When Germans square off against each other in battle, expect some serious engineering to start flying. For years Fein dominated the oscillating multi tool (OMT) market, but those days came to an end when their patent on the oscillating tech expired a few years back. Initial entries in oscillating tools often came up short on power. They also needlessly hassled users with the lack of a tool-free accessory change mechanism (which Fein has been sporting for many years now). Accessory changes are so frequent on oscillating multi tools, the lack of a quick change made me insane, or more insane. Bosch recently sent us their latest entry in the OMT market, the MX30E, which we’ve had a chance to test on several projects.

Tool Free Accessory Change Lever

Power and Performance
Cutting and Sanding

Included Accessories
The last thing Bosch wants is for you to buy an oscillating tool from them and then have no accessories to deploy with it. As a result, the various kits Bosch offers contain a nice range of accessories to get you oscillating. Our hard case kit contained everything from various wood and metal cutting blades to carbide rasps to a scraper blade and sanding pad. Bosch also included a nice assortment of color-coded sandpaper. Red for wood, metal, fiberglass and plastic, and white for paint, varnish and filler. The only thing we really would have liked to see included in our kit or one of the other two kits is the optional dust collection accessory. Granted, most OMT tasks don’t generate a ton of dust, but for sanding in particular the dust collection attachment would definitely be handy for larger projects.

This Oscillating Tool Still Doesn’t Go to 11
Summary
If your idea of a great OMT project is cutting balsa wood dowels for your daughter’s doll house, then the Bosch MX30E is probably not for you. However, if you’re like most HomeFixated readers, you don’t cut much balsa. If you’re looking for a high power, take-no-prisoners multi tool with hassle-free and secure tool-free accessory changes, the MX30E delivers. All that power doesn’t come from a cordless toothbrush motor though. The MX30E is the heaviest and bulkiest oscillating tool we’ve tested, making it poorly suited to tasks like overhead sanding, tight quarters, or repetitive / longer duration projects where the tool is held with outstretched arms. On the flip side, the tool’s gusto powers through most cuts quickly and with minimal effort. So should Fein be worried? Let’s just say that Bosch and others have been rapidly closing the gap between Fein and everyone else in the OMT market. It’s another example of of the benefits of competition. While OMT’s were once a niche tool that only select tradespeople and hardcore DIY /tool enthusiasts would purchase, now, even the relatively high-end Bosch MX30E is downright affordable to both pros and homeowners. Viva OMT!
Prices for the Bosch MX30E range from $199 – $289 depending on kit/case configuration, all well below the $400 Fein MultiMaster 250Q Top kit (which, in fairness, includes a dust collection accessory that is about a $30 accessory with Bosch). You can find the Bosch MX30EC-21 Multi-X 3.0 Amp Oscillating Tool Kit with 21 Accessories and the other Bosch MX30E kit configurations via Amazon:
Mine is about 2 years old. I used it for typical home projects maybe about 30-40 times. Some how the OIS accessory holder shifted and i can no longer clamp on blades straight. And it sounds like it stalls. I’m thinking it’s the gearbox which through research must be purchased as an assembly for $142. I thought i was buying quality! Really disappointed.
Any experience using this tool to square rabbeted corners in hardwood cabinet doors? I’m still using chisels which make for a lot of work when working with oak, maple & mahogany. One common project for me requires 24 corners to be cut square for insertion of glass panes.
Just bought the MX30E and started toothing out an old maple floor. Blade changes with each board to cut nails and the board. I love everything about this tool, the only problem is after a few days use the release lever quit working. I am going to exchange it at Lowes where I bought it. I hope this isn’t a reacuring issue.
Hi Steve. I haven’t heard of this issue previously, but thanks for bringing your experience with it to our attention. We welcome your product feedback anytime.
Mine quick release lever just quit. Bought the tool a year ago, used it maybe 20 times in the past year. Nothing overly taxing for the tool. Too bad really. Its out of warranty. I’ll let you know what the repair costs!
Hmmm…make that “My” quick release lever just quit…
Hi, I own both the Bosch here and the Fein[ older model ]. The new Fein has to much vibration. The old Fein and this Bosch model have none. I really am happy with this Bosch unit. Smooth, powerful , great blade lock system .Comfort and the ball end on the cord is also great. I bought mine with the L box. Lots of room for the tool and extras.
Thanks for sharing Henry. . .we agree, the MX30E is a great tool.
I’m looking for the best oscillating tool to D grout over 1000 hotel rooms and someone please help me give me directions of the best tool out there thank you
Hey Vince! I’d definitely recommend corded. . . . and I don’t think you can go wrong with either Fein or Bosch. If you’re looking for even more heavy-duty take a look at the Fein Supercut (it’s spendy though). Good luck with the project!
I think the “low end” of the spectrum of the Bosch and Fein tools hit exactly the same price point. I own a recent Fein and love it but if I had to do it again I’d definitely consider the Bosch MX30E (especially given the extra power). The quick blade change is really key (or not since you don’t NEED a hex key to change the blade…. see what I did there?). Also, save that junked blade they work great for plunge cutting through drywall where you could literally strap a dull butter knife to the business end of the tool and it would work fein for cutting drywall (even if you’re using a Bosch OMT!). K, I’ll stop now.
Got to say the Skil I won has a hex key and just like the article says it comes loose at the most inopportune times. And of course this makes the blade changes difficult as well. But I’m still grateful to have it. I have rotting windowsills and this great little tool is perfect to cut out the rot without having to re-trim the entire window.
Hopefully I’ll win a Bosch 😉