More about bits

My last article on bits was packed with information “about” bits.

What effort goes into the making of a bit and what amount of quality control is put into assuring the bits you use are safe, I’m sure differ from Mfg. to Mfg.

I can only speak for the Mfg. I represent. Busch. I am not knowledgeable on anyone else’s bits. Nor am I comparing.

The QC is mind blowing. I’m told if during QC there are 4 or more bits that are found defective, the whole batch is thrown away. Some of these batches are batches of thousands of bits.

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The shaft is made first. The QC on these must be spot on. This is the part that goes into the efile handle. Any slight variation you could feel vibration, as the shaft isn’t fitting into the hand file properly.

The next step varies on types of bits.

• A lathed blank bit is then attached to the shaft (or run bar material)
• If the bits have slits in them, they are then milled on the lathed blank
• If no slits, the coating (fine/coarse etc) is then added
• If with slits (for cooling) the coating is then added
• If cuts are necessary – those are then made in the lathed blank
• Corundum and polished bits are slightly different. There is a high-grade corundum abrasive blank which is then attached to the shank. It is then formed into the sizes and shapes you like. In addition, these nits have surface renewal when used. The initial shape may be diminished by wear, yet there are “fresh” girls always available.

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In choosing bits, experience should come into consideration. For example, we have a bit kit which is provided to us from another supplier. It is a very cost effective set at only $29.95 per set of six(6). However, the set was designed for beginners. It gives you 6 different shapes and all have very fine grits on them.

If you are apprehensive about using an efile, this is a great set for you to begin with. A set to get you comfortable and to hopefully help you decide which bits you can grow into.

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We also have the hybrid bits which are very aggressive. If you are a novice and work primarily with the hardest of calluses, the hybrid combination of diamond and ceramic might be your way to go.

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Here are another couple of tid-bits (no pund intended :))

• Look for the “L” in the bit number if you need left handed bits
• Ceramic bits are much harder than carbide. I’ve been asked about the fragility of them. YES, if dropped to the ground, they certainly have a much higher chance of breaking than a diamond or a carbide. However, the concern of ceramic bits breaking in the hand piece has not been anything encountered by the Busch. mfg. If your ceramic bits are breaking easily, it probably has to do with quality.
• I also wanted to share how the mfg. of diamond bits are done. Busch uses normal diamond coating. The difference lies in how the diamond grit is placed and how far the grit protrudes from the drill. 
  • When there is a lot of diamond sticking out, the cutting performance of the drill increases, but it makes the instrument dull much faster.
  • When little diamond protrudes, the cutting performance of the drill decreases, but the instrument lasts much longer.
    Busch mfg. firmly believes they have  found the perfect sweet spot between cutting performance and durability.

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Other than all the above, choosing bits are pretty much personal.

Yes, there are smaller bits designed for cuticle care, however, there is nothing to say you can’t use that bit on the skin.

We have a bit which you can get right into the nail fold without causing damage. It has no grit and it will help you to safely remove any accumulation of skin that might be caught between the nail and the skin. This may be great for use on sensitive skin and for someone who isn’t comfortable with that process yet.

And of course, we have many different shapes and sizes for use between the toes, around the nails and on the skin. In addition, we also have bits which can be to used on a fissure or a rhagade and maybe something different to use on a crack.

YES..it is about the bit, yet it is also about your experience when choosing a bit

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I hope you found this information useful. Who knew? There was so much involved in the making of a good quality bit. We know you have many choices. I am proud to stand by the Busch bits as the quality fits into my venue of offering high grade quality products to my clients. Feel free to reach out with any questions and…..if you are attending the Nail Tech Event of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, or the Premiere show in San Antonio, you will have a chance to see first hand how high quality these bits are.

CJ Murray, President