Which bur attachment for what? Carbide, diamond, cylinder, ball and sanding cap
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A nail drill is only as good as the attachment in it. Carbide, diamond or sanding cap, cylinder, ball or cone – every combination of material and shape has its job. This guide shows which bur attachment suits thick nails, the nail fold and hard skin, and what to look out for in terms of grit and care.
You will find all attachments, sanding caps and matching accessories in the category Burs & sanding caps for foot care.
Quick overview: which attachment for which task?
| Task | Suitable attachment | Grit / cut |
|---|---|---|
| Shortening thick, hardened nails | Carbide bur | coarse cut |
| Smoothing the nail plate | Diamond cylinder | medium |
| Nail fold and nail edges | Diamond cone or small ball | medium to fine |
| Cuticles and skin edges (manicure) | Small diamond ball | fine |
| Hard skin on the heel and ball of the foot | Sanding cap or coarse diamond | coarse to medium |
| Final smoothing and polishing | Silicone polisher | fine |
Carbide burs: when a lot of material has to go
Carbide burs have ground-in flutes. They cut the material instead of grinding it off, and therefore remove it quickly and powerfully. They are the choice for severely thickened or hardened nails. The coarser the cut, the more is removed – and the more care is needed.
Important: carbide burs come in right-hand and left-hand cut. The cutting direction must match the direction of rotation of your device, otherwise the bur chatters and cuts poorly.
Examples: Ruck Fräser und Schleifer (carbide, bud-shaped, coarse X-cut) · Nagelfräser Bit Hartmetall (M)
Diamond burs: gentle grinding and smoothing
With diamond burs, the metal body is coated with diamond grains. They grind instead of cutting, which means they work with more control and are suitable for smoothing, for the nail fold and for fine work on the cuticles. The grit determines how much is removed: coarse diamonds remove hard skin, medium ones are the all-rounders, fine ones are for finishing.
Examples: Diamant-Kegelbit für Nagelfräser · Diamant-Nagelfräser Set
The shapes: cylinder, ball, cone
- Cylinder – the large straight surface works evenly on the nail plate and on flat hard skin. Large diameters for surfaces, small ones for narrow areas.
- Ball – round and precise. Small balls work in the nail fold and on the cuticles, larger ones on curves.
- Cone and flame – taper to a point and reach the lateral nail edges and tight spots.
- Hollow bur – a cylindrical tube for precise spot work. It belongs in podiatry rather than in home care.
Sanding caps: removing hard skin over larger areas
Sanding caps are small caps made of abrasive paper (usually corundum) that are pushed onto a rubber holder. They remove hard skin on the heel and ball of the foot over larger areas and are disposed of after the treatment – which is hygienic and saves reprocessing. The diameter of the cap must match the holder.
Thermo sanding caps dissipate the heat generated and therefore feel more pleasant on the skin. Round caps are for surfaces, pointed ones for edge areas.
Examples: Ruck Thermo-Schleifkappen – 10 Stück · Ruck Schleifkappen-Set korund-schwarz grob
Grit and colour ring
On diamond burs, a coloured ring on the shank usually indicates the grit:
- green – coarse: removes a lot, for hard skin and thickening
- blue – medium: the all-rounder
- red – fine: smoothing and finishing
- yellow – extra fine: sensitive areas
For beginners, a medium grit is often enough. Use coarse only where a lot really has to go.
How to work safely with a nail drill
- Start at a low speed and increase it slowly.
- Without pressure – keep the bur moving all the time. If it stays in one spot, it quickly gets hot.
- Work on dry skin – damp hard skin smears and clogs the attachment.
- Insert the shank fully into the handpiece. Bits for nail and foot care usually have a 2.35 mm shank.
- The resulting dust should not be inhaled – that is why studios work with dust extraction.
Cleaning and storage
Burs are reusable instruments and are cleaned and disinfected after every use. A bur cleaning brush removes skin residue from the flutes, disinfection takes place in the bur container, and a bur stand keeps everything within reach. Sanding caps are disposable items.
When you should not use a nail drill yourself
With diabetes, circulatory disorders, reduced sensation in the foot or inflamed skin, treatment belongs in podiatric hands. This also applies to corns and ingrown nails.
Frequently asked questions
Which bur is suitable for thick toenails?
A carbide bur with a coarse cut removes thick, hardened nails the fastest. A medium-grit diamond cylinder is suitable for smoothing afterwards.
What is the difference between carbide and diamond burs?
Carbide burs cut with flutes and remove material quickly. Diamond burs grind with diamond grains and work more finely and with more control.
Which attachment is suitable for hard skin?
Sanding caps on a rubber holder or a coarse diamond bur are suitable for hard skin on the heel and ball of the foot. Sanding caps are disposable and particularly hygienic.
Which colour stands for which grit?
On diamond burs, a green ring usually stands for coarse, blue for medium, red for fine and yellow for extra fine.
View all burs & sanding caps
Read more: Removing hard skin: shaver, rasp or file? · Thick toenails in old age · Nail nippers for thick toenails