REVIEWS

Bosch MX25EC-21 Oscillating Tool review

The Bosch MX25EC-21 oscillating tool kit is a powerful multi-tool that offers all the versatility of competing brands at an affordable price. This review is based on my experience with the kit and includes both the good and the bad facts about the product. I often told myself that I did not need an oscillating tool, even though they are extremely popular. Then my friend brought their oscillating tool over to my house to assist in a project I was working on. It was so useful that I knew I had to have one.

I quickly did some research and zeroed in on the Bosch oscillating tool, because of the great reputation the brand has and the excellent reviews for reliability, as well as the great price. There are plenty of choices on the market when it comes to oscillating tools, but what sold me on the Bosch MX25EC-21 was that it has an advanced motor circuitry, which helps to maintain a consistent speed throughout operation. For me this is a key factor for achieving quality results.

Even though my friends oscillating tool was a different more expensive popular brand and served us well, it became hot, noisy and was really difficult to control. The Bosch is the exact opposite. It is very quiet and well-balanced, almost perfection. The variable speeds are another advantage that I love about the Bosch oscillating tool. Having variable speeds allows me to apply the right amount of power for the particular job I am working on.

Since, the Bosch MX25EC-21 has a compact design it allows for more freedom when you have to maneuver in tight spaces. The OSCAD 1 adapter is a major bonus that comes with the Bosch oscillating tool kit. With this adapter, you have the choice to use accessories from competitor’s brands if you want to. The carrying bag and accessories are included with the kit and are nice additions. The bag makes it easy to keep all accessories together so I am not losing them or always having to hunt them down when needed. However, the blades in this kit alone make the Bosch oscillating tool an outstanding value.

I just replaced all the floors in my house and the Bosch oscillating tool sure did come in handy. I had to cut some of the door jams and some of the flooring, as well as, remove staples and it was a great tool to have for multiple uses. I have always struggled with door casings when changing the floor height. This Bosch tool allowed me to make accurate cuts with ease. The Bosch MX25EC-21 made it easy to do without having to remove the trim. I saved a lot of time using this tool.

However, one disadvantage I discovered, while redoing my floors is that the blades are very expensive to replace. On the other hand, the blades seem to last a lot longer than the cheaper ones that you can purchase from discount tool stores. I can honestly say this tool holds up to the reputation that Bosch has earned.

The Bosch MX25EC-21 is a great cutting tool, although it is difficult to figure out, which blade to use for a specific task. This can be a major inconvenience. I would have liked to have seen some more user information included on the different blade types and their uses. But when you get the hang of which blade to use for what task, this tool is a game changer. It makes previous tasks that were impossible and difficult, very simple.

The next task on my list with my new Bosch tool was some detailed sanding. This was a little disappointing. The sandpaper kept slipping. So I decided to replace the sandpaper on the pad with a replacement piece, and when I did some material from the sandpaper stuck to the sanding pad. This caused the next piece of sandpaper not to stick properly. The Bosch works well for other applications, but I am dissatisfied with the sanding application. Nonetheless, during a grout removal project my dissatisfaction turned into pure satisfaction, once again. Using the Bosch sure beat the manual method for grout removal. It never had excess vibration or heated up during the project, like reviews had stated about other brands of oscillating tools.

Overall, I feel that the Bosch MX25EC-21 is a worthwhile and valuable investment. This oscillating kit contains everything needed to complete projects ahead of schedule. It has a lot of power, is easy to use and is safe. I am thoroughly satisfied with the performance of this tool. When I bought the Bosch oscillating tool, I thought I would only be using it once or twice. Little did I realize exactly how versatile it is and how many times I now rely on it. It allows me to do many tasks, efficiently.

Disadvantages of the Bosch MX25EC-21

• Replacement blades can be costly

• Difficult to figure out which blade to use for which application

• Sandpaper slips off pad during use

• Cheap cloth carrying bag

Advantages of the Bosch oscillating tool

• Powerful

• Easy to position and change accessories

• Many applications and uses

• Many oscillating tool accessories

• Compact design

• Variable settings

• Swivel cord

• The ability to use any blade

• Maintains consistent speed during operations

So

The Bosch MX25EC-21 has certainly exceeded my expectations and has lived up to the Bosch reputation. Everything form the way it fits in my hand to the sound of the tool to the precision cuts it makes, convinces me that I made a great decision that I do not regret. If you are looking for a versatile tool that tackles multiple applications that include sanding, cutting, scraping and grinding, the quality cannot be beat with this Bosch oscillating tool kit. You can buy it at Amazon through this link for $126

by Conrad Henderson

February 6th, 2012

Updated April 18, 2012