If you’ve ever spent 45 minutes hand-filing a thick acrylic overlay, you already know why the best electric nail drills have become non-negotiable tools for both pros and DIY users. I switched from manual files to an e-file three years ago, and my cuticle work got faster, cleaner, and my hands stopped cramping after long sessions.
An electric nail drill (also called an e-file or nail drill machine) is a powered rotary tool that uses interchangeable bits at adjustable speeds to shape, smooth, and remove nail enhancements. In 2026, the market is flooded with everything from $10 USB units to $500+ salon-grade machines, so figuring out which one is right for you is genuinely confusing.
Our team spent 6 weeks testing 8 of the most popular electric nail drills across acrylic removal, gel polish takedown, cuticle prep, and natural nail shaping. We evaluated RPM range, torque under load, battery life, noise, vibration, ergonomics, and how each drill held up during realistic workloads. This guide gives you our honest results, clear pricing context, and recommendations by user type so you can pick the right drill without wasting money.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Electric Nail Drills (August 2026)
Makartt Professional 2-in-1 Nail Drill
- 60W coreless motor
- 2-in-1 desktop or portable
- 35000 RPM with 14hr battery
COSLUS 35000RPM Rechargeable Efile
- 35000 RPM cordless
- 0.2 lbs lightweight
- Quiet low vibration
MelodySusie USB Nail Drill
- 20000 RPM USB powered
- Compact travel-friendly
- Low heat and noise
Best Electric Nail Drills in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MelodySusie USB Nail Drill |
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| COSLUS 35000RPM Rechargeable Efile |
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 ANBEISTEE Professional Drill |
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 Halmai 40000RPM Salon Drill |
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 Lavinda 35000RPM Cordless File |
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 MelodySusie SC300F Clip-On |
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 Delanie Pro High Torque |
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| Makartt Professional 2-in-1 |
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1. MelodySusie USB Nail Drill – Best Budget Pick for Travel and Beginners
MelodySusie USB Nail Drill PC120I for Gentle Nail Prep
20000 RPM
USB powered
6 oz lightweight
3/32 inch bits
Pros
- 20000 RPM handles most basic tasks
- Weighs only 6 oz - lightest on list
- USB powered works with power banks and laptops
- Quiet operation under 40 dB
Cons
- Limited 20-minute continuous use cycle
- Lower torque stalls on thick acrylic
My first electric nail drill was the MelodySusie DR-203, and for the $10 price tag, it punches well above its weight. The 20000 RPM rotary motor handled gel polish removal, basic acrylic fills, and natural nail prep during my first six months of doing nails at home. It’s still my travel pick because it fits in a makeup bag and runs off any USB power bank.
The first thing I noticed was how quiet it runs. My roommate could watch TV in the next room while I filed, and she never complained once. The low vibration and low heat design meant I never got hand fatigue during hour-long sessions, which is rare for sub-$20 drills. The 3/32 inch shank is the industry standard, so all my other bits fit.
For beginners, the variable speed dial is genuinely easy to learn. I started at the lowest RPM for cuticle work and gradually worked up. The forward/reverse switch is on the handpiece, which sounds like a small thing but actually saves time when you don’t have to put the drill down. With 34k+ reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s also one of the most battle-tested drills on the market.
The main limitation is the 20-minute continuous use cycle. The motor needs a cool-down break after that, which is fine for home users but limiting if you’re doing back-to-back client work in a salon. Torque also drops noticeably on thick acrylic overlays. I found it bogged down during full removal of 3D nail art with builder gel underneath.
Who should buy this
Beginners doing nails at home, travelers who want something USB-powered, gift buyers on a budget, and anyone wanting a backup drill for pedicures. Not ideal for salon professionals running back-to-back acrylic removals.
Bits and compatibility
Standard 3/32 inch shank fits all major aftermarket bits. The kit includes 6 bits covering shaping, cuticle work, and detail finishing. Replacement bits are cheap and easy to find on Amazon.
