A recent Tools of the Trade post discussed a STAFDA 2015 announcement: Bosch and Fein teamed up to create a new oscillating multi-tool interface, called Starlock.
Both brands will be coming out with new tools and new oscillating multi-tool accessories that support the new interface.
Advertisement
Here’s what we learned from ToTT’s post and an accompanying official-looking Bosch fact sheet (ToTT PDF):
- 3 new interfaces: Starlock, Starlock Plus, Starlock Max
- Fein MultiMaster tools will be redesigned with a new tool-free blade change mechanism
- Starlock-compatible accessories are backwards-compatible with Bosch OIS and OIS-compatible tools
What the 3 new interfaces mean is that Bosch might come out with different tiers of tools, similar to how Fein has their MultiMaster oscillating multi-tools and higher-powered SuperCut tools.
Users will be able to use Starlock accessories on all Starlock-compatible tools, but Starlock Plus can only be used on -Plus or -Max tools, and only Starlock Max tools can be fitted with Starlock Max accessories.
Advertisement
The new Starlock interface has a 3-dimensional fitment, which the fact sheet says allows for quicker and easier blade changes. It is also said to be safer, which they claim will lead to less injuries.
It looks like Bosch and Fein Starlock oscillating multi-tool accessories will look a little different.
ETA: January 2016
More details will be forthcoming, but this seemed like big news to just sit on.
My question is this: is there a demonstrated need for a better and more engaged accessory system?
To be frank, instead of “oh cool,” or “yes, that’s exactly what we needed!,” my first thoughts were to wonder if this is a solution in search of a problem, potentially for the sake of drummed-up sales. When is the last time you heard of an oscillating tool failing or wearing out?
Did Bosch and Fein come up with a new blade change interface in order to fuel the production and sales of whole new lines of oscillating multi-tools?
I’m not normally one to think like this, but could it be that this is driven more by marketing considerations than user demands? I really don’t think so, but cannot shake my head free of doubt.
That said, I can see how there would be benefit in a 3-dimensional interface. According to the fact sheet, the interface allows for highest work progress due to 100% power transmission, which I can totally believe. But that wasn’t the case for Bosch and Fein’s 2D interfaces?
The fact sheet also says that Starlock is unique and patented and will set the new standard in the market.
So what does that mean for Dewalt oscillating multi-tool users. Will these accessories be compatible with their tools? Will an adapter be needed as with other non-Dewalt accessories?
New Starlock blades will be backwards-compatible, but what about Starlock-equipped tools? Will users be locked into using Bosch and Fein Starlock-compatible accessories, or can they use “universally compatible” accessories from other brands?
How much more will these accessories cost, compared to current Bosch OIS and Fein Multi-Mount blades and accessories?
Since Starlock blades and other OMT accessories will be backwards-compatible, this probably means that OIS blades and accessories might start drying up.
Since January is just a month away, I’m thinking that we’ll see a trickle of new Starlock accessories, with new Starlock-compatible tools to follow.
Right now, our only sources of information are Trademark applications from this past year (e.g. this one), that name both Bosch and Fein as holders, and the ToTT story. We’ll let you know when we learn more.
Sean
Did you just post your 2016 April Fools post about 4 months to early? This is the most ridiculous tool news I’ve read in a while. Do they honestly think that confusing proprietary products appeal to consumers or will help there bottom line in some way?
At least with SDS their are basically 2 sizes: “regular” and MAX. Furthermore, the benefit of two systems is obvious with shank sizes.
Here, we have THREE new and different configurations (PLUS the “old” system), and I can’t possibly guess how creating three new systems will provide any sort of benefit.
Maybe this is to create “sizes” of oscillating tools kind of like angle grinders: 4.5″, 5″, 7″, 9″, etc. Still, that would not require them to lock certain attachments from being used in smaller or “lessor” models. They could put “recommended for these models ONLY” on the friggin’ box.
Jimmy D
My preference still goes to Imperial Blades. They just redesigned their blade with the new “One Fit” system. Their blade fits any tool, even the DeWalt, as it has the cut-out. They are all U.S. made, half the price of Fein, and hold up just as long if not longer when you buy the titanium coated tip versions.
Check out their website…
https://www.imperialblades.com/
Oliver
Won’t fit a Starlock tool!
