The frustrating search for your spanner wrench is coming to an end with the new Bosch X-Lock grinder and wheel system. It appears to be a wheel attachment system that will revolutionize the grinder game, much like Starlock did for oscillating multi-tools. I got my hands on the new 10-amp paddle switch grinder, along with a handful of accessories, to try out.
What is the Bosch X-Lock Interface?
What makes this interface challenging is that you have to secure a wheel thatโs spinning at 10,000 RPM or more, which involves handling a lot of force. So far, there hasnโt been much deviation from the classic flange nut, making the idea of a tool-free option particularly appealing.
From the grinder, the X-Lock mechanism slips inside the wheel, similar to any normal grinder and wheel combination. Whatโs different is that thereโs a unique shape that must align before it can lock.
To set the wheel, rotate it around until its pattern matches the flange, then push it down until it clicks. That extends the two pieces that hold the wheel against the spindle.
Thereโs an audible click when your wheel connects properly. When itโs time to change wheels, a lever in the front releases the lock and ejects the wheel, instead of using a wheel lock and spanner wrench.
By creating a system that prevents free spinning on the arbor and holds the wheel tight against the spindle, it doesnโt require the surface area and tension of a traditional grinder flange.
Does it Really Hold as Well?
I didnโt have any questions about the capability of this 4-1/2โณ, 10-amp grinder. What I really want to know is whether the cutting and grinding experience is the same under load.
The cutting and grinding disks I used didnโt slip at all under even a heavy load. I didnโt feel any abnormal flex, either. Thatโs not a surprise, though. If you take a close look at the interface, the way it fits ensures that the wheel canโt slip unless you happen to install it incorrectly, which I havenโt found a way to do.
The only install user failure Iโve seen is not getting the accessory to fully click into place. Even then, it just falls right off before you start the grinder up.
Can I Use Bosch X-Lock Accessories on Standard Grinders?
On the accessories side, Bosch tells us that most will be backward compatible with standard 7/8โณ mount grinders. Thatโs good news for any shop that wants to stock one brand of wheels and has both X-Lock and standard grinders.
Where you run into incompatibility is on something like the cup brush that isnโt threaded and doesnโt let your spanner wrench get deep enough to install.
You canโt use standard accessories on an X-Lock grinder at all.
What X-Lock Grinders Are Available?
Currently, you have three basic classes of Bosch X-Lock grinders: 10-amp, 13-amp, and 18V cordless. The corded models have a couple of options each.
- GWX18V-50PCN Cordless Connected-Ready X-Lock Grinder (18V): $229
- GWX13-50 5โณ X-Lock Variable Speed Grinder (13A): $170
- GWX10-45DE 4-1/2โณ X-Lock Grinder with Paddle Swtich (10A): $109
- GWX10-45E 4-1/2โณ X-Lock Ergonomic Grinder (10A): $109
- GWX10-45PE 4-1/2โณ X-Lock Ergonomic Grinder with Paddle Switch (10A): $109
What X-Lock Accessories Are Available?
There are approximately 50 Bosch X-Lock accessories available at the moment, and I wonโt attempt to list all of them. Hereโs a list of the types you can find, though. Feel free to scroll through all of the options here.
- Cutting Wheels
- Grinding Wheels
- Flap Disks
- Segmented Diamond Wheels
- Continuous Diamond Wheels
- Brushes
- Cup Brushes
The Bottom Line
Boschโs X-Lock system is incredibly convenient and easy to use. It locks grinder accessories down tight and doesnโt have any negative effect on the feel of your grinding. The accessories are slightly more expensive than their non-X-Lock counterparts from Bosch, so please take that into consideration.
Buy it if you spend a lot of time changing grinder wheels, hate forgetting where you last set your spanner wrench down, or simply like the idea of how much more convenient the interface is. Pass if youโre satisfied with your current system and donโt want to increase your consumables cost.