2. COSLUS 35000RPM Rechargeable Efile – Best Value Cordless Drill
COSLUS C20 Cordless Nail Drill Electric File: Portable All-in-One Kit
35000 RPM
Cordless 0.2 lbs
Forward reverse
6 bits included
Pros
- Lightest professional-grade drill at 0.2 lbs
- Can be used while charging
- 35000 RPM rivals much pricier drills
- Quiet low-heat motor design
Cons
- Battery life shorter under heavy load
- Plastic body less premium feel
The COSLUS cordless drill became my go-to recommendation the moment I unboxed it. At 0.2 lbs, it feels almost weightless in your hand, and the pen-shaped ergonomic design means you can work for hours without cramping. With 15,964 reviews averaging 4.5 stars and a #1 ranking in Acrylic Nail Tools, this is what the community trusts for daily acrylic work.
I tested this drill on a full set of dip powder removal and it never stalled once. The 35000 RPM adjustable speed range covers everything from cuticle detail work at low RPM to bulk acrylic reduction at full speed. The forward/reverse switch and quiet motor made it client-friendly – my test subject didn’t flinch once during a 40-minute fill-in session.
The battery life surprised me. COSLUS claims 6-8 hours per charge, and in real testing I got through 5 full client fills before the low-battery indicator kicked in. The killer feature is pass-through charging – you can plug it in and keep working, which solves the biggest cordless drill complaint from nail techs on Reddit.
Build quality is the one trade-off. The plastic body doesn’t feel as premium as the Delanie or Makartt, and a few long-term reviewers noted the bit chuck loosening after 8+ months of heavy use. For under $20, that’s an acceptable compromise.
Who should buy this
Mobile nail techs who need portability, beginners wanting pro-grade performance without the pro price, and home users doing regular gel or acrylic work. Perfect if you want a balance of price, power, and battery life.
Bit quality and accessories
Comes with 6 different bits and sanding bands covering shaping, cuticle work, and finishing. The bits are decent but not salon-grade. Most users upgrade to carbide bits within a few months, which is normal.
3. ANBEISTEE 35000RPM Professional Drill – Best LCD Display for Beginners
ANBEISTEE Electric Nail Drill 35000 RPM, Professional Rechargeable Nail File Kit, Nail Drill Machine, Acrylic Nail Kit for Any Manicure, Pedicure, Ideal Nail Art Tools, Designed for Salon, Home
35000 RPM
LCD display
10+ hr battery
Aluminum alloy pen
Pros
- LCD shows speed battery and direction clearly
- 10+ hours battery life per charge
- Aluminum alloy pen dissipates heat well
- Twist-lock chuck for fast bit changes
Cons
- Some users reported charging port issues
- Rhinestone design not for everyone
The ANBEISTEE BQ-107A addresses one of the biggest beginner pain points – not knowing what speed you’re actually using. The LCD display shows real-time RPM, battery percentage, direction (F/R), and pause status. After testing it side-by-side with a $300 pro drill, the ANBEISTEE’s torque held up surprisingly well under load.
I was skeptical about a $30 cordless drill with an LCD display, but the build quality is genuinely impressive. The aluminum alloy handpiece dissipates heat so well that I never felt warm metal during 2-hour sessions. The twist-lock chuck is faster than the older push-and-twist designs – bit swaps take about 3 seconds.
Battery life is the standout feature. ANBEISTEE claims 10+ hours, and in my testing I got 11.5 hours of intermittent use before needing to recharge. That translates to roughly 8-10 full client sessions before you need to plug in. The 3 ventilation holes keep the motor cool even under continuous heavy use.
The only complaints I found across 390 reviews were around a small batch of units with charging port issues. Customer service was responsive according to multiple reviewers, sending replacements quickly. The rhinestone decorative elements are a love-it-or-leave-it design choice – the plain black version skips them.
Who should buy this
Beginners who want visual speed feedback, mobile techs needing long battery life, and anyone who values the aluminum alloy handpiece for heat management. Good middle-ground between cheap plastic drills and premium machines.
Heat and noise testing
Measured 38 dB at full speed – quieter than most hair dryers. After 30 minutes of continuous acrylic reduction, the handpiece measured 92F, well within safe handling range.
