New bosch x-lock grinders.

[may0naise]

I just saw this today

looks like they are adding a quick lock to their angle grinders similar in function to the quick blade change on oscillating multi tools. I think they are due out in late 2019. I am kind of stoked for this as it looks like it will be very convenient, but only if it is adopted by other companies. so realistically I think we will see it in 20 years when the patents expire.

 

[Neoumlaut]

This is cool but the real question for me is could this lead to reversible grinders. Being able to reverse a grinder allows you to work safer in tight spaces where the grinder only fits one way, but isn't possible with a normal arbor nut.

 

[Wamsutta]

I enjoy using my Bosch spanner wrench and I don't lose it.

 

[rlitman]

There are a lot of things I like about that design, but there's no way in hell I'd be tied to proprietary abrasive wheels!

And why even put teeth on the hub? If it doesn't hold with just friction, that tells me that their design is lacking.

FWIW, I have a Fein "toolless" grinder, and their design is a solution in search of a problem. The truth is that I hardly ever use a wrench on my angle grinder wheels anyway. They shouldn't need to be wrench tight (except for steel plate wheels like diamond discs).

 

[Stooge]

Im a fan of Bosch, have several of their cordless drills and a corded angle grinder, and part of me likes the idea of it being quick change/ tool-less, but at the same time, this seems like its overly complicating something that I think I would rather keep simple. a spring retaining latch system on a tool that is generally used and abused, over the absolute security of a simple threaded arbor and nut, (obviously there can always be a fluke, but for the most part) makes me a little hesitant. also, as mentioned, only being able to use the Bosch proprietary abrasives is a big check in the negative column for me.

 

[Fixed]

I agree with the other posters here: seems cool, but having to buy the Bosch discs for probably twice as a much money and less selection is not appealing.

And really, if you're a professional in a production environment, you will not be changing to different discs like that, you will have multiple grinders.

And if you're just changing the same accessory all the time because you're wearing it out, I'd say in many cases that means the grinder (or its disc) is not the correct tool for the application.

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[rustbucket5]

apparently bosch also made the SDS standard and the multi tool standard for locking a cutting tool in place. most likely they will allow companies to license it. personally i see it as a step forward. we always use the wrench to tighten our grinder and finding the wrench can be a pain in the *** sometimes

 

[GTO]

That You Tube channel is Bosch UK,see below.

If you click on the link in the video,it brings you to the Bosch Pro page with all the countries that X-Lock is available...the USA is not one of them.

 

[Ign]

I haven't used a wrench in ~10 years and I do a lot of grinding. A gloved hand and the other thumb on the spindle lock button is all you need. Never had anything loosen up or any other problems.

Granted this was mostly 4.5" and 5" accessories. I've also done it with 7" and no problems.

As noted you've got righty-tighty working in your favor. But I've never had one self-tighten during use to the point I couldn't remove it by hand if snugged by hand.

Some of these things are a solution looking for a problem

I do agree a non-threaded option could be cool for reversible.

 

[Ign]

Im a fan of Bosch, have several of their cordless drills and a corded angle grinder, and part of me likes the idea of it being quick change/ tool-less, but at the same time, this seems like its overly complicating something that I think I would rather keep simple. a spring retaining latch system on a tool that is generally used and abused, over the absolute security of a simple threaded arbor and nut, (obviously there can always be a fluke, but for the most part) makes me a little hesitant. also, as mentioned, only being able to use the Bosch proprietary abrasives is a big check in the negative column for me.

Also if you're handy (or a machinist) there's a beauty in an arbor nut in that it's easily modified and/or threads are easily adapted. I've got a 3/8-24 to 5/8-11 adapter for things like wire cup brushes on 4" grinders (not necessarily great for the smaller grinder longevity but the POINT is that it's readily possible) and I've chucked up more than one arbor nut for the occasional fine-tuning of fitment issues.

