A good nail e-file is not the one with the biggest numbers, but the one that runs smoothly, vibrates little and can actually be repaired. For most manicure work, an e-file with a maximum speed of around 30,000 RPM is enough. Three questions help you choose: how many hours a day you will use it, what work you will do (gel polish, gel, acrylic, pedicure) and who will repair the machine if it breaks.
Types of nail e-files: brushed, brushless, cordless
- Brushed (carbon brush) motors. A simpler motor design and a more affordable price. Suitable for home use and beginners. The motor brushes wear down over time, so with heavy use this type of e-file needs servicing sooner.
- Brushless motors. Quieter, they run cooler with less vibration and last longer. A good choice for a salon where the e-file works all day.
- Cordless (rechargeable). Convenient for mobile technicians and small workstations. What matters is how many hours they run on one charge – for example, the Saeyang Marathon K35S description states up to 10 hours.
- Podiatry models and units with dust extraction. Machines designed for pedicure and podiatry, sometimes with built-in dust suction or water spray.
You can find all models in the electric files and e-files category.
Power, RPM and torque – what the numbers mean
Power (W) shows how much energy the machine consumes, not how well it performs. Two e-files with the same power can behave completely differently.
Speed (RPM) is the maximum rotation speed of the bit. In practice, 15,000–25,000 RPM is enough to remove a coating and 8,000–12,000 RPM for the cuticle area. A higher maximum speed is useful as a reserve, but it is not proof of quality. We explain how to apply RPM in practice in our article how to use a nail e-file.
Torque shows whether the bit keeps its speed when you press slightly or work on a hard material. An e-file with weak torque stalls on gel or acrylic, which makes you press harder – and that already heats the nail. If the manufacturer states torque (N·cm), compare it between models.
The handpiece: weight, vibration, bearings, holder
The handpiece is the most important part of the e-file, because you hold it throughout the whole treatment. Pay attention to:
- Weight and balance. A light, well-balanced handpiece is less tiring for the wrist.
- Vibration. Even slight vibration tires the hand over a long working day and gets in the way of precise work around the cuticles.
- Bearings and noise. A smooth, steady sound is a good sign. Rattling or overheating points to wear.
- Bit locking. A twist-lock type system lets you change the bit in one movement.
- Maximum handpiece speed – it must match the control unit.
- Cable and holder. A flexible cable does not drag on your hand, and the holder protects the handpiece from falling.
It is worth having a spare handpiece in a salon: if the main one fails, work does not stop while it is being repaired. Before buying, check that the handpiece is compatible with your control unit (connector, direction, maximum speed). For example, the separate handpiece for an electric file that we sell weighs 160 g, has a Twist-Lock system and is rated up to 35,000 RPM.
Strong 210, Marathon and others: how an original differs from a copy
Strong is a brand of the manufacturer Saeshin, and Marathon is a brand of the manufacturer Saeyang. Both are popular, so the market is full of copies that look the same at first glance. Before buying, check:
- The manufacturer's name on the control unit, the handpiece and the box, as well as the serial number.
- The technical data. Compare the parameters stated by the seller (speed, power, handpiece model) with the manufacturer's official data. A mismatch is a serious warning sign.
- The documents. There should be an instruction manual and a warranty card, and the seller must issue a proof of purchase.
- The price. A price far below the usual one most often means a copy.
- The service. Ask who will repair the machine and where, and whether spare parts are available.
Our range includes Saeyang Marathon e-files from compact to salon class, for example the Saeyang Marathon 3 Champion NEW with H200 handpiece.
An e-file with built-in dust extraction – when it is worth it
E-files with built-in dust suction are mostly designed for pedicure and podiatry, where the most dust is produced and there is little space in the work area. One example is the Saeyang Marathon Cyclone VAC pedicure e-file with dust extractor.
For manicure, a separate dust collector is usually more practical: you can place it wherever is convenient, replace it without changing the e-file, and if one device breaks, the other keeps working. Read more in how to choose a dust collector for manicure.
A nail e-file for home use and for a salon: what to choose
| Criterion | Home use | Salon |
|---|---|---|
| Working time | Short sessions for yourself or family | Several hours every day |
| Motor | A brushed motor is fine | Worth choosing brushless |
| Handpiece | Light, with reverse | Low vibration, replaceable, with service support |
| Speed | Around 30,000 RPM is enough | 30,000 RPM or more, good torque |
| Control | Manual speed dial | Foot pedal, reverse, clear display |
Warranty, service and repair in Lithuania
An e-file is a working tool that sooner or later will need maintenance: bearings wear, cables fray, pedals fail. Before buying, check the warranty period in the product description and who carries out warranty and post-warranty repairs.
Nailshop.lt repairs e-files, UV/LED lamps and dust collectors – from any manufacturer. Diagnostics are free, and we only carry out repairs once the price has been agreed with you. You can bring the equipment to our shop in Vilnius or send it by courier. We covered the most common faults and when a handpiece needs to go to a technician in the article e-file faults and repair.
Checklist before you buy
- What work will you do: only gel polish removal, extensions, or pedicure as well?
- How many hours a day will the e-file be used?
- Is there a reverse function and a foot pedal?
- What is the maximum handpiece speed, and does it match the control unit?
- How much does the handpiece weigh, and does it vibrate? If you can, hold it in your hand in the shop.
- Do the parameters match the manufacturer's official data?
- What is the warranty, and who repairs the machine in Lithuania?
- Do you have a dust collector and suitable bits?
Frequently asked questions
Which nail e-file should a beginner buy?
A reliable e-file with reverse and a foot pedal or manual speed dial and a maximum speed of around 30,000 RPM is enough. More important than the numbers are a light, low-vibration handpiece and the possibility of having the machine repaired when needed.
How can I tell an original Strong 210 e-file from a copy?
Look for the manufacturer's name Saeshin and the serial number on the machine and the box, compare the parameters with the manufacturer's official data, and insist on a proof of purchase and a warranty card. A suspiciously low price is the most common sign of a copy.
How many RPM should a nail e-file have?
For most work, a maximum speed of around 30,000 RPM is enough, because 15,000–25,000 RPM is used to remove a coating and 8,000–12,000 RPM for the cuticle area.
Is it worth buying an e-file with a dust extractor?
For pedicure and podiatry – often yes, because there is a lot of dust and little space. For manicure, a separate dust collector is usually more practical, as it can be placed freely and replaced independently of the e-file.