Festool is one of the major router brands sold in the UK, and knowing which router bits fit which of their models is essential before you buy. This guide covers every current Festool router — plunge, trim, and cordless — along with the shank sizes each one accepts, recommended bit brands, and where to buy in the UK.
Festool Router Model Compatibility Table
Every Festool router listed below, with its native collet options, speed range, and typical use. Cross-reference with your specific model before buying bits.
| Model | Accepted Collets | Speed (RPM) | Power / Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Festool OF 1010 EBQ | 8mm / 1/4″ / 6mm | 10,000–24,000 rpm VS | 1010W compact plunge | Ships with 8mm; 1/4″ and 6mm optional |
| Festool OF 1400 EBQ | 8mm / 1/4″ / 6mm / 1/2″ | 10,000–22,500 rpm VS | 1400W mid plunge | Ships with 8mm; all others optional |
| Festool OF 2200 EB | 8mm / 1/4″ / 12mm / 1/2″ | 10,000–22,000 rpm VS | 2200W heavy plunge | Ships with 8mm and 12mm (not 1/2″); 1/2″ available |
| Festool MFK 700 EQ | 8mm / 6mm / 1/4″ | 10,000–26,000 rpm VS | Modular edge trimmer | Specialist — for edge banding and trim |
| Festool OFK 700 | 8mm / 1/4″ | 27,000 rpm | Laminate trimmer | Compact trim router |
| Festool CMS-OF | Uses OF 1010 / 1400 / 2200 | Per router | Festool router table insert | Any OF-series router fits |
Buy Festool Router Bits on Amazon UK
Collet System Overview
Festool is the only major brand to ship routers with 8mm as the default collet. 8mm is the standard across OF 1010, OF 1400, and OF 2200, making it the natural bit choice for Festool users. 1/4″ and 1/2″ collets are optional accessories — adding a few more options but at extra cost.
Shank Size Rules
No router bit will safely work in a collet that doesn’t match its shank. Always verify:
| Shank Size | Actual Diameter | Stiffness (relative) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 6.35mm | 1.0× baseline | Small profiles, trim work, bits under 35mm cutter |
| 6mm | 6.00mm | 0.8× | Metric bits — not interchangeable with 1/4″ |
| 8mm | 8.00mm | 2.5× | Mid-size bits, European standard |
| 1/2 inch | 12.70mm | 16× | Large profiles, production work, router table |
For a deep dive into shank sizes, see our router shank sizes guide.
Best Router Bits for Festool Routers
Router bits themselves are not brand-specific — any TCT bit with the correct shank size will fit a Festool router. These are the bit brands that work especially well:
| Bit Brand | Shank Range | Why It’s a Good Match |
|---|---|---|
| Festool HW | 8mm / 1/4″ | Genuine Festool bits — premium carbide |
| Trend CraftPro | 8mm / 1/4″ / 1/2″ | Good value, wide range |
| CMT Orange | 8mm / 1/4″ / 1/2″ | European pro brand — strong 8mm range |
Buy Trend CraftPro Router Bits on Amazon UK
How to Swap Festool Router Bits Safely
Step 1: Unplug the router or remove the battery. Never change bits with power connected.
Step 2: Engage the spindle lock (usually a button on the router body). Some Festool models need two spanners instead of a lock — check your manual.
Step 3: Loosen the collet nut, typically half a turn counter-clockwise. The bit should release after a partial turn.
Step 4: Clean the bit shank and the inside of the collet with a dry cloth. Any debris causes runout and poor finish.
Step 5: Insert the new bit to the full depth minus about 2mm (don’t bottom it out against the collet taper). Tighten firmly but don’t over-torque — just past snug is enough.
Common Festool Router Bit Problems
Bit Slips or Walks Out
Almost always a contaminated or worn collet. Clean with brake cleaner, inspect for wear, replace if worn. Never try to solve slippage by over-tightening the collet nut — you can damage the collet.
Chatter or Vibration
Check you’re using the right shank size for the bit (1/2″ for anything over 35mm cutter). Also check router speed matches bit rating. Reduce speed for larger-diameter cutters.
Poor Finish on Hardwood
Usually bit dullness or too-fast feed rate. On hardwood, reduce feed, take multiple passes, and consider upgrading to a 1/2″ shank bit for stiffer cutting.
Where to Buy Festool Router Bits in the UK
Festool OEM bits and compatible third-party options are available from Amazon UK, Tooled Up, Axminster, FFX, and direct from specialist router-bit retailers like Wealden Tool.
Buy Festool Profile Bits on Amazon UK
Buy Festool Router Bits at Tooled Up
Related Guides
- Router Bit Compatibility Hub
- 1/4 vs 1/2 Inch Router Bits
- 8mm vs 1/4 vs 1/2 Router Shank Sizes
- Router Collet Compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Which router bits fit Festool routers?
Any standard router bit with the correct shank size — 1/4 inch, 8mm, or 1/2 inch depending on your Festool model. See the compatibility table above for which shanks each Festool router accepts.
Are Festool-branded router bits better than third-party bits?
Festool OEM bits are perfectly good but not necessarily better than premium third-party options like Trend CraftPro, Freud Diablo, or CMT Orange. Bit quality depends on carbide grade, grind quality, and balance — not the brand on the router.
Can I use 1/2 inch bits in a Festool trim/palm router?
No. Trim routers (Festool palm routers) only accept 1/4 inch (and sometimes 6mm or 8mm) shanks — physically the 1/2 inch shank is too big to fit. You need a full-size Festool plunge router for 1/2 inch bits.
Do I need a special collet for 8mm bits in a Festool router?
Yes. Most Festool routers ship with a 1/4 inch collet only. An 8mm collet is usually available as an optional accessory — check Festool spare parts for the correct part number for your model.
How tight should the collet nut be on a Festool router?
Firm but not over-torqued. A good rule of thumb is about 10–15 Nm, or — without a torque wrench — as tight as you can get it with one hand on a 150mm spanner. Over-tightening deforms the collet and ruins it.
How often should I clean my Festool router collet?
Every 10–15 hours of use, or whenever you see dust build-up. A quick wipe with brake cleaner or IPA and a dry cloth takes 30 seconds and prevents slippage.