The Ultimate Guide to E-File Bit Grits: Colours, Uses & Pro Tips
E-file bits come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, sizes, and grits, each designed for a specific purpose. Just like your hand nail files, e-file bits also have a grit, which determines how coarse or fine the bit is and how much product it removes.
While grit grading can differ slightly between brands, most e-file bits follow a universal colour-coding system to help you easily identify their grit level similar to traditional hand files.
|
Colour |
Grit |
Use |
|---|---|---|
|
Red |
Fine |
Ideal for surface refinement, working near the cuticle, ideal for finishing |
|
Blue |
Medium |
Great for a go to grit for product removal or shaping, soft gel and builder removal, smooths surface before refining |
|
Green |
Coarse |
Suitable for faster product removal on enhancements. Removes strong overlay. Ideal for quick infills and rebalances |
|
Yellow / Dark Blue / Dark Purple / Black |
Extra Coarse |
Best for which product removal and hard gel/acrylic debulking, fastest removal |
Some brands may use slightly different colours, so always check with your manufacturer for their specific coding.
Fine grit
Medium Grit
Coarse grit
XXC grit
What If There’s No Colour Band?
If your e-file bit doesn’t have a colour ring, it can be tricky to tell its grit level. Katie Barnes E-File Bits have coloured dust caps and bands to identify the grit.
You can:
Check with the manufacturer or supplier - they should always provide grit information.
Learn to observe the texture - larger, deeper flutes (grooves) indicate a coarser grit, while shallower, tighter flutes suggest a finer bit
For carbide bits, the grit is determined by the flutes or teeth:
Deep and wide flutes = coarse grit
Shallow and narrow flutes = fine grit
Some versatile bits, like the 5-in-1 bit, feature multiple grit levels in one tool.
For example, a fine 5-in-1 bit might range from XXF → XF → F from tip to base (or vice versa, depending on the brand). This makes it perfect for multi-step services without switching bits.
Why You Should Avoid Cheap, Online Third-Party E-File Bits
While it may be tempting to purchase electric files or bits from third-party online marketplaces, this often leads to poor results and even nail damage.
Low-quality e-files:
Have high vibrations that reduce control and precision
Are often too lightweight, making them difficult to balance
Offer no manufacturer support or safety testing
Low-quality bits can:
Have uneven grits or inconsistent cutting edges
Cause heat spikes or product lifting
Damage the natural nail, especially near the cuticle area
Require more effort to achieve a smooth finish
When you purchase from a reputable professional supplier, you’ll benefit from:
- Quality-assured products
- Consistent grit and smooth performance
- Professional education and after-sales support
Your tools are an investment in your work and your client’s trust.
How to Visually Measure Grit
You can roughly estimate grit by the number and size of abrasive particles per square inch:
Finer bits = more particles, smaller size
Coarser bits = fewer particles, larger size
In simple terms, the smoother it looks, the finer it is.
Choosing the right e-file bit grit is essential for achieving a smooth, safe, and professional finish. Always work with trusted brands that specialise in nail technology tools like the Katie Barnes Tool Range, which offers precision-crafted e-file bits designed for every stage of your service.
Explore the full range of professional KB E-File Bits - engineered for control, comfort, and consistency.