I'm pro x-lock, the speed of tool change negates the need for my standard practice of having multiple grinders with different disks since I'm constantly switching processes. I can see it becoming the SDS+ or T-shank of the grinder world in the next few years (it wouldn't be the first time Bosh set an industry standard) especially since the cost of the disks has come down to the level of regular disks and eventually the discount brands will probably jump on board too.
I’ve had my x-lock for over a year now, I’ve used it lots for work. The mechanism is still as new and I’ve noticed a significant increase in availability of discs. The last ‘zip cut’ I got were about a buck a piece Canadian. I have a standard back up as well, but I can’t remember the last time I used it, it’s x-lock first choice all the way for me
They could’ve done an easy guard but hey I don’t think one spring is gonna mess up when It’s not even being touched or compressed almost all the time so how can it mess up unless you’re removing the guard.
Have had my x lock for 6 months. I will never go back unless I have to. Luckily x lock consumables have come down in price. Hope they eventually come out with a 7 or 9 inch x lock.
I have used the x-lock grinder for over a year and at first had reservations about the availability of accessories which was unfounded. The discs are ready available from the local hardware only being slightly more expensive than the standard disks of the same brand. The more exotic attachment had to be purchased on Ebay. I solved this problem by purchasing a x-lock to standard grinder fitting. I find that the X-lock is just such a time saver, where in the past I would carry 2 grinders, one with a cutting and the other for grinding. Now I just use one as the discs are so easy to change.
I buy my grinding pads at Harbor Freight. Super cheap and good quality. With what you said about all the parts, I'm thinking twice about it. Thankyou for your review.
Toolless nuts for angle grinders have made X-lock a bit redundant, unless you are changing discs dozens of times a day and who does that? (most fabricators I know tighten discs by hand and can change one in 5 seconds anyway) It's a solution looking for a problem.
If the disks were similar priced I’d get it, and who ever uses a wrench to take the disks off ? Just rotate it anticlockwise.. takes a few seconds.. it’s self tightening so you never need to apply anything more than hand tight..
Remember back 10 15 20 years ago when all drills needed a key Chuck to remove the drill bits and how you always lost the key Chuck. No no few years everyone went with keyless Chuck's on their drills and what a great convenience. I see the same thing happening with the x lock Walsh's new display and Lowe's that went up a couple months ago has the x lock they are kind of pricey at Lowe's the x lock disc if you go to HD Diablo has them at about the same price that the standard disc sell for and you forgot to mention that the x lock disc will fit on the standard grinders thank you for your review.
There is an x-lock adapter that adds a standard spindle back for situations like that and lets you finish using up all your old stock of disks and attachments. Plus I personally don't mind a small bit of extra standoff for concrete tool like that.
@@Peppermint_Penguin but its hard to get. For example I don't have access to ebay or amazon anymore, so I can't buy the adapter, and that adapter isn't being sold in stores here or in Home Depot.
I can give you an easy answer to the question in the video title: Once you use Xlock, you will miss it on every normal grinder. It speeds up your workflow, especially for welders. For cleaning up welds, you usually switch between grinding and flap disk, which is a lot faster. If you work in a shop, theres always that one dude who thinks its a strength contest when tightening the nut. No more. Bad thing is, theres a few special tools for standard grinders that you cant use on xlock. A concrete grinding disc would be a good example. If your company is already invested in a ton of standard grinding discs, those wont fit on an xlock.
I'll agree with @julianweiser9985 in regards to some of the specialized tools. I grind and buff both steel and concrete. Many of the cheap wire wheels have threads instead of using the mounting nut. Taking them off is simply pushing the locking button, and giving the wheel a quick spin...and then back to a grinding wheel and a nut. I'm still a corded person, but need portability in the next job, so thought I'd do a little research on XLock before making the purchase. Thanks for the article.
They should give em out to those buying get them new blades out push out a new system for new people these boomers don’t even wanna change the blade on their grinders let’s change this mindset
If they would have made them to accept a regular grinding disc they'd sell like crazy. Might not have been possible with the design but I've started to see these grinders being clearanced out because nobody is buying em
I wondered if that would happen, on the flip side Makita and Bosch can keep making x-lock accessories because they work on normal grinders, I see some cheap x-lock disc's and wire wheels near me so might try them (on my normal grinder).
Just bought this online not even realizing that it was an XLock version of it. Kind of annoying when tool companies have to reinvent the wheel for such a simple thing as a grinder now i guess i'm married to buying Makita grinder disks for the rest of my life.
