The Top 5 Nail Drills

There's something to be said about gorgeous, well-manicured nails. Visiting the nail salon can get a bit pricey, however. So, what's one to do? Creating your very own at-home DIY nail salon is actually a totally fun project that's both affordable and less tricky than you think. Arm yourself with some high-quality nail oils, your favorite polishes and other nail supplies, and...yep...your very own at-home nail drill. If you are unsure of where to start, not to worry. These are the top 5 nail drills for the perfect DIY at-home manicure.

MelodySusie Portable Electric Nail Drill

Professional At-Home Nails

For the DIY queen, you'll love this MelodySusie nail drill kit.

Best Overall

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With 6 different kinds of metal bits and 6 sanding bands, you have a totally multifunctional manicure tool with this nail drill from MelodySusie. Between the different types of sanding bands and metal bits, you’ll have access to various carving, cutting, polishing, and cuticle removal for the most artistic DIY nails. With a built-in speed control button (0-20,000 RPM), you’ll be able to safely polish your nails with full control. Other notable features: the motor runs efficiently and quietly, and the entire unit coming in at a mere 2.2 ounces, this highly portable nail drill works effortlessly to help you create whatever nail masterpiece you have in mind.

Pros:

Small and manageable handpiece length, at only 5.1 inches.
Nail drill body is made from aluminum alloy. This allows for excellent heat dissipation, allowing you to work to 20-minutes per continuous run-time.
Runs with a 55-inch power cord (no more fear of the battery dying mid-drill!).
Fully controllable drill speed.

Cons:

Drill bits are made of carbide. If you want diamond drill bits, you’ll need to purchase these separately.

AIRSEE Professional Nail Drill Kit

Small and Lightweight

With ease-of-use and portability combined, you'll have no excuse to have raggedy nails with this nail drill bit on hand.

Runner-Up

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This nail drill set is another excellent choice if you’re the at home DIY queen of manis and pedis. With 11 difference pieces of drill bits and 6 pieces of sanding bands, this is a multifunctional nail drill for the more seasoned at-home DIYer. You’ll have full control over the speed as well as direction, making this is a fine option for both left hand and right hand folks.

This nail drill can be used for manicures, pedicures, acrylics, gels, to remove dead skin and calluses, and to safely and effectively work on your cuticles. Because of the sheer amount of equipment you get with this nail drill, it’s a better design for someone with a bit more experience in nail art as opposed to someone just learning the ropes.

Pros:

Small size, at only 5.1 inches.
Low vibrational unit for the most professional level nail drilling.
Cord power operated so the nail drill won’t die during use.

Cons:

Because this unit can overheat, it’s best to limit continuous drill time to less than 20 minutes. If you’re switching direction of the bit rotation, you’ll need to pause at least 2 seconds in between use in order to give the motor a rest.

Cadrim Electric Nail Drill Machine

If you’re looking for a step up from the simple nail drill, this nail drill machine kit is the way to go. With the ability to not only shape your nails but to sharpen, grind, sand, polish, and even engrave, you can really take your nail art to the next level. With full speed control, low vibration and noise, and a simple, easy-to-use design, you’ll be well on your way to superior at-home nails in no time.

Pros:

20,000 RPM for professional-level nail work.
Forward and reverse operational pattern.
Can be used on both hands and feet.
Kit comes with a nail machine, manual, handle, handle holder, 6 sanding bands, and 6 drill bits.

Cons:

If you’re looking for a more compact nail drilling station, this isn’t it. With multiple items, you’re going to want some space to set this up.

Bestidy Electric Nail Drill Kit

For Nails on the Go

Made to function by using a USB cord, you can literally do your nails wherever you bring your cellphone.

Most Portable

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Taking portability to a whole new level, this nail drill kit uses a USB-compatible plug-in so you can literally use this on the go (wherever you bring your phone, you can use this nail drill!). With 6 full interchangeable bits as well as a 30 piece fine sanding band kit included, you’ll have access to all of the necessary items for creating the most artful, tastefully done nails. The metal body, slim fit, low vibration and noise level during use, and multiple bits makes this an excellent nail drill for the simple at home DIYer.

Pros:

With a USB cord, you have the option to plug this into your phone for on-the-go nail work. Otherwise, you can plug this into a USB wall plug-in and use it wherever else you’d like.
Plenty of extra sanding refills included in this kit.
Easy to use.

Cons:

If acrylics are your thing, 20,000 RPM isn’t the most ideal drill speed (you’ll want higher).

Alle’s Professional Electric Nail Drill

Got Acrylics?

With 30,000 RPM, you'll be able to artfully shape and design your acrylic nails with this nail drill kit.

Best for Acrylics

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Remember how we said the nail drill above wasn’t the best for acrylic nails? Here’s a rule of thumb to go by: if you have anything less than 30,000 RPM in a nail drill, you’re not going to love the job it does on acrylic nails. That’s why we’ve included this nail drill machine kit on the list: at 30,000 RPM, you’ll be able to work on your acrylics without damage and with excellent precision. If you’re new to this type of nail art, the speed is fully adjustable, so it’s possible to start out at a low speed until you get the hang of it.

With a forward and reverse rational direction, you’ll be able to use this kit whether you’re a righty or a lefty.

Pros:

Kit comes with 6 different nail drill bits and a 100-pcs sanding band package (the most of any on this list!).
Aluminum handpiece is lightweight and won’t overheat.
Super easy to change out the bits.
The machine itself has a nail drill bit holder, which, in our opinion, ups the functionality factor of this kit.

Cons:

If you’re new to working on your nails at home, this might be a step above what you’re going to want to start with. It’s more of a professional-level nail drill kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do nail drills damage nails?

If used improperly, yes, nail drills can damage your nails. That’s why you’re going to want to fully read the manual before use, talk to your favorite nail technician, and do plenty of research beforehand.

How do you properly clean your nail drill bits and parts?

After each use, it’s a good idea to clean your bits to remove any debris from the surface. You can do this by easily brushing each used bit with with a simple soap and water solution. You can also immerse each used bit for up to 10 minutes in acetone.