Hey – a new Bosch 12V Max cordless power tool, and it WILL be available in the USA, as suggested by its Amazon product listing and shipping ETA.
The new Bosch GOP12V-28N is a 12V Max brushless oscillating multi-tool with Starlock accessory mount. It has a 2.8° oscillating arc and operates at speeds up to 20,000 OPM.
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It’s said to be light, ergonomic, compact, and capable of working in tight spaces. As with other oscillating tools, this one can do flush-cutting, plunge-cutting, sanding, grinding, among other things, when paired with the right blade or accessory.
There looks to be a battery charge gauge, right beneath the speed control dial.
- 11.2″ long
- 3.3″ height
- weighs 1.75 lbs (without battery?)
- 5,000 – 20,000 OPM
- 2.8° oscillating arc (1.4° L/R)
- Variable speed dial
- Magnetic positioning support for “assisted blade change”
- Non-marring plastic ribs protect the front of the tool from scuffs and scratches
It comes with (1) 1-1/4″ blade, an accessory box, an accessory mounting screw, and hex wrench. Oh… its blade interface isn’t tool-free. Hmm…
Well, I guess that’s the trade-off – you can have a narrow-head and affordably priced 12V-class brushless oscillating multi-tool, or you can have one with tool-free interface.
Even so, the brushless motor still seems like a big benefit. It has been years since Bosch introduced their first 18V brushless oscillating tool, and they have since released a Starlock model. With tools like these, you want every bit of runtime that you can get.
Price: $99 (Amazon has it for $99, 2 other stores have it for $119. It’s not clear which is the “regular” price.)
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Buy Now(via Amazon)
See Also(Fein 12V Multi-Talent Kit via Acme Tool)
You’ll need a battery pack and charger. There’s a starter kit that can get you going for under $50 (via Amazon). $148 for a build-your-own kit seems pretty reasonable.
First Thoughts
The new Bosch 12V Max oscillating tool looks to be considerably smaller than the corded and 18V-class oscillating tools currently on the market, and as mentioned it is compatible with Bosch and Fein’s still relatively new Starlock interface.
I’ve tried Bosch and Fein Starlock tools, and blade changes are amazingly quick. It’s almost ridiculous how easy it is to pop a new blade onto Bosch’s tools. After you release a blade, you simply press the tool onto a new one, and the lock clicks into place.
With this tool seemingly being designed with small size in mind, and possibly cost as well, it has a hex screw interface.
The tool also features a “magnetic positioning support” that’s said to help with blade changes. That makes sense, and seems to be a potentially handy feature. If I’m understanding things correctly, the tool will hold the blade or accessory in place while you fiddle with the mounting screw or find a hex key to secure it with.
While I wouldn’t completely forget about the lack of a tool-free blade interface, Bosch seems to have designed enough features and potential benefits to help balance out its absence.
Finally, I have 2 minor observations to grumble about. First, what’s with the break in naming convention? Why can’t this be the PS51? GOP12V-28N? That seems more forgettable. Second, no L-Boxx insert?
I linked to the Fein 12V Multi-Talent above, as it seems to be a strong competitor. Its kit price is $199, but with that you get a charger, (2) battery packs, a hard case, and a small (but more than Bosch gives you) assortment of accessories. The Fein has a tool-free interface, but it’s also a larger tool overall, seemingly scaled down from their 18V version. The Fein seems more like a primary tool, and the Bosch a complementary one.
fred
Way back when (before the patents expired) the corded Fein was the only game in town. It had a socket-head screw and a hex wrench for changing blades. You learned quickly that a blade that was just used was really hot. Quick change on OMTs, Jigsaws and Reciprocating saws is not only a productivity enhancement – it can also prevent a lot of burnt fingers. (I know the OSHA guys would say you should be wearing gloves)
Chris
Drill bits too!
fred
Yep! That Count Rumford knew his stuff!
Austin
This should be a huge upgrade from the old 12v omt. That thing was a dog. Good luck if you wanted to cut more than cedar shims. Brushless motor and starlock should help tremendously. Also the new name is a push towards a more global skew system. And also early this year bosh made a decision not to sell lboxxes with their tools any more. You can only buy them separately now.
Hang Fire
Honestly, the L-Boxx SKU’s were a mess. Vendors had to stock, or at least choose from twice as many variations (kit/baretool/with/without L-Boxx). Consumers were sometimes stuck buying one when they didn’t want one, or buying without because a vendor didn’t stock the L-Boxx version.
Separately seems the better way to go.
RobertW
How will this stack up performance-wise against the Milwaukee 12v I wonder?
Tator
Someone is totally wrong here. Starlock is a tool free blade change mechanism. I have a fein 350 with starlock and let me tell u there is no hex wrench.
Stuart
I’ll trade you a PDF link to the manual, for a “sorry, you were right.”
Kidding aside, I was surprised at first too. But the tool definitely has a screw-based accessory mount, and requires a hex key for blade changes.
Tator
Wow never seen that before. This is one of those ” that’s the dumbest things I ever seen”.
Blythe
Starlock just means the “3D” raised profile that tool has a female version of and the blade has a male version. This is the first non quick change version I’ve seen, but that mechanism isn’t part of the starlock name, only the torque transfer interface
mike aka fazzman
Sweet!! Been waiting for the brushless version of this for what seem like an eternity.
I will defo get this as I have a ton of Bosch 12v stuff.
Frank D
My corded version has that hex key change head.
PDF shows some other “star” blades I had not seen yet.
The more you know 🙂
Chris Fyfe
I’ll grab one . I often work out of a rolling rog ( Pelican 18×18 cube , a pelican briefcase tool kit , and a Veto opentopped tote . Weight/bulk is a major issue . I already have the Bosch 12V Jigsaw . A brushless version of the little jigsaw would be super !
Chris
Mike S
Does anyone know why Home Depot discontinued this product?
I was thinking about getting either this one, or the Milwaukee 18v Cordless on – but, was leaning towards this one as its just for small DIY use, my wife would prefer the smaller size and weight, and that would give us more use out of our Bosch 12v batteries (which we use with the LED Work Light or JigSaw or PS-32 Drill).
Would we even notice any performance difference? (other than this one being lighter and smaller)
Vards Uzvards
For just $70 right now, on Amazon!
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B075LXVL19/