3M vs Festool:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, 3M had more branded searches than Festool among sanding block brands worldwide. 3M had about 450,000 branded searches, while Festool had 246,000. 3M made up 31.9% of all sanding block brand searches we track, and Festool accounted for 17.4%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about sanding block brands, 3M appeared in three of the five answers and Festool in one. 3M was mentioned before Festool in every answer.
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Top sanding block brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, 3M was mentioned in three out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers, but not in either of the two Google AI Overviews. Festool was mentioned in one out of five: in one of the three ChatGPT answers, but not in either of the two Google AI Overviews. 3M was listed before Festool in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
- 3M1st
- Dura-Block2nd
Mirka3rd
Diablo4th- Festool5th
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- 3M3 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
- Dura-Block3 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
- Diablo2 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
- Mirka2 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
- Festool1 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about sanding block brands
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which sanding block brand should I buy?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best sanding block brands?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best sanding block brand for hand sanding?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“sanding block for wood”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“hand sanding block”
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in the United States on October 21, 2026.
Is 3M or Festool more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for 3M and Festool by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all five sanding block brands we track, month by month, from English-language searches worldwide.
Share of searches by month for 3M, Festool. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Diablo | 3M | Festool | Mirka | Dura-Block |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 36.1% | 36.1% | 24.1% | 3.2% | 0.53% |
| Nov 2025 | 36.1% | 36.1% | 24.1% | 3.2% | 0.43% |
| Dec 2025 | 47.8% | 32% | 17.5% | 2.4% | 0.38% |
| Jan 2026 | 42.5% | 34.8% | 19% | 3.1% | 0.51% |
| Feb 2026 | 42.6% | 34.8% | 19% | 3.1% | 0.42% |
| Mar 2026 | 36.1% | 36.1% | 24.1% | 3.2% | 0.53% |
| Apr 2026 | 42.5% | 34.8% | 19% | 3.1% | 0.51% |
| May 2026 | 47.8% | 31.9% | 17.5% | 2.3% | 0.47% |
| Jun 2026 | 38% | 38% | 20.7% | 2.8% | 0.56% |
| Jul 2026 | 39.4% | 39.4% | 17.6% | 2.9% | 0.58% |
| Aug 2026 | 36.3% | 44.3% | 16.2% | 2.7% | 0.53% |
| Sep 2026 | 47.7% | 31.9% | 17.4% | 2.3% | 0.57% |
How has the 3M and Festool comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- 3M was ahead of Festool in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, 3M’s share of searches among sanding block brands worldwide moved from 36.1% to 31.9%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 450K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Festool’s share of searches among sanding block brands worldwide moved from 24.1% to 17.4%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 301K to 246K.
How did search popularity change for sanding block brands worldwide in September 2026?
3 changes
In September 2026, Diablo overtook 3M to become the leader among sanding block brands worldwide, with 47.7% of the searches.
In September 2026, Festool gained share of searches among sanding block brands worldwide, from 16.2% to 17.4%.
In September 2026, 3M lost share of searches among sanding block brands worldwide, from 44.3% to 31.9%.
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using 3M’s and Festool’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
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