To cut filling time on long nails, shorten nails with

Using a clipper to shorten long nails is an efficient method because clippers are designed specifically for cutting nails quickly and effectively. They allow for a clean and precise cut, which can significantly reduce the time spent on filling nails.

Clippers can handle the thickness of long nails and provide a strong cutting edge that makes it easier to manage the desired length before proceeding to the filling process. After clipping the nails, a technician can then use tools like an emery board or a file to smooth the edges and shape the nails further, but the initial shortening is best accomplished with a clipper.

Other tools like an emery board are intended for shaping and smoothing rather than cutting, making them less suitable for quickly shortening nails. Pushers are used for pushing back cuticles and nippers are designed for trimming excess cuticle skin, not for shortening the actual nail length. Therefore, a clipper is the most appropriate choice for this purpose.