We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What Is a Power Nail File?

By Alicia Sparks
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

A power nail file is a nail file operated by some form of power that isn’t manual. Some power nail files are powered by disposable or rechargeable batteries, and some are powered by power cords plugged into electricity outlets. Similar to other types of nail files, power nail files are available in a variety of shapes and “grits” or “grains,” the designs of which are meant to achieve specific results or be used on certain types of nails. Also known as an electric nail file, a power nail file usually is part of a more complete manicure and pedicure set. Professionals often use power nail files when giving manicures and pedicures, but these nail files and their kits are available to everyday shoppers.

Generally, a power nail file comes in some sort of kit. This kit might include only the electric nail file and its attachments, or it might include a more thorough set of manicure and pedicure tools. Either way, the tool will come with numerous types of nail files, each of which is attachable to the power tool. These files are designed for specific purposes such as filing regular fingernails and thick toenails. Most of these nail files are shaped in ways that make them more effective for their specific purposes, such as flat disks, cones, and barrels.

Not all power nail files come in complete manicure and pedicure sets. It’s possible to purchase an individual power nail file. Those nail files that do belong to manicure and pedicure sets usually are accompanied by a wide variety of other non-file tools. For example, a set might include a power nail file with various file types as well as one or more types of buffers and polishers. Some kits include non-attachment tools, like cuticle sticks and trimmers.

Although they might seem strictly professional, most power nail files and the manicure and pedicure kits that include them are available for sale to the general public. Shoppers can find them at regular department stores, drug stores, and online retailers that sell manicure, pedicure, and other grooming products. Quality varies by manufacturer, so new shoppers might try looking for a power nail file or set made by a brand they already trust. They can also look for customer reviews or talk with salon professionals or other people they know who use power nail files. It’s important to read all preparation and operation instructions before using a power nail file for the first time.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

By Sara007 — On Sep 23, 2011

@Mae82 - I have a power nail file and it does an amazing job, though I wouldn't say it is any better than a traditional nail file. It is really just another tool that relies on the skill of the person doing the work.

As far as making the job easier, I would say it helps a lot. With a traditional nail file getting the perfect shape can take a lot of work, and a power nail file really cuts down on the time commitment you need to make when doing your nails at home.

I actually have different heads for my power nail file, so not only can I file but I can buff my nails as well. I think that makes all the difference.

By Mae82 — On Sep 23, 2011

I love getting a manicure at a nail salon but I haven't been able to budget for it lately. I am wondering if doing my own manicures may be the solution. Right now I have a really basic nail kit, and a traditional nail file, but I just can't seem to get the professional look that I got when I was getting my nails done by a trained nail artist.

Has anyone actually tried using a power nail file? Did you find that it gave you a better look than a regular nail file, or does it just make the job easier?

I really want to get my nails back to looking in great condition.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.