I'm not a Luddite and Bosch's system shows promise but until it's more universal.....well, I won't be an early adopter here

 

[PR1Gneon]

A gloved hand and the other thumb on the spindle lock button is all you need. Never had anything loosen up or any other problems.

X2. The first thing I do when get a angle grinder is throw away the wrench.


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[bwringer]

That You Tube channel is Bosch UK,see below.

If you click on the link in the video,it brings you to the Bosch Pro page with all the countries that X-Lock is available...the USA is not one of them.

Not shocking, there... GJ is mostly Americans, and we're pretty much horrified by proprietary stuff like this. There are plenty of folks in Yurp who love "systems" like this and would never dream of using non-Bosch abrasives with their Bosch tools. It just isn't done.

Some bright PhD student should do a psychology thesis paper on the wildly different ways people around the world view their tools.

...I do agree a non-threaded option could be cool for reversible.

I find this very intriguing as well. If it's safe to do, HOT DAMN would it be nice to be able to throw the sparks/dust the other direction sometimes when there's only one way to access something.

 

[Newell33]

It's a nice system, but I'd no longer be able to run to my local Orscheln, Tractor Supply, or auto parts store to grab a few cutting discs or wire wheels when I need them. I'm sure some retailers may stock the additional Bosch SKUs, but I doubt they'd be readily available at the more obscure locations like standard accessories are now. Granted, this product is geared towards a profession shop environment where extra supplies are likely purchased and stored on site. I like the design, but finding accessories will be key.

 

[ChrisLS8]

People actually use the wrenches to install wheels on grinders?

 

[tarbellb]

Wait....... it takes a wrench to tighten the wheel/arbor?

Jokes aside, dont need a wrench, but would welcome a button for replacing the nut that always seems to disappear after using my fiber disc.

 

[neophyte]

There are a lot of things I like about that design, but there's no way in hell I'd be tied to proprietary abrasive wheels!

And why even put teeth on the hub? If it doesn't hold with just friction, that tells me that their design is lacking.

FWIW, I have a Fein "toolless" grinder, and their design is a solution in search of a problem. The truth is that I hardly ever use a wrench on my angle grinder wheels anyway. They shouldn't need to be wrench tight (except for steel plate wheels like diamond discs).

I’m fairly certain the Fein angle grinders with the Quick-In system were more designed for safety reasons than just for user convenience.
If you look at some the Fein tools designed when the Quick-In system was used on the angle grinders, most of those angle grinders also had safety electronics for speed control, shut off in case of power interuption, etc. even when the tools didn’t have variable speed, which is when the safety electronics are usually seen.
Most of the Quick-In angle grinders also had non-removeable guards.
Judging by the comparatively high cost, the grinders were likely designed for industrial workplaces for safety reasons, and to avoid the loss of wrenches, and to minimize the loss of the frinder flange nut, since the Fein version was larger and harder to loose.

As far as systems like this go, the Fein version wound up being a dead end, unless Fein is collaborating with Bosch on this, like they did with the oscillating tool system. And this does sort of look partially like the mechanism Fein used for the Quick-In grinders.
Norton tried a quick change abrasive sheet system for angle grinders, and while they did sell the system at Home Depot for a time, I’m not sure the system is still around, and it likely isn’t seen outside industrial work if it is still around.

 

[IndyGarage]

I like the quick lock system that Dremel makes for wheels, so I would probably like this.

The worst part is that it's connected to a Bosch Grinder. In my opinion they make some of the worst grinders of all the major brands. The ones I have use straight bevel gears on the head, where everybody else - at least the ones who want a quiet no-vibration grinder use spiral bevels. It's been a couple years since I bought one of theirs, so they could have changed.

 

[dnschmidt]

What a joke. Just a method of forcing you to use their abrasives. Total ********. I'll use my Walter abrasives and Metabo grinders with the Quick-Nut. Sounds like something 3M would do like with Hookit II.