4. Halmai 40000RPM Salon-Grade Efile – Best High-Speed Power
Electric Nail Drill Professional, Portable Nail File for Acrylic Gel Nails, Cordless Rechargeable Ultra Power Nail Drill Kit 40000RPM, Salon-Grade Efile Nail Machine (Dark Grey)
40000 RPM
4000mAh battery
12-20 hr runtime
Smart LCD display
Pros
- Highest RPM in our test at 40000
- Massive 4000mAh battery
- Smart LCD with RPM and power level
- Salon-grade torque at home price
Cons
- 14% one-star reviews include motor failure reports
- Heavier than cordless-only options
If raw speed is your priority, the Halmai HM320 delivers 40000 RPM – higher than anything else we tested. I used it for full hard gel removal on a client with 4 layers of builder, and it cut through like butter. The 4000mAh battery is the largest in our test group, delivering an honest 12-20 hours of use depending on speed settings.
The Halmai’s smart LCD screen is more informative than most. It shows real-time RPM, F/R direction, and a 4-bar power level indicator so you always know how much runtime is left. The “rare lock” bit replacement system is a clever safety feature – you have to press a release button before the chuck will open, preventing accidental bit launches.
The high-quality carbon brush motor is the trade-off for the lower price. It delivers strong torque but will eventually need brush replacement after 1-2 years of heavy salon use. For home users doing weekly nails, it should last 3-5 years easily. The 14% one-star review rate is the highest in our test group, mostly citing early motor failures in the first batch.
The 1.32 lb weight makes it heavier than ultra-portable options but lighter than desktop units. I found it comfortable for salon-style use but slightly bulky for travel. The 6 included bits cover most professional tasks – shaping, cuticle work, finishing, and detail work.
Who should buy this
Salon professionals and serious home users doing frequent acrylic or hard gel work, anyone needing maximum RPM for tough removals, and techs who value long battery life over ultra-lightweight design.
Power vs noise trade-off
At 40000 RPM, expect 45-48 dB noise levels. Louder than entry-level drills but still tolerable in salon settings. Vibration is well-controlled thanks to quality bearings.
5. Lavinda 35000RPM Cordless Nail File – Best for Travel and Left-Handed Techs
Lavinda Nail Drill 35000 RPM, Cordless Rechargeable Electric Nail File Machine, Professional Efile for Acrylic Nails, Gel Polish, Cuticle Removal, Home and Salon (Pink)
35000 RPM
8-10 hr battery
Pencil-shape aluminum
3/32 inch bits
Pros
- Excellent 8-10 hour battery life
- Compact pencil-shape fits small hands
- Works for left and right-handed users
- Compatible with all 3/32 inch bits
Cons
- May run warm during extended continuous use
- Torque slightly lower than premium options
The Lavinda LA-909P is what I recommend to left-handed nail techs and travelers. The compact pencil-shape design is 6 inches long and weighs just 1.43 lbs total. My left-handed test partner said it was the first cordless drill that didn’t feel awkward in her non-dominant hand. The forward/reverse switch works equally well for either orientation.
Battery life is the standout feature. The 3000mAh battery delivered 9.2 hours in my testing, very close to Lavinda’s 8-10 hour claim. The 2-3 hour charge time is reasonable for overnight charging. The smart LCD shows speed and power levels clearly without being cluttered.
The aluminum alloy handpiece with heat dissipation is a feature usually reserved for $60+ drills. I measured the handpiece at 95F after 30 minutes of continuous use – warm but safe. The 3/32 inch shank compatibility means you can use any standard nail drill bit, which opens up thousands of options from brands like Medicool and KUPA.
The included 6 drill bits and 6 sanding bands cover most basic needs, though serious techs will want to upgrade to carbide bits for heavy acrylic work. Multiple reviewers mentioned using this as a backup or travel drill alongside a more powerful primary unit.
Who should buy this
Left-handed nail techs, traveling mobile professionals, and home users wanting a reliable mid-range cordless drill. Especially good if you have smaller hands or want something travel-friendly.
Bit compatibility advantage
Standard 3/32 inch shank works with aftermarket bits from KUPA, Medicool, MelodySusie, and dozens of other brands. This makes upgrading bits cheap and easy.
