BOSCH 18V 4-1/2" Angle Grinder Kit (GWX18V)
This 18v cordless angle grinder from BOSCH combines a powerful battery with some unique features. Its tool-less wheel change makes swapping grinding and cutting tools a breeze. A host of additional features makes the GWX18V a compelling option in a very competitive space.
Check out our comparison of the GWX18V against other leading competitors.
Quick Specs
| Power | 18 volts |
| Speed | 9,000 rpm |
| Disc Size | 4-1/2" |
| Power Source | 8.0 Ah li-ion battery |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
Starting with power, the GWX18V angle grinder kit comes with one CORE18V battery. At an impressive 8.0 Ah, this battery gives freedom to tackle any grinding or cutting job.
Once the disc starts spinning, a couple of interesting features maximize performance.
The CoolPack heat management system is unique to Bosch tools. It provides better cooling across the entire system, which is appreciated since heat is a major killer of lithium-ion batteries. One of the primary way BOSCH achieves this is by intentionally directing airflow over the motor to keep things from overheating during heavy use.
A vibration control handle and soft-start technology keep the powerful motor from kicking the tool out of your hands. And in the event things go awry while working, BOSCH has you covered. The tool can sense if it’s dropped and will shut the grinder down to keep it from dancing across the floor. Also, if you try to take too large of a bite with the disc, the kickback control system keeps the tool from launching back at you.
Dead batteries are a reality for cordless tools. If your battery dies mid-cut and you swap the battery without turning the tool off, the restart protection kicks to prevent an unexpected spool-up of the motor.
We alos liked the X-brake technology, which quickly stopped the wheel from spinning once we let off the trigger. This seems like a small detail but the time savings add up when you’re not having to wait for the disc to stop spinning.
Bluetooth connectivity allows the tool to talk to your phone through the free Bosch Toolbox app. This app is specifically designed to help craftsmen and tradesmen document and plan jobs, but it also lets you monitor the battery levels of all of your tools in one spot.
Saving the best for last, let’s talk about the unique disc change mechanism. BOSCH has integrated their X-LOCK system into this tool which allows for rapid disc changes with no tools required. It’s not a new system, per se, but it’s the first time we’ve seen this integrated into an angle grinder. If you’ve every used an EZ Lock wheel on a Dremel, you’ll be familiar with the X-LOCK system.
The X-LOCK system is locked and unlocked with a lever located on the top of the tool. This lever actuates the locks that hold the disc in place. It’s an effortless system that makes quick work of swapping out wheels on the grinder.
A battery charger and heavy duty bag are included in the GWX18V-50PCB14 package.
- X-LOCK system
- Powerful battery
- Smart circuitry
- Only one battery
- No top handle mount
CONSENSUS:
The BOSCH GWX18V is a powerful angle grinder that deserves a spot in the workshop. Its aggressive battery + motor paired with the X-LOCK system satisfies what every tool should be: powerful, agile, and unobstrusive.