Festool Sander Pad Compatibility — Jetstream & MultiJetstream Guide

Festool has built its reputation on precision dust extraction and proprietary pad systems. If you’re investing in a Festool sander, understanding pad compatibility and abrasive options is crucial—because Festool’s ecosystem doesn’t play well with standard 8-hole discs, and mixing incompatible components will severely compromise dust extraction performance.

This guide covers every Festool sander model, explains the hole pattern differences, shows you OEM replacement pad part numbers, and reveals which third-party abrasives actually work—and which don’t.

Festool Sander Models and Pad Sizes

Festool ETS and ROTEX sanders use Jetstream or MULTI-JETSTREAM 2 hole patterns. The pad size dictates the working area and tool weight.

Understanding Festool Hole Patterns

Festool‘s proprietary hole patterns are not accidental—they’re engineered to maximise dust extraction efficiency. The system works by routing air directly through holes in the pad, then through the sander’s filtration unit. Every hole is positioned to capture dust at the point of abrasion.

Jetstream Hole Pattern

Used on the ETS 125, RO 90 DX and RO 125 FEQ. Festool calls Jetstream “the 9-hole principle”. This pattern is NOT compatible with standard 8-hole abrasives or any non-Festool pad.

MultiJetstream 2 Hole Pattern

The RO 150 FEQ and the ETS 150/3 and 150/5 use MULTI-JETSTREAM 2. Rotex pads are also proprietary and require specific abrasives.

Can You Use Standard Discs on Festool Sanders?

Technically, yes. You can mount an 8-hole or PSA disc onto a Festool pad using an interface pad or adhesive backing. But—and this is critical—dust extraction will be noticeably worse because the holes will not align with the vacuum ports.

This means:

• More dust escapes into your workshop air
• Dust clogs the pad faster
• The sander clogs and requires frequent stops to empty the bag
• Abrasive life is shortened due to dust coating the surface

Some workshop users do this anyway for cost savings, particularly for rough stock removal where dust extraction isn’t as critical. But if you’re doing finish sanding or working indoors, stick with proper Festool abrasives.

Festool Replacement Pads

Replacement pads should be ordered directly from Festool or authorised distributors. OEM pads are designed to maintain vacuum integrity and deliver consistent performance.

Pad density matters: soft pads (red) conform better to uneven surfaces—use for rough wood or profile following. Medium pads (black) provide more even pressure—use for flat surfaces and finish work.

Festool Replacement Abrasives (Granat and Granat Net)

Festool abrasives include Granat, Granat Net (mesh), Rubin, Saphir, Platin and Vlies.

Festool abrasives use the StickFix hook-and-loop system, not adhesive.

Granat Abrasives

Granat is Festool’s universal abrasive, made with ceramic and aluminium oxide. Each disc has pre-punched holes matching your sander’s pattern.

• ETS 125 Granat (125 mm diameter) — 10-pack, P80 to P150 typically stock
• ETS 150 Granat (150 mm diameter)
• Rotex Granat (90, 125, 150 mm discs) — 10-pack or 50-pack

Buy Festool Granat discs on Amazon

Granat Net Mesh Discs

Festool’s mesh abrasive is Granat Net (Abranet is Mirka’s). Benefits:

• Better dust extraction (the open mesh resists clogging)
• Cooler cutting, less burning on coatings and veneers
• Lower heat generation = less swelling on MDF and veneers

Mesh abrasive costs 2–3× more per disc than solid Granat, but the extended life and superior surface finish often justify the cost on high-value jobs.

Buy Festool mesh discs on Amazon

Compatible Third-Party Abrasives

Finding third-party discs that work with Festool is limited but possible. Your options are:

Mirka Abranet Discs

Mirka makes Abranet, a net abrasive; check Mirka’s fitment list for your Festool pad.

However, availability in the UK is limited and most specialist suppliers stock them on order only.

Interface Pads and PSA Backing

If you have a stock of standard PSA (self-adhesive) discs in 5″ or 6″ 8-hole, you can buy an interface pad that converts your Festool pad to accept standard abrasives. This is a thin rubber layer with PSA backing that sticks to your hook-and-loop pad.

Trade-off: you lose dust extraction. Best used for rough stock removal only.

Festool vs Standard Sanders: Why the System Matters

If you’re comparing Festool to Makita, DeWalt or Bosch, the proprietary pad system is a key differentiator. Here’s why:

• Vacuum routing: Every hole in a Festool pad connects to a dust port. Standard pad holes are just perforations for hook-and-loop mounting.
• Filtration: Festool sanders connect to Festool extractors through a 27mm port.
• Pad lifespan: Because dust is controlled, pads stay effective longer and don’t glaze as quickly.
• Cost of ownership: Although abrasive costs are higher upfront, lower dust re-circulation and longer pad life can offset the premium over several years.

For professional work, particularly on coated woods, veneers, or in confined spaces, Festool justifies its cost. For rough DIY framing or demolition, a Makita or DeWalt 8-hole sander offers far better value.

Watch: Video Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Festool discs on a standard 8-hole sander pad?

Yes, physically they’ll fit if you use an interface pad. However, most Festool Granat discs are pre-punched for Jetstream patterns, so holes won’t align. You’d need to use Festool discs with PSA backing and a PSA interface pad—which defeats the purpose of buying Festool quality.

Which Festool abrasive is best for finishing furniture?

Granat Net, P120–P220, on a soft pad. The mesh reduces heat and doesn’t clog as quickly as solid abrasive, resulting in a smoother surface and fewer torn grain problems.

How often should I replace my Festool pad?

Replace when the surface becomes uneven or the hook-and-loop backing no longer grips discs securely—typically after 50–100 hours of heavy use. If you sand lightly once or twice weekly, a pad can last 1–2 years.

Is Festool dust extraction really that much better?

Festool designs pads, abrasives and extraction as one system; it publishes no capture percentage. In a small workshop or when sanding indoors, the difference is immediately noticeable.

Can I buy Festool abrasives anywhere other than Festool dealers?

Granat discs are widely stocked on Amazon and eBay. Abranet is less common but available through specialist suppliers like Axminster. Prices are typically 10–15% cheaper on Amazon than direct from Festool.

What’s the difference between Jetstream and MultiJetstream 2?

Jetstream (9-hole) is used on the ETS 125, RO 90 DX and RO 125. MULTI-JETSTREAM 2 is used on the ETS 150 and RO 150. Discs are not interchangeable between the two patterns.