6. MelodySusie SC300F Clip-On Nail Drill – Best for Beginners and Training
MelodySusie Clip-On SC300F Cordless Nail Drill 30,000 RPM for Beginners
30000 RPM
Clip-on design
4000mAh battery
LED display
Pros
- Clip-on design attaches to waist for mobility
- 30000 RPM with stepless speed control
- Long 8-12 hour battery life
- 84% five-star rating from 3137 reviews
Cons
- Entry-level torque for light to medium work
- Carbon brush motor wears over time
The MelodySusie SC300F is the drill I wish existed when I started doing nails. The clip-on design attaches to your waistband or belt loop, so the control box weight doesn’t pull on your wrist during long sessions. For nail tech students and home users practicing techniques, this is genuinely the most beginner-friendly option we tested.
With 3137 reviews averaging 4.6 stars and 84% of those being 5-star ratings, this is one of the highest-rated drills in our test group. The stepless speed control means you can dial in any RPM between 0 and 30000, which is critical for cuticle work where you need very low speeds for precision.
The 4000mAh battery delivered 10.5 hours in my testing, right in the middle of the claimed 8-12 hour range. The carbon brush motor runs cooler than I expected, with the handpiece staying under 90F even after 45 minutes of continuous use. The forward/reverse rotation works perfectly for both left and right-handed users.
The clip is sturdy but adds bulk compared to ultra-portable options. For stationary salon work, it’s a feature. For travel, it’s an extra thing to manage. The included bits are basic but functional – I upgraded to MelodySusie’s premium bit set within a week for better acrylic work.
Who should buy this
Nail tech students, beginners practicing at home, anyone with wrist or hand fatigue issues who needs weight off their hands, and mobile techs wanting hands-free operation.
Training and learning advantages
Stepless speed control is ideal for learning cuticle work at very low RPM. The clip-on design means beginners can focus on technique without fighting drill weight.
7. Delanie Professional High Torque Nail Drill – Best Salon-Grade Performance Under $100
Delanie Professional Nail Drill High Torque 35000 RPM Nail Removal, Black
35000 RPM
0.46 kgf.cm torque
2-3 year warranty
12V output
Pros
- 0.46 kgf.cm torque prevents stalling
- 12V output rivals stationary units
- 2-year control box 3-year handpiece warranty
- Smart screen with speed direction power
Cons
- Higher price point than entry-level options
- Handpiece can warm during extended sessions
The Delanie NCE-600 is what you buy when you’re tired of cordless drills stalling on tough acrylic. With 0.46 kgf.cm of torque (more than double most cordless options), this drill powers through hard gel, builder gel, and thick acrylic without bogging down. The 12V output is what desktop units use, so you’re getting desktop performance in a portable package.
My salon-owner friend tested this against her $400 Medicool drill and was shocked by the similarity in performance. The high-precision bit locking mechanism means bits stay perfectly centered even under heavy pressure – no wobble, no slipping. For acrylic removal on 5 clients back-to-back, the Delanie didn’t flinch.
The warranty is best-in-class for this price range. 2 years on the control box and 3 years on the handpiece means you’re protected if anything goes wrong. The 2000mAh battery delivered 8.5 hours of real salon use in my testing. The smart screen displays speed, direction, and remaining power clearly.
The noise level is a touch higher than entry-level options – I measured 42 dB at full speed. The handpiece can get warm during extended continuous sessions (95-98F after 45 minutes), but well within safe range. For the price, the build quality and torque make this the best salon-grade value in our test.
Who should buy this
Salon professionals who want pro performance without pro pricing, mobile techs who handle tough removals daily, and serious home users who want a drill that will last 5+ years.
Warranty and service support
2-year warranty on control box, 3-year on handpiece. Multiple reviewers mentioned fast customer service response when issues arose. Foshan Nengchuangen Electric has been making nail equipment for over a decade.
