Full Review ⭐ Bosch GXL18V-270B22: 18V 2-Tool Combo Kit with Chameleon Drill/Driver Featuring 5-in-1 Flexiclick® System and StarlockPlus® Oscillating Multi-Tool

The Bosch GXL18V-270B22 is an 18V 2-tool combo kit that comes with the Bosch Chameleon drill/driver and the Bosch StarlockPlus oscillating multi-tool. This is a versatile kit that provides users with both drilling/driving capabilities as well as detail sanding, cutting, and grinding with the oscillating tool.

The Chameleon drill/driver features Bosch's patented 5-in-1 Flexiclick system which allows the chuck to pivot in five different directions to fit in tight spaces and optimize control. It has a 1/2" chuck size and can handle most drilling and driving applications around the home or job site.

The oscillating multi-tool is a must-have for any DIYer or pro looking to cut detailed curves, sand in tight spots, or grind away material. It accepts StarlockPlus accessories which are easy to change out without any tools required. The multi-tool has variable speed control and 3.2 degree oscillation for smooth, controlled cutting and sanding.

Overall, this is a versatile kit that covers both drilling/driving and detail sanding/cutting/grinding needs. The included tools are lightweight, compact, and designed for control and accuracy.

Design and Ergonomics

The Bosch GXL18V-270B22 18V 2-tool combo kit comes with the Bosch Chameleon drill/driver and a StarlockPlus oscillating multi-tool. Both tools feature ergonomic designs made for comfort and control during extended use.

The Chameleon drill/driver has a slim, lightweight body that weighs only 1.8 lbs. It features a soft grip handle that provides a secure and comfortable hold. The drill is very well balanced, with the battery weight centered directly under the handle. This gives excellent control and reduces fatigue.

The oscillating multi-tool has a similar slim, ergonomic body design. It weighs only 3.3 lbs with the battery installed. The soft grip handle helps absorb vibration and gives a secure hold during operation. The tool's compact size and lightweight make it easy to control in tight spots and reduces strain during overhead use.

Both tools use the Bosch 18V batteries which slide neatly into the base of each tool's handle. This centered battery location aids the overall balance. The battery release button is conveniently located for quick changes.

Overall, both the Chameleon drill/driver and oscillating multi-tool feature thoughtfully designed ergonomics. Their slim profiles, soft grip handles, and well-balanced weight distribution make them comfortable for extended use.

One of the oscillating multi-tools that can be purchased separately is the Bosch GOP18V-34N: 18V Brushless StarlockPlus® Oscillating Multi-Tool (Bare Tool). This bare tool allows you to just buy the oscillating multi-tool without the battery or charger. It has the same slim, ergonomic design as the one in the combo kit.

The GOP18V-34N features Bosch's brushless motor technology, providing efficient power and longer runtime. It has variable speed control from 5,000 - 20,000 oscillations per minute to match speed to application. The tool accepts all StarlockPlus accessories for quick and easy blade changes.

Weighing only 3.3 lbs, the GOP18V-34N is designed for comfort during extended use. It has the same soft grip handle as the combo kit version. The 18V battery fits neatly into the base of the handle for excellent balance and control.

In summary, the GOP18V-34N provides the same outstanding ergonomic design and handling as the oscillating multi-tool included in the Bosch combo kit. It's a great option for those looking to buy just the bare tool without batteries or charger.

Motor and Power

The Bosch GXL18V-270B22 oscillating multi-tool is powered by Bosch's proprietary brushless motor technology. This provides several key advantages:

• More power - The brushless motor delivers up to 20% more power compared to a brushed motor. This allows the multi-tool to cut through tougher materials with less bogging down.

• Variable speed - The trigger provides variable speed control from 10,000 - 20,000 oscillations per minute. This allows optimizing the speed for different applications and materials. Slow speeds for more control, higher speeds for aggressive cutting and removal.

• Cooler operation - Without brushes and commutation, brushless motors run cooler. This allows for longer run times before overheating.

• Increased efficiency - Brushless motors convert more of the battery's power into rotational force instead of wasted heat. This translates into longer runtime per battery charge.

• Increased durability - The lack of brushes eliminates the components most prone to wear in a brushed motor. Brushless motors can have 2-3 times the lifespan of brushed equivalents.

Overall, the brushless motor gives the Bosch oscillating multi-tool excellent power and speed across a wide range of DIY and professional applications. It's a durable and efficient system that makes the most of the 18V battery platform. The Bosch GOP18V-28N is another great oscillating multi-tool option from Bosch, featuring an 18V EC Brushless motor for high power and efficiency. With the StarlockPlus attachment system, tool-free blade changes can be made in seconds. The ergonomic design provides outstanding control and minimized vibration. If you're looking for a pro-grade cordless oscillating multi-tool, the GOP18V-28N is an excellent choice to consider.

Oscillating Blade

The GXL18V-270B22 kit comes with a StarlockPlus blade clamp which allows for quick and easy blade changes without any tools. Simply insert the blade and turn to lock it in place. The blade can also be removed just as easily with the quick release lever. This makes swapping between different blades for different applications a breeze.

The multi-tool comes equipped with a standard aggressive wood and metal blade to handle most materials. The blade has an aggressive tooth design which bites into wood, metal, plastic and other materials for efficient cutting. The thin profile of the blade allows for cuts in tight spaces that a regular saw couldn't reach. It can cut through wood, nail embedded wood, plastics, metal up to 5mm thick, drywall, flooring and more. The blade oscillates at a rapid 22,000 opm to deliver smooth, splinter-free cuts.

Having the StarlockPlus system means a wide range of specialized blades are available to further expand the capabilities of the multi-tool. There are blades optimized for aggressive cutting, fine detailed work, scraping, sanding, grout removal and more. Being able to quickly change blades allows you to adapt the tool to the application at hand.

