Buying guide
Manicure tools: scissors, nippers, pushers and files
Which cuticle scissors suit your hand, which nippers fit your technique and which file matches the task? This guide compares 13 STALEKS models by their specific features.
Cuticle nippers: 5 or 7 mm?
NE-90-5 and NE-90-7 belong to the Expert 90 series. Their direct difference is blade length. Both have straight, angled cutting edges with a pronounced heel, extended handles and a double spring. Choose the length that fits your established technique; a longer blade is not automatically better.
| Model | Blade length | Shared features |
|---|---|---|
| NE-90-5 | 5 mm | Expert 90 · stainless steel · double spring |
| NE-90-7 | 7 mm | Expert 90 · stainless steel · double spring |
Both models are cuticle nippers. Shortening the nail plate requires a tool designed for that task.
Cuticle scissors: hook, handles and hand orientation
Compare hand orientation first, followed by blade shape and handles. These four models use different designs; the model number alone is not enough to choose.
| Model | Design | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| SS-41/3 | Hook tip, extended handles | For a curved cutting path with a hook |
| SS-50/3 | Elongated shape, narrow blades, satin finish | Compare the handle design with your own hand |
| SE-50/3 | Classic blade curve, straight handles in size L | For right-handed users; Types 1/2/3 mean S/M/L |
| SE-11/3 | Classic blade curve, straight handles | Specifically designed for left-handed users |
These models are intended for cuticle work. Use a tool designed for the purpose when shortening the nail plate.
Browse cuticle and nail scissors
Pushers: compare the working ends
For these pushers, the combination of working ends is the main difference. Both are double-ended stainless-steel instruments with textured grips.
| Model | Working ends | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| PE-30/3 | Wide rounded pusher + cleaner | Slightly curved pusher following the nail shape |
| PE-51/2 | Slanted pusher + loop | Slanted end shaped like a metal orange stick |
Files: which grit fits the task?
For these files, a higher number means finer grit. The two numbers describe the two working surfaces. The four Expert 40 files measure 162 × 25 mm, have a crescent shape and are intended for single use.
| Model | First side | Second side |
|---|---|---|
| NFE-40-80/100 | 80 grit: coarser material removal on artificial nails | 100 grit: correct the shape and length of artificial nails |
| NFE-40-100/100 | 100 grit: shape and shorten artificial nails | 100 grit: the same grit as the first side |
| NFE-40-100/180 | 100 grit: shape and shorten artificial nails | 180 grit: includes shaping natural nails |
| NFE-40-180/240 | 180 grit: includes shaping natural nails | 240 grit: finer finishing of natural nails |
400/3000: polishing is a separate step
NFP-41-400/3000 is a crescent polishing buffer for finishing the natural nail surface. The 400-grit side smooths, while the 3000-grit side provides the final polish. Dimensions: 178 × 30 × 7.7 mm; included: one individually packed buffer. It serves a different task from coarse files for artificial nails.
Before you buy
Check the task, dimensions and included items on each product page. These items are sold individually; this selection is not a set. Each product page shows its current price and availability. Reprocess metal instruments according to the manufacturer’s instructions and replace single-use files after use.
Also using an e-file? Read the diamond-bit guide
Related categories: Manicure tools · Cuticle nippers · Cuticle pushers · Nail files and buffers
Manufacturer sources
Technical details were checked against STALEKS product pages on 17 and 18 September 2026.