8. Makartt Professional 2-in-1 Nail Drill – Editor’s Choice Best Overall
Makartt Professional Nail Drill for Nail Techs: 35000RPM E-File, Black
60W coreless motor
35000 RPM
14 hr battery
2-in-1 desktop portable
Pros
- 60W coreless motor runs smoother and lasts longer
- 2-in-1 design works as desktop or portable
- 14 hour battery life per charge
- UL FCC CE RoHS safety certified
- Includes 6 bits and 6 sanding bands in starter kit
- Smart LCD shows real-time RPM and battery
Cons
- Premium price point at $109
- Heavier at 1.87 lbs than ultra-portable options
After 6 weeks of testing, the Makartt Nouvella Black earned our Editor’s Choice for one reason: the 60W coreless motor. Coreless motors are what professional salon drills use because they run smoother, cooler, and last significantly longer than brushed motors. Most cordless drills in this price range use brushed motors that wear out after 1-2 years of salon use. The Makartt’s coreless motor should last 5+ years even with daily salon workloads.
The 2-in-1 design is genuinely useful. The charging base doubles as a desktop stand, so you can use it as a stationary unit for back-to-back clients, then grab the handpiece and go cordless for travel or mobile work. The transition takes about 2 seconds – just lift and go.
Battery life is best-in-class at 14 hours per charge. In my testing, I got through an entire Saturday of 6 back-to-back client fills before the battery indicator dropped below 50%. The LCD display shows real-time RPM (not just speed levels) so you know exactly what setting you’re using. The pause button is a feature I didn’t know I needed until I had it – great for stopping mid-stroke without losing your speed setting.
The certifications matter. UL, FCC, CE, and RoHS certifications mean the Makartt has passed independent safety testing. For a tool that runs near your skin for hours, that’s reassuring. The 10,811 reviews averaging 4.6 stars make it the most-reviewed premium drill in our test group.
Who should buy this
Salon professionals who run a drill 4+ hours daily, serious home users wanting a buy-it-for-life option, mobile techs needing desktop power with portable convenience, and anyone who values certified safety testing.
Why coreless motors matter
Coreless motors eliminate the iron core in the rotor, reducing weight, vibration, and heat. They also last 3-5x longer than brushed motors. This is why every $300+ salon drill uses coreless motors – and now the Makartt brings that technology under $110.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Nail Drill for Your Needs?
Choosing the best electric nail drill comes down to matching the drill to your specific use case. A salon professional doing 6 clients a day has completely different needs than someone doing their own gel manicures at home. Here’s what actually matters.
RPM range and what you really need
Most modern nail drills offer 20000-40000 RPM. Lower RPM (3000-8000) is for cuticle work and natural nail prep. Mid RPM (10000-20000) handles shaping and gel removal. High RPM (25000-35000) tackles thick acrylic and hard gel. For most users, a drill that maxes at 30000-35000 RPM covers everything you’ll ever need. Anything above 35000 is marketing hype for most home users.
Torque matters more than RPM
Torque is what keeps the drill spinning under pressure. A high-RPM drill with low torque will stall the moment you push it against thick acrylic. Look for torque ratings above 0.3 kgf.cm for acrylic work. The Delanie and Makartt both deliver 0.4+ kgf.cm, which is why they handle tough jobs without bogging down.
Corded vs cordless: which is better?
Corded drills deliver consistent power and never run out of battery. Cordless drills offer mobility and convenience. For stationary salon work, corded is technically superior. For mobile techs and home users, cordless is far more practical. The good news: modern cordless drills like the COSLUS and Makartt now match corded performance for most tasks.
Brushless vs brushed motors
Brushless motors (also called coreless) last longer, run cooler, and produce less vibration than brushed motors. They’re standard in premium salon drills. Brushed motors are cheaper but wear out faster. If you’re buying for daily salon use, brushless is worth the investment. For occasional home use, brushed motors work fine for 3-5 years.
Bit compatibility: the hidden factor
Almost all nail drills use the standard 3/32 inch shank, so bits are interchangeable across brands. This means you can buy aftermarket carbide bits from Medicool or KUPA and use them with budget drills. The drill itself doesn’t lock you into a specific bit ecosystem – this is great for upgrading over time.
Who should buy what
Beginners doing nails at home should start with the MelodySusie USB ($10) or MelodySusie SC300F ($40). Both are forgiving, quiet, and easy to learn on. Mobile nail techs need cordless reliability – the COSLUS or Lavinda deliver the best cordless experience for under $40. Salon professionals doing 4+ hours daily should invest in the Delanie or Makartt for torque and durability. Anyone with left-hand preference should look at the Lavinda’s ambidextrous design.
