Bosch GOP18V-28N Multi-Tool Review

Editor Rating: 4.7/5

Great Product

Bosch GOP18V-28N Multi-Tool Review

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Last modified: Jul 30, 2023 @ 2:42 pm

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Bosch GOP18V-28N Review Summary:

The Bosch GOP18V-28N is a versatile oscillating tool geared towards DIYers and professionals seeking high performance. Coupled with the accessory, it yields a very fast motion for sawing, cutting, scraping, and sanding, among other applications.

Featuring Bosch’s proprietary Starlock attachment system, it provides an impressive accessory grip — delivering more torque for an expanded work capacity. Moreover, the GOP18V-28N features an LED light to illuminate the blade cutting path — helping out in low-light situations and enhancing precision.

This model also incorporates brushless 18-volt motor technology — offering better performance and efficacy compared to its predecessor and other market counterparts.

Along with the power tool itself, it comes with a plunge-cutting attachment, plus an accessory box. However, the lithium cell and charger will require a separate purchase.

Bosch Co. is renowned for its production of high-quality power tools and accessories for the construction, manufacturing, and woodworking industries. Headquartered in Gerlingen, Germany this company boasts a worldwide supply of tools — from cordless drills, sanders to bench top saws and more.

Specifications:

  • Voltage – 18 volts
  • Speed – 8,000 – 20,000 OPM
  • Weight – 2.7 pounds
  • Size – 12.6 x 3 x 3.2 inches

Pros:

N
Patented attachment system — ensure a faster work rate.
N
LED light for perfect visibility.
N
Features easy-to-use on/off slide switch.
N
Compatible — straightforward to attach, remove, or reposition blades.
N
Brushless motor.

Cons:

N
Additional purchase is required ­— battery/charger sold separately.
N
Noisy operation.

Bosch GOP 18V Features and Benefits


Lets check out some detailed features and outstanding benefits you’ll get from the Bosch GOP18V-28N.

Brushless Motor


The Bosch oscillating tool 18V is built with a brushless motor. There are advantages with this type, in that they don’t create as much friction, which means less heat transmission. As a result, it offers better efficiency — both runtime and unit longevity.

With an ability to offer more power than its 18-volt predecessors, this tool guarantees you that you’ll make fine cuts. And with a systematic max speed of 20,000 OPM, you can easily finish several tasks on time.

Six-Speed Controls


The GOP18V-28N is fitted with a variable speed control dial to allow you to adjust the frequency of the motor — 8,000 to 20,000 OPM.

Let’s face it, while we all like to be time-efficient, sometimes slow and steady wins the race — not all tasks require an all-out pace. This function gives you the opportunity to match the oscillating speed to the material and task at hand.

What’s more, possessing this level of control also prevents the attachment from generating too much heat — preserving your blade.

Proprietary Snap-In Accessory System


One particularly neat feature is the Starlock 3-D accessory system. Bosch has patented an attachment locking system that enables a higher orbiting transfer, tighter blade fit, and greater accessory stabilization — adding up to the tool performance.

What’s more, this system requires zero tools to fit, change over or alter the attachment’s positioning. Plus, the release lever permits the attachment to unhook swiftly, again, without a tool in site — a clever time-saving efficiency.

This means the days of handling hot blades or digging around for a wrench in the abyss of your toolbox are over.

Ergonomic Design


Weighing 2.7 pounds (without battery) and with a dimension of ‎12.6 x 3.0 x 3.2 inches, it’s compact and lightweight — for a multi-tool. This allows you to conveniently reach into corners and other tight spaces.

What’s more, it’s fitted with a small grip diameter that provides users with comfortable ergonomic grip zones.

LED Work Light


Working with a multi-tool is ideal for those awkward projects — cutting inside cupboards, sanding baseboards or trim, even tackling that tedious grout or caulk replacement task. This often means you’re working in your shadow or where the light isn’t what you’d call perfect.
The GOP18V-28N features an LED work light to combat this home improvement tight corner — literally. It’s strategically situated on the ‘nose’ of the tool, so your work area is sufficiently illuminated.

Dynamic Accessory Range


For me, the compatibility of the Bosch multi tool 18V is impressive. It makes use of Starlock accessories — Starlock and Starlockplus to achieve an optimal combination of power and functionality.

In short, this multi-tool has an extensive line-up of attachments available — with an additional purchase. You’ll find plunge cut blades for wood, plastic, and metal, grout removers, and scrapers for prep work, to sanders for sanding tight spaces or edges.
With this immense scope, finding an attachment to suit your application shouldn’t be an issue.

Battery and Motor Protection


Another feature of this Bosch oscillating tool 18V is its protection units that defend the battery and the motor. The tool is built with electronic motor protection (EMP) that shields the motor against overload — ensuring a long lifetime.

And should you experience battery overload, deep discharge, or overheating, there’s electronic cell protection (ECP) that rescues the battery. Thus, safeguarding your power tool from damage.

