

  1. Nail Drill Bits - Erica's ATA · Erica's ATA · Erica's ATA bit collection: left/right options and left-handed filter. · checked 2026-10-07
  2. MP Passport Next Complete White · Kupa Inc · KUPA MANIPro Passport NEXT complete kit (Companion handpiece): features, battery claim, voltage, compatible handpieces KP-36 to KP-Companion. · checked 2026-10-07
  3. Pro Power 35K Portable Nail Drill · Medicool · Medicool Pro Power 35K Portable: RPM, torque, battery, shank, weight, warranty, brushless claims. · checked 2026-10-07
  4. FAQs - MelodySusie · MelodySusie · MelodySusie FAQ: bit size, drill features, power supply, warranty, lamp wavelength bands. · checked 2026-10-07
  5. Medicool's 5 in 1 Carbide Bits for Nails 3/32 (CC22) · Medicool · Medicool CC22 5-in-1 carbide bit: direction, grits, incompatible Medicool vacuum machines. · checked 2026-10-07

Next review due 2027-01-07.