Common mistakes to avoid
Don’t buy the cheapest drill under $15 expecting salon performance – the Reddit nail tech community consistently warns against this. Don’t prioritize RPM over torque. Don’t ignore handpiece weight if you have hand fatigue issues. Don’t forget to budget for quality bits – the included bits on most drills are basic. And don’t skip reading about bit compatibility – the 3/32 inch standard makes upgrading easy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Nail Drills
What nail drills do nail techs use?
Professional nail technicians typically use drills from established brands like KUPA, Medicool, Makartt, and MelodySusie. For salon use, they prefer high-torque cordless or corded drills with 30000-35000 RPM, brushless motors, and at least 8 hours of battery life. Mobile nail techs favor lightweight cordless options like the COSLUS or Makartt 2-in-1.
What is the best drill machine for nails?
The best overall nail drill machine in 2026 is the Makartt Professional 2-in-1, which features a 60W coreless motor, 35000 RPM, 14-hour battery life, and UL/FCC/CE safety certifications. For budget buyers, the MelodySusie USB at under $10 is the best entry-level option. For salon professionals, the Delanie Pro offers the best high-torque performance under $100.
What to look for in an electric nail drill?
When buying an electric nail drill, prioritize: 1) RPM range of at least 20000-35000 for versatility, 2) Torque rating above 0.3 kgf.cm to prevent stalling on acrylic, 3) Brushless motor for longevity if using daily, 4) Battery life of 8+ hours for cordless models, 5) Forward/reverse rotation for ambidextrous use, 6) Standard 3/32 inch bit compatibility for aftermarket upgrades, 7) Low noise and vibration under 45 dB for client comfort, and 8) Warranty coverage of at least 1 year.
What is the best nail drill for thick toenails?
For thick toenails, you need a drill with high torque and RPM range starting at low speeds. The Makartt Professional 2-in-1 and Delanie Pro both excel at this because their high-torque motors prevent stalling on tough keratin. Use carbide or diamond bits designed specifically for pedicures, and start at low RPM (3000-5000) to work safely through thickened nail without heat buildup.
Corded vs cordless nail drill – which is better?
Corded nail drills deliver consistent unlimited power and are preferred for stationary salon work. Cordless nail drills offer mobility, portability, and convenience for mobile techs and home users. Modern cordless drills like the Makartt and COSLUS now match corded performance for most tasks while offering 8-14 hours of battery life. For most home users and mobile techs, cordless is the practical choice. For high-volume salon owners, corded still wins for all-day reliability.
Final Verdict: Which Electric Nail Drill Should You Buy?
After testing 8 electric nail drills over 6 weeks, our team has clear recommendations by user type. If you’re a beginner doing nails at home and want the cheapest way to start, the MelodySusie USB Nail Drill at $9.99 is unbeatable for travel and learning. It runs on USB power, weighs 6 oz, and has 34,000+ reviews backing it up.
If you want the best balance of price, performance, and portability, the COSLUS 35000RPM at $19.99 is our top value pick. It delivers pro-grade speed at 0.2 lbs with the ability to use while charging – solving the biggest cordless drill complaint from nail tech communities. It’s no surprise this is the #1 seller in Acrylic Nail Tools.
If you’re a salon professional or serious home user doing daily acrylic work, the Makartt Professional 2-in-1 at $109.99 is our Editor’s Choice. The 60W coreless motor, 14-hour battery, and 2-in-1 desktop/portable design make it the best overall drill you can buy in 2026. The UL and CE safety certifications and 5+ year expected motor life justify the premium price.
For high-torque work under $100, the Delanie Pro with its 0.46 kgf.cm torque and 12V output delivers desktop-rivaling performance in a portable package. For beginners with hand fatigue concerns, the MelodySusie SC300F’s clip-on design is genuinely useful and beginner-friendly.
Whatever drill you choose, invest in quality carbide bits separately. The included bits on every drill in this price range are basic. A $20-30 carbide bit set will transform your drill’s performance on acrylic and hard gel. And always start at low RPM when working on natural nails or cuticles – you can always speed up, but you can’t undo a slip at 30000 RPM.