Nail files for manicure and pedicure

135 nail files for fingernails and toenails – glass, sapphire, metal, ceramic and emery board, in fine to coarse grit. From Solingen production we carry Niegeloh, Erbe and Dreiturm, podiatry files by RUCK from Baden-Württemberg, plus more affordable ranges. The country of origin is stated in the description of every product.

Straight to the right file:

  • Brittle or thin nails → glass nail file. It seals the nail edge instead of roughening it.
  • Normal fingernails → sapphire file with fine grit, the all-rounder.
  • Thick, hard toenails → metal file or coarse sapphire file.
  • Smoothing and polishing the edge → buffing file.
Learn more: types of file and grit
  • Sapphire nail files: the classic. With grit on both sides they shape and smooth the nails gently and reliably.
  • Metal nail files: sturdy and long-lasting, ideal for thick, hard nails and precise filing.
  • Glass nail files: particularly gentle on the nail structure, hygienic and easy to clean – ideal for sensitive and brittle nails.
  • Ceramic files: shatter-resistant, hard-wearing and with a fine surface that smooths the nails gently.
  • Emery board files: inexpensive and pleasantly fine, but a consumable – replace them once the grit wears down.

Which grit does your nail file need?

The grit decides how coarsely or finely a nail file works – the lower the number, the coarser the file:

  • Coarse (approx. 80–100): for shortening thick, hard nails and for preparing artificial and gel nails.
  • Medium (approx. 180): the all-rounder for shaping normal fingernails and toenails.
  • Fine (240 and above): for smoothing the nail edge and for sensitive natural nails.

Tip: for the daily care of natural nails a fine grit is the gentlest – with thick toenails the file may well be coarser.

Which nail file for which nails?

  • Natural nails: glass or sapphire file with fine grit – gentle and without splitting.
  • Brittle, sensitive nails: glass nail file, as it seals the nail layers and prevents tearing.
  • Hard & thick toenails: metal file or coarse sapphire file with high removal rate.
  • Gel & artificial nails: sturdy metal or mineral file with coarse grit.

Filing correctly

Always file in one direction, never back and forth – sawing separates the nail layers from one another and is the real cause of splitting edges. Work on the dry nail, not right after a bath.

Service life

A glass or sapphire file lasts many years in normal use; the abrasive surface of a glass file is etched into the glass and hardly wears down. Emery board files are a consumable.

Related guides: The best nail file – which grit and which type? · Caring for and cleaning a glass file · Metal nail files: when they are the right choice

Related categories: Glass nail files, Metal nail files, Buffing files, Nail scissors, Nail nippers

Which nail file is right for you?

Polishing files

Polishing files

 Ceramic files

Ceramic files

 Glass nail files

Glass nail files

 Our Best-Sellers

Our Best-Sellers

Frequently Asked Questions about Nail Files

What type of nail file is the best?

The best nail file is the one that suits your nails: for sensitive or natural nails, fine glass files are ideal, while for stronger nails, durable metal or sapphire files are a better choice. For an overview, see our guide The best nail file.

Which file for which material?

Natural nails: fine glass files, ceramic or fine sapphire files. Hard nails: medium grit, sapphire or metal. Artificial nails: coarser files designed specifically for that purpose. The grit should always match the material.

What is a glass nail file – and is it worth it?

A glass nail file files very gently, seals the nail edge and will not cause splitting. It is washable, easy to disinfect and barely wears down – so it is especially worthwhile with regular use. All models: glass nail files.

What is a sapphire file?

A sapphire file has a grainy coating on both sides and is the durable classic from Solingen – sturdy enough even for firmer nails. Find our models under Nail files.

What is a buffer file, and how do you get shiny nails without polish?

A buffer file smooths and polishes the nail surface in several stages – for natural shine without any nail polish.

Which nail file is best for natural nails?

For natural nails, fine glass files, ceramic or fine sapphire files are ideal. They smooth the nail edge without roughening it and help prevent splitting. Coarse metal files are less recommended for natural nails.

Which nail file is best for hard or thick nails?

For hard or thick toenails, files with a medium to slightly coarser grit are suitable. Sapphire or high-quality metal files remove material in a controlled way without unnecessarily damaging the nail. It is important not to file too coarsely or hastily even with hard nails.

Nail file for babies – what should you look out for?

With babies, safety comes first. Extra-fine grit and soft materials prevent injury, allowing tiny nails to be gently shortened without leaving sharp edges.

Which file helps with calluses on the feet?

Coarse foot files as well as callus shavers & rasps are suitable for calluses. Our guide Removing calluses: shaver, rasp or file? explains which tool suits which situation.

What grit should a nail file have?

For natural nails, a medium to fine grit is ideal, as it will not cause splitting. For thick nails, it can be coarser; a fine side smooths the edge at the end.

Why should you only file in one direction?

Filing in only one direction is gentle on the nail edge. Filing back and forth can roughen the nail layers and increase the risk of splitting. A steady motion from the outside toward the middle produces smoother edges and healthier nails.

What is healthiest for your nails?

The healthiest approach is gentle care: soft filing with fine grit (for example a glass nail file), not cutting too often with nail clippers or nail nippers, and avoiding strong pressure. Regular moisturizing keeps the nail structure healthy in the long run.

How do I clean and disinfect my nail file?

Glass and metal files can be cleaned under warm water and disinfected with alcohol – hygienic and reusable. Sandboard and paper files, on the other hand, are single-use products.

Nail file, nail clippers or nail scissors – what do I need?

The file shapes and smooths, while nail clippers and nail scissors shorten. It is best to combine both: shorten first, then file into shape.

Are your nail files suitable for travel?

Yes – compact glass nail files with a protective sleeve are ideal for travel and your handbag. You will find more models under Nail files.