When we think of Podiatry spray drills there are many questions that arise. How do they work? is it a different way of using a nail drill? as well as many other maintenance and cost related issues. In this article we take a closer look at spray drills and their advantages, and some times disadvantages. If you’re looking to buy a spray drill then you can check out our page on the industries best podiatry trade suppliers.
What are Podiatry spray drills?
There are three main types of podiatry drills used for routine nail and foot work. Non dust extraction/spray drills, dust extraction drills and spray drills. the former are often used for domiciliary practitioners and those just starting out. Dust extraction drills, are commonly used and a few years later spray drills were developed. Check out our tips guide here for more information on dust extraction drills.
So how do they work?
Spray drills work by emitting a fine jet of water from the end of the hand piece onto the area that your working on. Most drills have the same basic features. Allowing the practitioner to work at a faster speed and containing any harmful nail dust in the mist that’s emitted. Check out the video below for a quick demonstration from Megapoint.
Common Spray Drill Brands
Within the UK, Europe and the US there are several brands of podiatry spray drill. Many of these have been in the Podiatry market for many years. The most common brands include:
- Berchtold (S44, S50)
- Hadewe (SPR4, Azuras, Hyperious)
- Baehr Tec (S2000)
- NSK (Models include – Jetspray)
- Bentlon
- Podotronic
- Megapoint
Of the brands listed above Berchtold, Hadewe & NSK have been in the market for the longest and have good backup and support from some of the largest podiatry suppliers.
What are the main spray drill features
Comprising of a main unit with a handpiece on a lead. Most spray drills have very similar features. You can expect a reservoir holding the water with tanks holding up to 500ml with some as small as 200ml. Hand pieces vary in size and shape, some have spray tubes running through the handpiece some have tubes running over the top. Length of hand piece can be a consideration depending on how much you intend to use the drill and how big your hands are.
Main Features
- Main drill body with or without touch panel display
- Spray Lead
- Handpiece with variable speed and spray control
- Mains cable (Battery operated spray drills currently don’t exist)
What are the advantages of water spray drills?
The biggest advantage of a spray drill is how quiet they are. Unlike vacuum drills they only use a compressor to spray the water which is significantly quieter than a suction motor.
As well as being quieter because the drill sprays a fine jet of water onto the affected area you can work at higher speeds than a vacuum drill due to the cooling effect of the spray.
Another great feature on some drills is touch panel displays, these can help by making it easier to clean your drill.
What are the disadvantages of spray drills?
The obvious problem with spray drills is the mess! Due to the water being sprayed onto the burr and foot there needs to be a method of collection and clearing of the sludge that can be created.
All spray drills allow you to vary the amount of spray that’s emitted which goes a long way to controlling the mess but it does take some getting used too.
This also makes it very important to keep your drill clean and stop any stray water getting into the drill itself.
What type of water do you use?
Podiatry spray drills DO NOT use tap water. Whilst it may work for a short period of time it will quickly clog up your drill depending on how hard your water supply is. Very similar to the problems you get with using tap water in kettles and steam irons.
You must use a minimum of distilled water. There are some pre-made preparations on the market which are a mixture of distilled water and a mild disinfectant. One of the most popular is Podispray, available in a 5 litre bottle. This will increase your running costs but can prolong the life of your drill and improve the patients experience.
What maintenance do spray drills require
As with all podiatry equipment the more you use the item the more maintenance is required. On a basic level a daily clean and disinfection is a must. Depending on the models and type of handpiece then a strip down and lubrication may be required.
It’s a good idea to consult with your supplier to find out the annual servicing requirements as well as parts availability for the models they stock.
How much do they cost?
Spray drills vary in price depending on the manufacturer and features. Brands such as Berchtold and Baehr Tec are on the more expensive side and you can expect to pay over £1000 for a good quality model.
Hadewe are a good value, well made brand with good backup and support.
Whichever model you choose try and see a demonstration first or get a recommendation from a college. You need to be comfortable with this method of working especially if you haven’t trained with one.
Second hand spray drills can occasionally be found on Podiatry Facebook sites. We also have a dedicated page for Podiatrists selling second hand equipment here.
Summary
Deciding whether to use a vacuum or spray drill can be a difficult choice. It can be a good idea to get a local representative to come along to your practice and demonstrate a machine to give you a better idea. You could also visit a trade show where suppliers often have the latest models on display. Either way a spray drill can be a fantastic addition to your practice.
If you have any experience with spray drills good or bad or perhaps a model you love, why not drop a comment below
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