I have a lot of Makitas tools & batteries, so I chose a free xlock grinder with the purchase of the 2 piece drill combo kit. After trying to assemble it & having great difficulty, I looked up your review on You tube & after reading your reviews, I think I'll send it back & choose a better free tool or battery. The manual's directions don't make any sense! It comes with 2 different wheel guards, 1 open for normal grinding & 1 closed( I've never seen before)for using as a cut off tool, which blocks the operators view of the wheel while cutting the work piece! THIS IS TOTALLY UNSAFE!! You need to see what & where the blade is cutting at all times! This is not a toy! Serious injuries can happen in an instant from blindly operating the tool! A right handed operator, like myself, has to be in an awkward distorted twisted position to hold the grinder safely, & to see around the closed guard! I love using my old blue & yellow Ryobi grinder. It's "old fashioned" but It's so simple! I was decieved into believing Makita had a better grinding tool? I guess I'll just have to get more batteries for Mr. Ryobi & send this piece of junk back to Makita! This is so disappointing for me Makita!
X-Lock is great. But I made a big mistake buying my grinder with X-Lock. Discs are expensive and hard to find. Also there are adapters like wire brush that doesn't come in X-Lock. Now I need to get an LXT grinder with paddle switch without X-Lock...
Have you looked at Bosch X-Lock accessories as apparently Makita and Bosch X-Lock are the same? Reason I mention it is where I am I'm finding Bosch X-Lock wire wheels in 115mm are (suprisingly) cheaper than normal ones, I don't even have an X-Lock grinder but will be buying some Bosch X-Lock wire wheels to use on my normal 115 & 125mm grinders that have the standard M14 thread (compatibility apparently works in that direction - the other way I.e. standard accessories on X-Lock grinders wont work). The X-Lock standard does look like a great system..
@@matthewisaac6895 Thank you for your time and information. yes I'm aware Bosch licensed the X-Lock patent to Makita. But at Home Depot, the only decent hardware store where I live, these new stuff is being introduced very slowly, so they don't sell the adapter to convert to regular head, and sometimes the X-Lock cutting discs are expensive, or are sold out. Yes, I'm loving the X-Lock. But until it doesn't become standard (and it has been a long time already not to be standard by now), wellp...
Government should employ preferential tax rates for the best design as decided by a panel of experts and votes from the public. Especially poor or outdated designs (like the flat head screw equivalent or those with planned obsolescence) should be taxed a punative tax rates of 100% or higher while good design or highly compatible, upgradable, future proofed design could be zero rated for vat.
x-lock is for sissis and noobs… X-lock is likely not as safe, less versatile options for attachments… it has quicker swaps (except for Velcro) but I’m a vet at not having to use the wrench to swap discs and when I go fine grinding, it becomes Velcro attachments. So if your boss is paying you $1000/hr to grind, go with x-lock. 😂😂😂
Not only the cost of the new disc i cant imagine the new tool lock mechanism will outlast a traditional thread 🔩 as you say lol. Just get a quick release lock nut & stick to old discs for cost effective working 🫠🤷🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🙍🏼♂️...
I'm pro x-lock, the speed of tool change negates the need for my standard practice of having multiple grinders with different disks since I'm constantly switching processes. I can see it becoming the SDS+ or T-shank of the grinder world in the next few years (it wouldn't be the first time Bosh set an industry standard) especially since the cost of the disks has come down to the level of regular disks and eventually the discount brands will probably jump on board too.
I agree with you. I been buying x lock discs 9 out of 10 times. I have been tempted to buy makita x lock grinder
I’ve had my x-lock for over a year now, I’ve used it lots for work. The mechanism is still as new and I’ve noticed a significant increase in availability of discs. The last ‘zip cut’ I got were about a buck a piece Canadian.
I have a standard back up as well, but I can’t remember the last time I used it, it’s x-lock first choice all the way for me
Right 🤙🏽
They could’ve done an easy guard but hey I don’t think one spring is gonna mess up when It’s not even being touched or compressed almost all the time so how can it mess up unless you’re removing the guard.
Have had my x lock for 6 months. I will never go back unless I have to.
Luckily x lock consumables have come down in price.
Hope they eventually come out with a 7 or 9 inch x lock.
I am curious if the larger discs will work with Xlock, is xlock strong enough?
@@UltimateToolReviews might need to make the locking mechanism stronger/thicker? 🤔
@@PistonHonda87 x lock plus maybe
I have used the x-lock grinder for over a year and at first had reservations about the availability of accessories which was unfounded. The discs are ready available from the local hardware only being slightly more expensive than the standard disks of the same brand. The more exotic attachment had to be purchased on Ebay. I solved this problem by purchasing a x-lock to standard grinder fitting. I find that the X-lock is just such a time saver, where in the past I would carry 2 grinders, one with a cutting and the other for grinding. Now I just use one as the discs are so easy to change.
