A Nail Tech’s Guide to Smooth, Safe and Speedy E-File Work
When it comes to removal and refinement, nothing beats a carbide bit for speed and efficiency. But not all carbide bits are created equal and using the wrong one for the job can lead to damage and poor results.
If you’re overwhelmed by the different shapes, cuts, and grits available, you’re not alone.
This blog will walk you through how to choose the right carbide bit from the Katie Barnes Tool Range for your nail service whether you’re debulking, refining, removing gel polish, or prepping infills.
Why Carbide Bits?
Katie Barnes Carbide bits are made from tungsten carbide steel — a highly durable and strong metal that’s ideal for:
• Gel, acrylic, or acrygel removal
• Bulk reduction
• Refining enhancement structure
• Fast file-downs
Unlike diamond bits (used for cuticle work), carbide bits shave product away with flutes / teeth (sharp grooves), not friction so they work faster and cooler when used correctly.
Consider Before Choosing:
• What product are you removing or refining? (Hard gel, builder, acrylic, etc.)
• How much product are you taking off? (Full removal or just bulk?)
• What’s your experience level? (Some shapes are more beginner-friendly)
• Do you need left-handed or right-handed bits?
• Are you working near the cuticle or on the apex?
Let’s match you to the right KB carbide bit for the task.
The Katie Barnes Carbide Bit Guide: Bit by Bit
Grit: Fine, Medium and Coarse Grit
Head: Rounded tip, barrel shape
Use: Gel polish, thin overlays, colour removal near the cuticle, debulking acrylic, gel and acrygel
- Extremely beginner-friendly
- Designed to reduce heat and avoid skin trauma
- Ideal for techs transitioning from hand-filing
- Great for nervous clients or sensitive areas
Grit: Fine, Medium and Coarse Grit
Head: Rounded tip, slim barrel shape
Use: Gel polish, thin overlays, colour removal near the cuticle, debulking acrylic, gel and acrygel
- Extremely beginner-friendly
- Slimmer design for smaller nail plates
- Designed to reduce heat and avoid skin trauma
- Ideal for techs transitioning from hand-filing
- Great for nervous clients or sensitive areas
Technique: Removal and refinement in one bit
Grit, Fine, medium and coarse
Head: Tapered barrel with varied grit zones
Use: Debulking, surface smoothing, cuticle safe shaping
- 3 grits in one: Coarse at the base, medium in the middle, fine at the top
- Great for infills and full sets
- Use vertically to reduce bulk, horizontally to refine
Ideal for all techs who want speed without changing bits.
5 in 1 Mini Cross Cut Carbide Bit
Technique: Removal and refinement in one bit
Grit, Fine, medium and coarse
Head: Tapered barrel with varied grit zones
Use: Debulking, surface smoothing, cuticle safe shaping
- 3 grits in one: Coarse at the base, medium in the middle, fine at the top
- Great for infills and full sets
- Smaller size for small nails and toenails
- Use vertically to reduce bulk, horizontally to refine
Ideal for all techs who want speed without changing bits.
5 in 1 Straight Cut Carbide Bit
Technique: Smooth product removal & reshaping
Grit: Fine, Medium and Coarse
Head: Tapered barrel with varied grit zones
Use: Acrylic, builder gel, hard gel removal or thinning
- Efficient for full removals
- Fast and smooth removal and infills
- 3 grits in one: Coarse at the base, medium in the middle, fine at the top
5 in 1 Mini Straight Cut Carbide Bit
Technique: Smooth product removal & reshaping
Grit: Fine, Medium and Coarse
Head: Tapered barrel with varied grit zones
Use: Acrylic, builder gel, hard gel removal or thinning
- Efficient for full removals
- Fast and smooth removal and infills
- 3 grits in one: Coarse at the base, medium in the middle, fine at the top
- Smaller size for small nails and toenails
Straight Cut v Cross Cut
Straight Cut = teeth going straight up and down
Cross cut = teeth cut diagonally
L-R: Straight Cut Medium Grit, Cross Cut Fine Grit, Cross Cut Medium Grit
Wondering the difference between 5 in 1 Cross Cut and Straight Cut Bits? We break it down here.
Safety Edge v 5 in 1 Cross Cut
Choose tapered for shaping & apex work; barrel for flat reduction.
Technique: Fast product removal
Grit: Extra, extra coarse
Head: Rounded tip dome
Use: Acrylic, builder gel, hard gel removal
- Efficient for full removals
- Fastest removal
Tips for Carbide Safety:
- Use at medium-high speed (15,000–30,000 RPM), depending on the bit and technique
- Never use carbide on the natural nail
- Let the bit do the work - avoid pressure
- Turn the speed up if your bit is pulling, dragging
- Always check for wear and replace dull bits
- Clean and disinfect between every client
Get trained! Even pros benefit from refresher courses.
Choosing the right carbide bit can transform your services - saving time, improving results, and protecting both you and your client.
Whether you’re a new tech learning your way around gel removal or a seasoned pro speeding through infills, the Katie Barnes Carbide Bit Range has the right tool for you.