Bosch has announced their new X-Lock angle grinder lock interface, which they say makes wheel exchanges fast and simple. The new system is said to be up to 3X faster.
Described as the ultimate changing system for grinders, the Bosch X-Lock grinder interface ejects wheels with just a lever pull, and fresh wheels can be attached without the need for any other tools. The X-Lock grinding wheels are also compatible with grinders that have standard 7/8″ mounts.
Bosch X-Lock will be available on a variety of “core grinding applications” products, such as cut-off wheels, bonded discs, flap discs, wire wheels, and diamond blades.
What else do we know so far?
Bosch X-Lock grinding wheels and accessories will require new grinders to take advantage of the tool-less connection system. Meaning, it’s not just an accessory you can add to existing grinders.
But, you can also use them with other grinders in the same way as standard accessories. So, if you have a collection of grinders, you can continue to use them.
Unofficially
Bosch will NOT be the only supplier of X-Lock accessories. There will be other abrasive and grinding accessory brands that will participate in offering accessories with the new interface.
Brushes and drills will not be compatible.
First Thoughts
What’s not to love? Well, aside from the need or want to buy all-new grinders.
Bosch and Fein’s Starlock tool-free oscillating multi-tool system works in a somewhat similar fashion, and it’s beautifully simply to use and effective in practice. Multi-tool accessories click into a Starlock tool, and are easily unlocked when it’s time to change accessories. This new Bosch X-Lock interface seems to be similar in many regards.
When Bosch Starlock accessories first started appearing, they were reasonably priced and seemed to be worth buying even for users of tools with older and universal interfaces. I wonder if that will the same here, since these X-Lock grinding accessories will be compatible with standard 7/8″ mounts.
One Bosch source brought up an interesting point, about how the new interface could have implications on braking grinders, as the new design should prevent discs, wheels, and other accessories from spinning when the grinder stops. Brake the motor too slow, and it’s ineffective. Too fast, and the arbor nut can self-loosen, creating a serious safety concern. Thus, braking grinders are designed to stop accessories fast enough to provide a benefit, but not too fast so as to cause self-loosening of the arbor nut. But if there’s no arbor nut, perhaps grinder brakes can be made to work faster?
There are lots of questions to ask. How much will the accessories cost, especially compared to current/previous standard accessories.
Will X-Lock become Bosch’s standard grinder interface? How much will the new grinders cost?
Will there be standard-accessory-to-X-Lock adapters?
What other brand(s) will license the Bosch X-Lock interface to feature on their own grinders?
We’ll follow up once we know more.
What questions do you have?
Will a new Bosch X-Lock grinder and accessories be on your 2019 tool shopping list?