I buy my grinding pads at Harbor Freight. Super cheap and good quality. With what you said about all the parts, I'm thinking twice about it. Thankyou for your review.
What about if ya want to use diamond cups to grinding concrete ?
For me its the normal grinder. At work because its not often i change disk. At home because of the price
With xlock, there is a big prospect of two way rotation implementation.
Agreed yet we have a dremel so I think it may. Any one have suggestions on diamond grinding disc for x lock ?
I use mine to cut vinyl siding
Toolless nuts for angle grinders have made X-lock a bit redundant, unless you are changing discs dozens of times a day and who does that? (most fabricators I know tighten discs by hand and can change one in 5 seconds anyway)
It's a solution looking for a problem.
Same goes for the weird multi tool blade system they came out with, Dewalt has a much simpler and easy to use system instead. Simpler is better!
Totally agree ,just seems like more moving parts to go wrong ,and I never use tools on my cordless grinder ,just hand tighten and undo
If the disks were similar priced I’d get it, and who ever uses a wrench to take the disks off ? Just rotate it anticlockwise.. takes a few seconds.. it’s self tightening so you never need to apply anything more than hand tight..
Remember back 10 15 20 years ago when all drills needed a key Chuck to remove the drill bits and how you always lost the key Chuck. No no few years everyone went with keyless Chuck's on their drills and what a great convenience. I see the same thing happening with the x lock Walsh's new display and Lowe's that went up a couple months ago has the x lock they are kind of pricey at Lowe's the x lock disc if you go to HD Diablo has them at about the same price that the standard disc sell for and you forgot to mention that the x lock disc will fit on the standard grinders thank you for your review.
One major difference, with the new keyless chuck you didn't need to buy all new accessories.
Worth mention as well there are numerous ways to remove the disc easily without the wrench
I’ve been using mine for well over a year and it’s help up fine, and the price of the discs has gone way down.
The Makita blades and disk are very good
Nobody was buying them in my box store, so I got all their stock clraranced out for 1 buck a grinding disc.
I need a diamond cup wheel for grinding concrete and I still haven't seen one for x-lock. That was a deal breaker for me.
There is alot of missing stuff for Xlock, I agree with you on the dealbreaker.
What a poof
There is an x-lock adapter that adds a standard spindle back for situations like that and lets you finish using up all your old stock of disks and attachments. Plus I personally don't mind a small bit of extra standoff for concrete tool like that.
@@Peppermint_Penguin but its hard to get. For example I don't have access to ebay or amazon anymore, so I can't buy the adapter, and that adapter isn't being sold in stores here or in Home Depot.
I can give you an easy answer to the question in the video title:
Once you use Xlock, you will miss it on every normal grinder. It speeds up your workflow, especially for welders.
For cleaning up welds, you usually switch between grinding and flap disk, which is a lot faster.
If you work in a shop, theres always that one dude who thinks its a strength contest when tightening the nut. No more.
Bad thing is, theres a few special tools for standard grinders that you cant use on xlock. A concrete grinding disc would be a good example. If your company is already invested in a ton of standard grinding discs, those wont fit on an xlock.
I'll agree with @julianweiser9985 in regards to some of the specialized tools. I grind and buff both steel and concrete. Many of the cheap wire wheels have threads instead of using the mounting nut. Taking them off is simply pushing the locking button, and giving the wheel a quick spin...and then back to a grinding wheel and a nut. I'm still a corded person, but need portability in the next job, so thought I'd do a little research on XLock before making the purchase. Thanks for the article.
I want flex angle grinder with x lock
Losing flange nuts was my biggest problem
The ideas great ,,, Ill stick with the 29 standard grinders I have though .
Lol It's funny but it's true; we all end up buying multiple grinders to avoid faffing with disc's or wheels, I have 4 myself
@@matthewisaac6895 32 now ,,,lol
Diablo makes some x-lock discs now.
and they're getting bad reviews unfortunately
Stores around me have them all on clearance because they were collecting dust
Same here, I’ve seen them as low as $40.
They should give em out to those buying get them new blades out push out a new system for new people these boomers don’t even wanna change the blade on their grinders let’s change this mindset
Nice I love Makita
If they would have made them to accept a regular grinding disc they'd sell like crazy. Might not have been possible with the design but I've started to see these grinders being clearanced out because nobody is buying em
And they could have done that, ever since Dewalt made a better tooless way to secure multi tool blades I don’t like the stuff Bosch/Makita is doing.
