- Excellent dust extraction design (especially BHC 18)
- Precision and build quality
- Ergonomic, lightweight tools
- Centrotec allows quick bit changes
Cons of Festool (Centrotec)
- Proprietary system locks you into Festool bits
- Bits are expensive (£10–20 each)
- Limited size range and variety
- Aftermarket options rare and poor quality
- Not ideal for heavy-duty masonry (BHC 18 is lighter duty)
Verdict
Festool tools are best for precision woodworking and furniture making, where the proprietary system is less limiting. For masonry or general construction, standard SDS or regular chuck tools offer better value and flexibility.
Festool Battery System (18V Cordless)
Festool cordless tools use a proprietary 18V li-ion battery system. Batteries are not compatible with other brands. If you own one Festool tool, adding more to the ecosystem makes sense; if not, the proprietary battery may be a cost burden.
Recommended Festool Bit Kits
Festool Centrotec Bit Assortments
Limited range, premium price. £40–70 for basic sets.
Recommendation: If your Festool supports SDS-Plus, consider buying an SDS-Plus adapter for your Centrotec chuck. This vastly expands your bit options and saves money. Otherwise, stock up on Festool’s own bits.
Next Steps
Check your Festool manual for chuck compatibility. If you support SDS-Plus, see our SDS-Plus guide for expanded options. If Centrotec-only, you’re restricted to Festool bits—budget accordingly.
Festool Drill Bits: Compatibility Guide & Recommended Products
Festool is a premium woodworking and precision tool brand, known for dust extraction and ergonomic design. Unlike other manufacturers, Festool uses a proprietary Centrotec quick-change system on most drills, though some models support SDS-Plus. This guide explains Festool compatibility.
Festool Chuck Systems
Centrotec (Proprietary Magnetic Quick-Change)
Festool’s unique rotating magnetic coupling system. Found on most Festool drills (BHC 18, TPC 18). NOT compatible with standard chucks or SDS systems. Bits are expensive and limited in variety due to proprietary design.
SDS-Plus (Limited Models)
Some professional Festool models support SDS-Plus alongside Centrotec, offering flexibility for users who need both systems.
Standard Three-Jaw Chuck (Budget Models)
A few older or budget Festool models use standard chucks. Less common in their current lineup.
Festool Model Compatibility Matrix
| Model | Category | Chuck Type | Compatible Bits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BHC 18 | Rotary Hammer (Cordless 18V) | Centrotec | Centrotec bits only (Festool proprietary) | Premium tool; dust extraction integrated |
| TPC 18 | Combi Drill (Cordless 18V) | Centrotec | Centrotec bits only | Precision drilling; woodworking focus |
| Older models | Various | Centrotec or standard chuck | Check manual for compatibility | Some older models may use different systems |
Festool Centrotec Bits (Proprietary System)
Why Centrotec Is Proprietary
Festool’s Centrotec system uses a rotating magnetic coupling instead of a traditional chuck. This design allows quick bit changes without tools, but it limits bit suppliers to Festool (and a few aftermarket manufacturers). Bits are more expensive and availability is lower than standard systems.
Festool Centrotec Bits
Festool Centrotec Drill Bits
Brad point, HSS, and specialised wood bits. Premium quality but expensive: £8–20 per bit. Limited size range compared to standard systems.
Festool Centrotec Masonry/Concrete Bits
Available for BHC 18 rotary hammer. Limited variety: mainly 6, 8, 10mm. Around £10–18 per bit.
Limited Aftermarket Centrotec Bits
Some third-party manufacturers (notably Makita and others) produce Centrotec-compatible bits, but availability is extremely limited in UK shops. Most aftermarket bits are mediocre in quality.
Festool’s SDS-Plus Hybrid Models
Dual Compatibility (If Your Model Supports It)
A few professional Festool models offer interchangeable Centrotec and SDS-Plus capability. Check your manual to confirm. If your drill supports SDS-Plus, you can use any standard SDS-Plus bit, vastly expanding your options.
Should You Buy Festool? (Centrotec Considerations)
Pros of Festool
- Excellent dust extraction design (especially BHC 18)
- Precision and build quality
- Ergonomic, lightweight tools
- Centrotec allows quick bit changes
Cons of Festool (Centrotec)
- Proprietary system locks you into Festool bits
- Bits are expensive (£10–20 each)
- Limited size range and variety
- Aftermarket options rare and poor quality
- Not ideal for heavy-duty masonry (BHC 18 is lighter duty)
Verdict
Festool tools are best for precision woodworking and furniture making, where the proprietary system is less limiting. For masonry or general construction, standard SDS or regular chuck tools offer better value and flexibility.
Festool Battery System (18V Cordless)
Festool cordless tools use a proprietary 18V li-ion battery system. Batteries are not compatible with other brands. If you own one Festool tool, adding more to the ecosystem makes sense; if not, the proprietary battery may be a cost burden.
Recommended Festool Bit Kits
Festool Centrotec Bit Assortments
Limited range, premium price. £40–70 for basic sets.
Recommendation: If your Festool supports SDS-Plus, consider buying an SDS-Plus adapter for your Centrotec chuck. This vastly expands your bit options and saves money. Otherwise, stock up on Festool’s own bits.
Next Steps
Check your Festool manual for chuck compatibility. If you support SDS-Plus, see our SDS-Plus guide for expanded options. If Centrotec-only, you’re restricted to Festool bits—budget accordingly.