Festool Accessories

About Festool Accessories

Festool accessories represent the pinnacle of precision-engineered components designed to maximise the performance, efficiency and longevity of Festool power tools. This category encompasses both specialised accessories and essential consumables, organised into two distinct ranges: Unique Accessories and Unique Consumables. From the legendary Systainer storage system and guide rails to premium abrasives and extraction solutions, every component is manufactured to exacting standards that ensure seamless integration across the entire Festool ecosystem. Whether you're a professional tradesperson demanding consistent results across multiple sites or a serious DIY enthusiast investing in workshop quality, these accessories transform how you approach your work.

The Unique Accessories range includes durable workshop essentials such as dust extractors, the MFT Multi-Function Table system, guide rail components, clamping solutions, and the comprehensive Systainer storage organisation that has become synonymous with professional efficiency. Meanwhile, Unique Consumables cover everything from Granat sanding discs and saw blades to extraction bags, filters, router cutters and drill bits. Tooled-Up.com stocks both ranges to support the complete spectrum of Festool ownership, from initial setup through to ongoing maintenance and consumable replacement.

What distinguishes Festool accessories from standard aftermarket options is their integration into a cohesive system. Each component works harmoniously with others—dust port dimensions connect seamlessly to extraction hoses, Systainer cases stack and lock together for efficient transport, and guide rails attach to compatible saws and routers without adaptation. This systematic approach reduces setup time on site, minimises dust and debris, and ensures the consistent, professional results that meet the demanding standards of UK tradespeople whilst maintaining compliance with HSE regulations for dust control and workplace safety.

Jargon Buster

• Systainer – Festool's proprietary stackable storage case system featuring T-LOC connectors that allow cases to click together securely for organised transport. Available in various sizes (SYS 1-5) to accommodate different tools and accessories, with SORTAINER variants offering customisable internal dividers.
• CTL/CTM Dust Extractors – Festool's professional dust extraction units, with CTL (Compact) and CTM (Medium) referring to different capacity classes. These meet HSE regulations for M-Class and L-Class dust extraction requirements essential for COSHH compliance on UK sites.
• T-LOC – The patented locking mechanism used on Systainer cases, allowing single-handed opening and secure stacking of multiple units without clips or latches coming loose during transport or storage.
• MFT (Multi-Function Table) – Festool's precision work bench system featuring a perforated worktop with 20mm grid spacing, allowing repeatable accurate cuts and assemblies using guide rails and clamping accessories.
• Granat Abrasives – Festool's premium sanding disc and sheet range featuring superior abrasive grain bonding for extended working life. Available in various grits with Stickfix hook-and-loop backing and precisely positioned extraction holes for optimal dust removal.
• FastFix Interface – A quick-change system on certain Festool tools allowing rapid swapping between different attachments or accessories without tools, maximising versatility during site work.

Who Uses Festool Accessories?

Festool accessories are the choice of discerning professionals and enthusiasts across numerous trades:

• Carpenters and joiners – utilising guide rail systems, clamping accessories and precision measuring tools for cabinet work and site installations
• Shopfitters and interior specialists – relying on dust-free extraction systems and portable work benches for clean installations in occupied premises
• Decorators and painters – using sanding accessories, extraction solutions and surface preparation consumables for flawless finishes
• Floor layers – employing specialised cutting guides and dust extraction for laminate, hardwood and engineered flooring installation
• Kitchen fitters – depending on the MFT system and precision accessories for accurate worktop cutting and installation
• Furniture makers and bespoke workshops – investing in the complete Festool ecosystem for efficient, repeatable high-quality production
• Site managers and contractors – organising multiple tool sets in Systainer cases for efficient logistics across various projects
• Serious DIY enthusiasts – choosing professional-grade accessories for home workshop projects demanding precision and clean working environments

How to Choose the Right Festool Accessories

Match to Your Existing Tools: Festool accessories are designed for specific tool models or ranges. Check compatibility carefully—guide rails work with compatible track saws and routers, whilst extraction hoses feature different diameter connections (27mm, 36mm) depending on your tool and extractor models. Product documentation clearly indicates which accessories suit which tools.

Consider Your Storage System: If you're building a Festool toolkit, the Systainer system offers unmatched organisation. Plan your storage strategy—SYS 1 cases suit consumables and small accessories, SYS 2-3 accommodate most cordless tools, whilst SYS 4-5 handle larger equipment. SORTAINER variants include customisable dividers perfect for fixings and small components.

Assess Dust Extraction Needs: UK HSE regulations increasingly mandate dust control on site. Match your extractor capacity to your tools and working environment—CTL MINI and CTL MIDI suit mobile applications and smaller tools, whilst CTM MIDI and CTM models handle higher-demand applications. Consider M-Class (medium-hazard dusts) versus L-Class (low-hazard) certification based on materials you work with.

Evaluate Consumable Costs: Festool consumables like Granat abrasives, saw blades and extraction bags represent ongoing costs. However, their premium quality often delivers longer life and superior results compared to generic alternatives. Calculate cost-per-job rather than cost-per-item when comparing value.

