Corner lifter

A corner lifter exposes the nail fold without cutting. The flattened tip gently lifts the side edge of the nail away from the nail wall, so you can see what lies underneath and make room for nippers or a file.

Read more: shapes, use and how it differs

Which shape for which job?

  • Straight corner lifter – the standard for the lateral nail fold. Set it down flat and follow the nail edge.
  • Curved corner lifter – follows the curve of the nail and is more comfortable on strongly arched toenails.
  • Double-ended models – lifter at one end, probe or nail cleaner at the other. Useful if you would rather not carry a separate instrument for every step.
  • Long, slim versions – for the practice, because they still leave a clear view in a deep nail fold.

Corner lifter, corner nipper or probe?

The corner lifter lifts and exposes, it does not cut. Only once you can see what has to go does the corner nipper come in. A probe is finer still and is mainly used to place tamponades or clean out the fold. In practice the three are used one after the other, not as alternatives.

How to use it

  • Soak the feet first: softened skin releases the nail edge more easily.
  • Place the tip flat and parallel to the nail, do not push it vertically into the fold.
  • Work in small movements and only go as far as stays pain-free.
  • Stop if the nail wall is inflamed or red: that belongs in podiatric hands.

Material and reprocessing

All corner lifters are made of stainless steel, reusable and sterilisable. Clean them after use, dry them completely and store them dry: residual moisture is the most common cause of rust spots on otherwise flawless instruments.

Related guides: Using a corner lifter correctly · Treating ingrown toenails · Instrument reprocessing in podiatry

Related categories: Corner nippers, Nail instruments, RUCK podiatry instruments, For toenails