The Best Nail Drills
Any seasoned nail artist will tell you that one of their most important tools is their trusty nail drill. These versatile tools shape, smooth, buffer, and more. Without them, you'd be left to arduously file nails away by hand. So which nail drill is right for you? To help you find the tool that best suits your needs, we've taken stock of the best models on the market today.
What to Look For
We’re sure you can’t wait to experiment with salon-quality nail designs yourself at home. To find the perfect nail drill for your needs, keep these three questions in mind during your search: Is this drill best suited for use with natural, gel, or acrylic nails? Does it come with all the additional accessories I need to get started? Is the motor quiet and low vibration? The versatile professional nail drill kit from Beurer ticks each of these boxes, earning it the top spot on our list. If you’re looking for high performance at a bargain, don’t miss the drill from MelodySusie. Get ready to throw out the rest of your old files after you check out the rest of our favorites below.
Beurer Professional Nail Drill Kit
Learn from the pros
This professional nail drill kit comes with everything you need to get started. With ten stainless steel bits, ten sanding bands, and a professional-looking carrying case included, you won’t be left searching for additional accessories. The drill rotates in either direction with 18 different speed settings to choose between. It looks the part, too, with a sleek design that fits right in the palm of your hand.
Pros:
- Integrated LED light illuminates your working area
- Dust shield to protect your eyes
- The long cord gives you the space you need to work
Cons:
- The included bits don’t work as well for acrylic as they do for gels or natural nails
Airsee Nail Drill Set
This versatile set from Airsee is an excellent choice that offers the freedom to work with a range of nail types. It comes with 11 drill bits and 56 sanding bands covering a wide range of nail care applications, including options that are ideal for acrylic and gel nails. The high-powered motor will make short work of stubborn nails, but thanks to the whisper-quiet motor inside, it won’t interrupt quiet conversations as you file away.
Pros:
- Smart heat dissipation technology
- Several cute color options are available
- Smooth adjustment between 0-20,000 RPM with a rotational switch
Cons:
- Not the most durable design
Makartt JD700 Professional Nail Drill
Salon style
This powerful nail filing machine from Makartt is capable of delivering drilling speeds up to 30,000 RPM. Despite its impressive power, it has a quiet and vibration-free motor that allows you to hold your hand steady and chatter away while working at high power settings. It comes with a wide range of accessories making it incredibly versatile, and best of all, it’s compatible with the most common 3/32 nail drill bits.
Pros:
- You can also operate the speed control by hand
- The foot pedal makes it easy to stay in control as you work
- Motor ventilation to prevent overheating
Cons:
- Pricier than most competitors
Cadrim Nail Drill Set
Drill sergeant
If you’re just getting started with electric nail filing, this drill from Cadrim is an easy-to-use tool that’s easy for beginners to get to grips with. Everything you need is included in this package, including six drill bits, six sanding bands, and a detailed manual to get you started. The low-vibration motor makes it easier for you to hold your hand steady as you learn. And since this powerful drill falls at such a great price point, even professionals might be tempted to give it a go.
Pros:
- Suitable for gel, acrylic, and natural nails
- Low-noise motor won’t be disruptive at home
- Also suitable for pedicures
Cons:
- No carrying case included
MelodySusie Portable Electric Nail Drill
Adorable and affordable
If you’ve been searching for a portable nail drill that pairs impressive power with a whisper-quiet action, the MelodySusie portable electric nail drill could be your new favorite beauty accessory. This compact drill runs up to 20,000 RPM, with a low heat, low noise, and low vibration motor that won’t interrupt the atmosphere as you work. It comes with six drill bits, and you can also easily upgrade its potential with any common 3/32″ bits.
Pros:
- Lightweight construction so you won’t get tired of holding it
- Affordable for almost any budget
- Easy for beginners to learn with
Cons:
- Only six sanding bands included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a nail drill if I’m not a nail artist or tech?
Nail drills can be used for most nail care tasks, from everyday maintenance to experimental artistry. Though they can take a little practice to get the hang of, you don’t have to be an expert to get impressive results. Once you start to develop your technique, you might just find that they speed up your nail care rituals.
Is overheating a concern?
Anytime you use a tool that spins quickly like a drill, overheating can be a potential problem. A good drill will dissipate heat from the motor and bit to avoid burns. Always read the product information carefully to make sure you’re using your nail drill properly and safely. If things start to feel a little toasty as you work, there’s nothing wrong with taking a short break to cool off.
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