Think System Integration: The real value emerges when components work together. A track saw becomes exponentially more capable with guide rail extensions, clamps, angle stops and splinter guards. An MFT bench transforms with additional clamping elements, extension tables and measurement accessories. Plan purchases at Tooled-Up to build a cohesive system rather than accumulating isolated accessories.

Popular Accessories

• Systainer Storage Cases – stackable organisation in T-LOC variants from SYS 1 through SYS 5, including SORTAINER with dividers
• Guide Rails – precision aluminium tracks in 800mm, 1400mm and 3000mm lengths with connectors and accessories
• Granat Abrasives – premium sanding discs and sheets in various grits with Stickfix backing for ETS and RTS sanders
• Extraction Hoses – antistatic hoses in 27mm and 36mm diameters, various lengths with smooth bore for efficient airflow
• Extraction Bags and Filters – disposable dust bags and washable/replaceable filters for CTL and CTM extractors
• MFT Accessories – bench dogs, clamping elements, angle stops and extension tables for Multi-Function Tables
• Saw Blades – specialist TCT blades for cordless and corded saws, optimised for different materials
• Router Cutters – carbide-tipped bits in various profiles for Festool routers
• Drill Bits – Centrotec system bits with quick-change shanks for rapid bit changes
• Clamping Accessories – FSK cross stops, parallel guides and support brackets for accurate cutting
• Work Lights – LED inspection and area lighting solutions compatible with Festool batteries

Safety Information

Using appropriate Festool accessories correctly significantly enhances workplace safety and helps meet UK HSE requirements. Dust extraction accessories are particularly important—prolonged exposure to wood dust is classified as hazardous under COSHH regulations, with hardwood dust recognised as a carcinogen. Always connect compatible extraction when sanding, sawing or routing, and ensure your extractor meets M-Class or L-Class standards appropriate to the materials being processed.

Regularly inspect extraction hoses for splits or blockages that reduce efficiency, and replace filters and bags according to manufacturer guidance. Antistatic hoses prevent dangerous static build-up when extracting fine dust. When using guide rail systems, always secure rails properly with clamps to prevent movement during cutting, and use appropriate splinter guards to control material and protect operators from kickback.

Genuine Festool consumables like saw blades and sanding discs are engineered with specific safety margins and balancing. Using inferior aftermarket alternatives may compromise safety and void warranties. Always wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection and respiratory protection even when using extraction systems, as no extraction achieves 100% dust capture. Ensure work pieces are properly secured using appropriate clamping accessories before cutting or machining operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use non-Festool accessories with my Festool tools?

Whilst some generic accessories may physically fit, Festool engineers their accessories specifically for optimal performance, safety and dust extraction efficiency with their tools. Guide rails, extraction hoses and Systainer cases are proprietary designs where alternatives rarely match functionality. However, certain consumables like sanding discs are available from third-party manufacturers—look for products specifically stating Festool compatibility and matching specifications like Stickfix backing and hole patterns for proper extraction.

Are Festool extraction systems compliant with UK building site requirements?

Yes, Festool CTL and CTM extractors are certified to meet EU and UK standards for dust extraction. CTL models are L-Class certified for general wood dust and most construction dusts, whilst CTM variants meet M-Class standards for medium-hazard dusts including hardwoods and materials containing quartz. Both classifications satisfy HSE requirements when used correctly with appropriate tools. Always check specific site requirements and material safety data sheets to ensure your extraction class matches the hazard level.

Do Festool consumables really last longer than budget alternatives?

Independent testing and professional user experiences consistently show Festool consumables, particularly Granat abrasives, deliver significantly extended working life compared to economy alternatives. Granat sanding discs often last 3-4 times longer than budget options due to superior abrasive bonding and grain quality. When calculated on a cost-per-surface-area-sanded basis rather than cost-per-disc, the premium frequently disappears. However, for occasional DIY use where absolute performance isn't critical, mid-range alternatives may offer better value than either budget or premium options.

What's the difference between the various guide rail lengths?

Festool guide rails are available in several lengths: 800mm suits compact work and transportation, 1400mm handles most sheet material crosscuts and cabinet components, whilst 3000mm accommodates full sheet ripping. Rails can be joined using connector accessories to achieve even longer cuts. Shorter rails offer easier storage and manoeuvrability on crowded sites, whilst longer rails reduce setup time and eliminate joining requirements for extended cuts. Many professionals maintain both 1400mm (for general use) and 800mm (for site work) rails.

How does the Systainer system compare to other storage solutions?

The Systainer system predates most competitors and remains highly regarded for build quality, sealing against dust ingress, and the simple T-LOC one-handed opening mechanism. It's specifically designed for Festool's ecosystem—most Festool tools come in fitted Systainers. DeWalt TSTAK and Milwaukee PACKOUT offer excellent alternatives with different strengths, but your choice should align with your primary tool brand ecosystem for best integration. The comprehensive selection available at Tooled-Up.com allows you to compare systems and choose what suits your working methods.