Regular blades are pricier at HD go to lowes for x lock
I wondered if that would happen, on the flip side Makita and Bosch can keep making x-lock accessories because they work on normal grinders, I see some cheap x-lock disc's and wire wheels near me so might try them (on my normal grinder).
Thanks for this amazing video..I’m too old school that as soon as I opened my
Grinder it seemed impossible to put together
Glad it helped
Just bought this online not even realizing that it was an XLock version of it. Kind of annoying when tool companies have to reinvent the wheel for such a simple thing as a grinder now i guess i'm married to buying Makita grinder disks for the rest of my life.
Bosch xlock discs should fit the xlock is originally Bosch design with I think makita have a license to use it
Thanks 👍
Thanks a lot man!
I have a lot of Makitas tools & batteries, so I chose a free xlock grinder with the purchase of the 2 piece drill combo kit. After trying to assemble it & having great difficulty, I looked up your review on You tube & after reading your reviews, I think I'll send it back & choose a better free tool or battery.
The manual's directions don't make any sense! It comes with 2 different wheel guards, 1 open for normal grinding & 1 closed( I've never seen before)for using as a cut off tool, which blocks the operators view of the wheel while cutting the work piece! THIS IS
TOTALLY UNSAFE!!
You need to see what & where the blade is cutting at all times! This is not a toy! Serious injuries can happen in an instant from blindly operating the tool! A right handed operator, like myself, has to be in an awkward distorted twisted position to hold the grinder safely, & to see around the closed guard!
I love using my old blue & yellow Ryobi grinder. It's "old fashioned" but It's so simple! I was decieved into believing Makita had a better grinding tool?
I guess I'll just have to get more batteries for Mr. Ryobi & send this piece of junk back to Makita! This is so disappointing for me Makita!
X-Lock is great. But I made a big mistake buying my grinder with X-Lock. Discs are expensive and hard to find.
Also there are adapters like wire brush that doesn't come in X-Lock.
Now I need to get an LXT grinder with paddle switch without X-Lock...
Have you looked at Bosch X-Lock accessories as apparently Makita and Bosch X-Lock are the same? Reason I mention it is where I am I'm finding Bosch X-Lock wire wheels in 115mm are (suprisingly) cheaper than normal ones, I don't even have an X-Lock grinder but will be buying some Bosch X-Lock wire wheels to use on my normal 115 & 125mm grinders that have the standard M14 thread (compatibility apparently works in that direction - the other way I.e. standard accessories on X-Lock grinders wont work). The X-Lock standard does look like a great system..
@@matthewisaac6895 Thank you for your time and information.
yes I'm aware Bosch licensed the X-Lock patent to Makita.
But at Home Depot, the only decent hardware store where I live, these new stuff is being introduced very slowly, so they don't sell the adapter to convert to regular head, and sometimes the X-Lock cutting discs are expensive, or are sold out.
Yes, I'm loving the X-Lock. But until it doesn't become standard (and it has been a long time already not to be standard by now), wellp...
i like x lock great idea. be fine.
Its not worth spending more money on discs
So true, I just returned that X-Lock grinder today, the higher priced discs make no sense.
Government should employ preferential tax rates for the best design as decided by a panel of experts and votes from the public. Especially poor or outdated designs (like the flat head screw equivalent or those with planned obsolescence) should be taxed a punative tax rates of 100% or higher while good design or highly compatible, upgradable, future proofed design could be zero rated for vat.
The x-lock discs are ridiculously overpriced. $20 for 1 paint removal disc vs 10pack for $18. Definitely have buyers remorse
The xlock is bosch patent
Sounds like another cd situation, all the rave one minute and gone the next ,
Very true!
I rocked CDs for 2 full decades
worst decision ever, will never buy any XLOCK grinder
x-lock is for sissis and noobs…
X-lock is likely not as safe, less versatile options for attachments… it has quicker swaps (except for Velcro) but I’m a vet at not having to use the wrench to swap discs and when I go fine grinding, it becomes Velcro attachments.
So if your boss is paying you $1000/hr to grind, go with x-lock. 😂😂😂
I'm glad I watched this video. I'll pass on the xlock.
Not only the cost of the new disc i cant imagine the new tool lock mechanism will outlast a traditional thread 🔩 as you say lol.
Just get a quick release lock nut & stick to old discs for cost effective working 🫠🤷🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🙍🏼♂️...