The barrel is used primarily on the top surface of the nail. A coarse or medium barrel is used to grind away the old sculpture material in preparation for a fill, or to shape a newly sculptured nail. An extra-fine barrel, when used with cuticle oil or water, will give you a matte pre-polish finish. An ultra fine barrel, when used with cuticle oil or water, will give you a smooth, shiny finish.

A rounded or safety head gives you safety that you will not cut into the cuticle, as a sharp edged carbide may do if not carefuly.