Bosch GOP18V-28N Specifications


Bosch GOP18V-28N
Oscillations Per Minute8,000 – 20,000
Voltage Rating18-volt
No. Speeds6
Length12.6 inches
Height3.2 inches
Width3.0 inches
Tool Weight2.7 pounds
Oscillation Angle 2.8 degrees
WarrantyOne-year

What Users Say About Bosch GOP18V-28N


After an in-depth review of the Bosch GOP18V-28N features and benefits as highlighted above, I scoured the internet to see what the power tool world had to say.

User appraisals also sounded rather positive.

A major highlight among owners’ evaluations is the number of compatible accessories on offer, permitting a whole gamut of possible projects.

DIYers and trade-users also welcomed the LED light, variable speed, and Starlock quick-fit attachment system, with reports that these features encourage convenient cutting, sanding, and grinding action.
However, some felt the unit was a touch bulkier than anticipated. Yet the general consensus was that the GOP18V-28N is a user-friendly, versatile, and compatible multi-tool.

Alternatives to the Bosch GOP18V-28N Multi-Tool


Despite the aforementioned Bosch GOP18V-28N specs, this oscillating tool might not meet all your expectations. That’s why I’ve selected a few up-to-the-mark alternatives that may be better suited to your needs.

DCS356B
If you find the Bosch appealing, but out of reach in terms of budget, the DeWalt (DCS356B) could appeal. It’s built with a powerful brushless motor and features a top speed of 20,000 OPM.

This tool is also fitted with an LED light and a dual-grip variable-speed trigger that provides users with ultimate pace and application control. And, its Quick-Change accessory system allows operators to conveniently and rapidly change blades and attachments without additional hand tools.

  • With a power output of 20V, the DCS356B offers a slightly better runtime than the GOP18V-28N.
  • Both are cordless and come with a brushless motor.
  • The DeWalt is more price-friendly than the Bosch.
Milwaukee-2626-20
While the Milwaukee (2626-20) doesn’t have such a broad speed range — 11,000 to 18,000 OPM — compared to the Bosch, it’s divided into 12 speeds — double that of the GOP18V-28N. This may be of interest to those who demand meticulous pace precision from their multi-tool.

Furthermore, its handle is covered with a rubber mold that allows users to keep a firm grip of the multi-tool — improving handling even in slippery conditions. And, the tool has an all-metal gear case — helping it resist common impacts on the job. Thus, prolonging longevity.

  • The Milwaukee is lower in price in contrast to the Bosch.
  • With a max speed of 18,000 OPM, the 2626-20 is a touch beneath the GOP18V-28N.
  • Weighing 2.65 pounds, both tools are comparable.

Makita-XMT03Z.jpg

If you want to be more aggressive with your cuts, then Makita could be a solution. The (XMT03Z) has a higher oscillation angle of 3.2 degrees for faster application.

It’s also built using an ergonomic barrel-grip design with a diameter of 2.375 inches — for easy handling, adapters to fit most competitive accessories, and a variable speed control dial — 6,000-20,000 OPM.

  • The XMT03Z features a brushed motor not brushless like the GOP18V-28N.
  • Compared to the Bosche, the Makita has a lower price point.
  • Makita XMT03Z boasts an oscillation angle of 3.2 degrees compared to the Bosch GOP18V-28N — 2.8 degrees.

Conclusion


The Bosch GOP18V-28N is an excellent multi-tool for accomplishing several tasks such as cutting, scraping, and sanding, among others.

This oscillating tool boasts of a Starlock accessory system, which provides a solid attachment hold and impressive torque. And, because of its brushless motor, it furnishes better power, runtime, and efficiency. Consequently, adding up to its performance.

Furthermore, the no-touch blade-change system will allow you to rapidly change over accessories without the need for additional tools. Not to forget the release lever function that allows the accessory to easily detach from the tool.
Therefore, if you’re on the lookout for a multi-tool that offers versatility and one that features a dynamic accessory range, check out the Bosch GOP18V-28N.

Bosch GOP18V-28N FAQs

Q: Is The Bosch GOP18V-28N Compatible with Starlockplus?

Yes. It’s compatible with Bosch’s complete line-up of StarlockPlus attachments, as well as the Starlock range.

Q: How Much Does the Bosch GOP18V-28N Cost?

The Bosch multi tool 18v bare unit doesn’t arrive with a battery or charger. However, it does come with one blade and an adaptor. To check out the current cost of the GOP18V-28N.

Q: Is The Bosch GOP18V-28N a Corded or a Cordless Tool?

It’s cordless.

Q: Are Oscillating Tool Blades Universal?

No. While you may find certain manufacturers’ accessories will interchange with other brands, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. It will depend on the fitting type your multi-tool is built with.

Q: Where Can I Find the Bosch GOP18V-28N Manual?

You can view model-specific manuals and parts lists on the official Bosch website. However, for quick access, you can click here for the GOP18V-28N manual.

Q: What Are the Uses of the Bosch Oscillating Tool 18V?

You can accomplish a number of tasks with the Bosch GOP18V-28N, these include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Cleaning rust from metals.
  • Making a cutout in drywalls.
  • Sawing trim or baseboards.
  • Scraping carpet adhesive.
  • Cutting insulation panels to size.
  • Sanding wood and metals.
  • Removing old grout.
  • Flush cutting screwheads, pipe or bolts.