KMIZ bit color codes: how to identify grit, tooth size and left-handed bits?
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At KMIZ, professional e-file bits can be identified through a system of colored bands. These colors make it easy to quickly recognize the grit level, tooth size, triple-cut bits or references designed for left-handed nail technicians. In this guide, OnglyCare explains how to easily read the KMIZ color codes for diamond and carbide bits so you can choose the right bit for your professional technique.
Why do KMIZ bits have colored bands?
The colored bands on KMIZ bits are true technical markers. They make it easy to quickly identify the abrasiveness or cutting level of a bit, without having to read the full product reference.
Simple key points to remember:
- On a diamond bit, the color indicates the grit.
- On a carbide bit, the color indicates the tooth size.
- On a triple-cut bit, the violet band indicates a specific cut.
- On a left-handed bit, two identical bands indicate a cutting direction adapted to left-handed users.
This system is especially useful for nail technicians who work with several bits every day: nail preparation, cuticle work, lateral nail fold cleaning, product removal, finishing or pedicure work.
Color codes for right-handed KMIZ diamond bits
KMIZ diamond bits are used for precision techniques: cuticle work, cleaning the lateral nail folds, preparing the nail plate, finishing or certain pedicure techniques. For these bits, the color corresponds to the grit level.
Color codes — Right-handed diamond bits
Right-handed = 1 band • Two-color bands indicate an intermediate grit
| Color | KMIZ code | Grit level | General use |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | UM | Ultra fine | Very gentle finishing, sensitive areas |
| Yellow | OM | Very fine | Delicate work, thin skin, finishing |
| Yellow / Red | OM-M | Intermediate | Between very fine and fine |
| Red | M | Fine | Precise cuticle and nail fold work |
| Red / Blue | M-C | Intermediate | Between fine and medium |
| Blue | C | Medium | Preparation, more pronounced work |
| Green | K | Coarse | More intensive work depending on the area |
| Black | OK | Extra coarse | Specific use, high abrasiveness |
Pro tip: two-color bands on diamond bits, such as yellow / red or red / blue, indicate an intermediate grit.
KMIZ diamond bits for left-handed users: how can you recognize them?
KMIZ bits for left-handed users are identified by a very simple marking: two identical bands. This double marking indicates that the bit has a cutting direction adapted to left-handed nail technicians.
Color codes — Left-handed diamond bits
Left-handed = 2 identical bands
| Marking | KMIZ code | Level |
|---|---|---|
| White / White | UM | Ultra fine |
| Yellow / Yellow | OM | Very fine |
| Red / Red | M | Fine |
| Blue / Blue | C | Medium |
| Green / Green | K | Coarse |
| Black / Black | OK | Extra coarse |
Please note: red / blue indicates an intermediate grit on a diamond bit, while blue / blue indicates a left-handed bit.
Color codes for right-handed KMIZ carbide bits
KMIZ tungsten carbide bits are mainly used for product removal: gel, gel polish, acrygel, acrylic or certain pedicure areas depending on the reference. Here, the color corresponds to a tooth size.
Color codes — Right-handed carbide bits & triple-cut bits
Right-handed = 1 band • Triple cut = violet band + tooth-size color
Right-handed carbide
Triple cut
| Color | KMIZ code | Toothing | General use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | OM | Very fine | Delicate work, finishing |
| Red | M | Fine | Gentle, controlled removal |
| Blue | C | Medium | Versatile removal |
| Green | K | Coarse | Faster removal |
| Black | OK | Extra coarse | Intensive removal, expert use |
KMIZ triple-cut carbide bits: what does the violet band mean?
On KMIZ carbide bits, the violet band indicates a triple cut. It is combined with a second color, which specifies the tooth size.
| Marking | KMIZ code | Toothing |
|---|---|---|
| Violet / Yellow | MT-OM | Very fine |
| Violet / Red | MT-M | Fine |
| Violet / Blue | MT-C | Medium |
| Violet / Green | MT-K | Coarse |
| Violet / Black | MT-OK | Extra coarse |
Example: a violet / blue bit corresponds to a triple-cut carbide bit with medium toothing. It is not a left-handed bit.
KMIZ carbide bits for left-handed users
As with diamond bits, carbide bits for left-handed users can be identified by two identical bands. This marker makes it easy to quickly distinguish a left-handed carbide bit from a standard carbide bit.
Color codes — Left-handed carbide bits
Left-handed = 2 identical bands
| Marking | KMIZ code | Toothing |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow / Yellow | OM | Very fine |
| Red / Red | M | Fine |
| Blue / Blue | C | Medium |
| Green / Green | K | Coarse |
| Black / Black | OK | Extra coarse |
How can you avoid confusing the different markings?
Some markings may look visually similar, but they do not have the same meaning. Here is a simple table to help you identify them quickly.
| Marking | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 band | Standard right-handed bit | Blue = medium |
| 2 identical bands | Left-handed bit | Blue / Blue = medium left-handed bit |
| 2 different bands on diamond | Intermediate grit | Red / Blue = between fine and medium |
| Violet + another color on carbide | Triple cut | Violet / Blue = medium triple-cut bit |
Key takeaways
- Diamond bits use a color code linked to grit.
- Carbide bits use a color code linked to tooth size.
- Two-color diamond bands indicate intermediate grits.
- Violet bands on carbide bits indicate a triple cut.
- Two identical bands indicate a left-handed bit.
FAQ – KMIZ bit color codes
What is the difference between a red band and a blue band?
On a diamond bit, red corresponds to a fine grit and blue to a medium grit. On a carbide bit, red indicates fine toothing and blue indicates medium toothing.
What does a yellow / red band mean on a diamond bit?
A yellow / red band indicates an intermediate grit between very fine and fine. It is a good balance for working precisely while gaining a little more efficiency.
What does a violet / blue band mean on a carbide bit?
A violet / blue band corresponds to a triple-cut carbide bit with medium toothing. The violet band indicates the triple cut, and the blue band specifies the toothing level.
How can you recognize a KMIZ bit for left-handed users?
A KMIZ bit for left-handed users has two identical bands. For example: red / red, blue / blue or green / green.
Are left-handed bits available in both diamond and carbide?
Yes, depending on the references available, KMIZ offers left-handed bits in both diamond and carbide. Their common feature is the marking with two identical bands.