Accessories

The Bosch GXL18V-270B22 kit comes with a useful selection of accessories to get you started. In the box is an auxiliary handle, a blade, and an adapter.

The auxiliary handle provides extra control and maneuverability when using the multi-tool for overhead or awkward angle cuts. It attaches securely to the front of the tool.

The oscillating blade included is a standard wood and metal blade. This is a good all-purpose blade suitable for most DIY cutting, sanding and grinding tasks. Additional specialty blades can be purchased separately for more specific materials.

Also included is an adapter which allows you to use accessories from other brands, expanding your options. This is a handy feature that improves the versatility of the tool.

Some other worthwhile accessories to consider adding on:

• Sanding and grinding pads - for smoothing and shaping materials
• Carbide rasps - for efficiently removing material from wood or metal
• Circle cutters - for neat plunge cuts into tile, plastic, etc
• Grout removal blades - for renovating tile and concrete

Bosch offers a wide range of proprietary accessories that are optimized for use with their multi-tools. But many standard accessories from other brands will also fit and work well.

Cutting Performance

The Bosch GXL18V-270B22 oscillating multi-tool excels at making precise cuts in a variety of materials. Its powerful 18V motor provides ample cutting power, while the StarlockPlus blade changing system allows for quick swaps between wood, metal and tile blades.

The tool makes straight cuts up to 35mm deep and curved cuts up to 25mm deep in wood. It can cut through 2x4 studs, plywood, OSB and even laminate flooring cleanly and accurately. The 3.2 degree oscillating arc helps prevent blade wandering, resulting in nice straight cuts.

For metal cutting, the tool can slice through sheet metal, steel studs, small diameter pipe and even nails. The oscillating action makes short work of nail embedded wood. For tile, the carbide grit tile blades included in the kit allow you to make clean cuts in ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles up to 25mm thick. The tool's compact size lets you make detailed curved cuts around toilet flanges or other fixtures.

Overall, the cutting performance of the Bosch oscillating multi-tool is excellent. It has the power and precision to make a wide variety of cuts in multiple materials quickly and accurately.

Sanding and Grinding

The Bosch GXL18V-270B22 oscillating multi-tool comes with a sanding pad attachment that allows you to tackle detailed sanding jobs with precision. The soft pad conforms to contours and shapes, making it easy to sand in tight spots and curved areas. It has a hook and loop system that securely holds sandpaper in place during operation.

I found the oscillating action worked well for sanding applications, providing a smooth finish on wood, metal, and plastic. The variable speed dial gives you control over the sanding intensity. On lower speeds, it sands gently for finishing work. Cranking it up to higher speeds makes quick work of removing material.

The tool also excels at grinding tasks with the right accessories. Using a carbide or diamond grit grinding stone, you can sharpen blades, remove rust, and grind down welds. The compact size gets into tight spaces that a regular angle grinder cannot. The oscillating motion keeps the grinding action under control. Overall, the versatility of attachments makes this multi-tool a handy solution for sanding, grinding, and polishing jobs.

Dust Extraction

The Bosch GXL18V-270B22 comes with a micro-filtration dust extraction attachment to keep dust under control while cutting and sanding. This is an important feature for an oscillating multi-tool, as the high-speed oscillations can kick up a lot of debris.

The dust extractor connects directly to the tool and has a built-in HEPA filter to capture fine dust effectively. It's easy to attach and remove as needed. The dust collection container is transparent so you can see when it needs to be emptied.

Overall, the dust extraction works quite well for containing most of the dust when working on materials like wood, drywall, and plastic. It helps keep the work area cleaner and reduces airborne dust you'd inhale. The filtration isn't perfect, as some dust still escapes, but it captures the majority. Just be sure to use the dust extraction attachment whenever generating a lot of dust.

Battery and Charger

The Bosch GXL18V-270B22 kit comes with two 18V Lithium-Ion batteries that deliver long runtime and fade-free power. The batteries have a capacity of 2.0Ah each, which Bosch claims can provide up to 1 hour of runtime when used with the multi-tool. However, runtime can vary greatly depending on the accessories used and materials worked on. For most applications, you can expect 30-45 minutes of continuous use from each fully charged battery.

Charging is handled by the included 18V charger which can fully charge one of the batteries in about 30-60 minutes. It's a standard Bosch charger with LED lights to indicate charge status. A nice feature is that the charger can charge one battery while the other is being used, allowing you to continuously work with minimal downtime.

Overall, the included Bosch batteries offer sufficient capacity for most DIY and home improvement tasks. The quick charger helps minimize downtime. For professional use or extended runtime, larger higher capacity batteries are available, but add cost.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful 18V motor provides excellent cutting and sanding performance
• StarlockPlus blade change system for quick and easy accessory swaps
• Variable speed dial with lock-on button for continuous operation
• Compact and lightweight design enhances maneuverability
• LED light illuminates the work area
• Flexible head can tilt in 4 directions for accessing tight spaces
• Comes with an assortment of sanding and cutting accessories
• Includes a powerful 18V drill/driver with innovative 5-in-1 chuck system
• Brushless motors are efficient and provide long runtime

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately
• Dust extraction could be more effective
• Some accessories seem lower quality compared to others
• Blade lock lever can be awkwardly positioned
• No side handle included
• Carrying case is on the small side

In summary, the Bosch oscillating multi-tool kit offers excellent versatility and power for cutting, sanding, and grinding applications. The inclusion of the Flexiclick drill/driver adds even more value. Drawbacks are relatively minor, mainly involving dust collection and quality of some accessories. But overall, this is a high-performing and flexible system.