John
You know just when it was starting to get less confusing with manufactures having OIS compatibility out of the box, Bosh and Fein pull this crap. Honestly I’ve never seen a Fein brand specific blade or accessory at a big box store, Home Depot for example only seems to have the Bosch (OIS) ones so Im not sure how Fein thinks they have some kind of influence in this at all. Bosch however, thats the one to worry about. If the “star lock” is backward compatible with the OIS and no further adapter needed then I guess it doesn’t influence me, but if not and Bosch phases out OIS and low level “star lock” accessories production in favor for the other two tiers, star lock plus & star lock max, which are not compatible they’re going to send this back into the dark ages of proprietary formats. I also wonder what other manufacturers like Milwaukee who are OIS compatible out of the box will react. I guess the shaving razor and blade business model is just too tempting for them.
Jason
I think that’s what it comes down to Bosch is afraid of the cheap but decent blades that are flooding the market now. Multitool blades can be really expensive if you purchase them in a big box store.
Sean
Speaking of the shaving razor business, I went through a bitter experience recently when I ended up with a pack of 10 Gilette “Sensor” blades. I normally use Mach 3 exclusively (and since I use about 1 blade every 3 months, it isn’t a huge expense.)
Well, I found three different Gilette razors I had in a bathroom junk box (including the mach 3) and NONE of them fit. I had to go out and buy a Sensor razor, killing my profit margin. It was during that trip to the store that I saw the madness that is proprietary razors. Not only are there 4 different brands, but each of these idiotic brands has SEVERAL incompatible razors for absolutely no other reason other than extracting more of your cash.
John
Yeah that was the experience I had with the oscillating tools before OIS at least gave some kinda warm fuzzy for compatibility and I only had to look for one word compatible note. Not to mention the business model is exactly the same. I am sure I could have gotten a better deal if I had the luxury of time and waiting for an order, but consider I bought 3 OIS Bosch blades I needed immediately from a Home Depot. They were $30 each. I paid only $90 for the oscillating tool to begin with and that one purchase I already was well above the price of the tool alone. Just like printers and ink business, the printers are almost free but you pay almost $45 for a ink refill. Shavers & Razors, Printers & Ink, this is a tool and I don’t like these games.
Jason
Check out Dorco blades. They are just as good as the big name brands but way cheaper.
Jason
Oops, wanted to reply to the other guy talking about razor blades. This is all about Bosch and Fein being able to charge large amounts of money on cheap to produce consumables. Consumables are so profitable that’s when they never really were exported by the tool companies. Plus making them is probably highly automated.
chris
This is why I now use a double edge razor. Average cost $0.10/each
Jason
This is what Bosch is spending resources on? Lets be honest Bosch makes solid tools but performance wise the and innovation the other brands are just leaping forward. The Bosch Wireless charging is cool but it’s not really taking off.
Nathan
make an oscillating tool with more (significantly more) applied torque for equal speed, and something with the ability to cut with that torque and I might could see the need. (IE cut a 3/4 plywood board with the speed of a circular saw)
Otherwise I don’t see the point either.
I mean are people shattering the insides of current oscillating tools now? I don’t know of any.
tips, edges maybe but not the hubs.
Acalz
Its all about trying to monopolize on the sale of official accessories that’s all. Way bigger profit margin in accessories then the tool it self. I guess getting 30 blades accessory kit from ebay is killing them.
magic
I’m guessing it will be a patented retention mechanism, forcing the buyers of the tools to buy high-priced accessories from Fein and Bosch, rather than allowing users to use cheaper ones.
Lincoln recently did this with their MIG guns – “pro” popped into the name, and now users can’t use what were standard Tweco parts – have to use the more expensive Lincoln ones.
Just companies designing products to force the use of their consumables. Not unlike printers.
magic
Calling it safer is just marketing talk. There are no specifics, which means there are no proven benefits.
Like vitamins saying they “support healthy XYZ” no concrete claims means no concrete benefits
Stuart
I’m sure there are specifics, just not on the fact sheet I saw.
Jerry
If it were a drive to an industry standard, much like the Bosch jig saw blades are now considered the ‘standard’ T-shank, to be used by any maker as an improved quick-thatch blade, I’d be all for it. If it is a ploy to make Bosch/Fein tools and accessories proprietary, I can’t see the benefit.
Monte
It seems there will be new Multitools coming out from Bosch and Fein with 500 Watts…New Supercuts …?
Monte
http://www.elektronarzędzia.info.pl/nowosci-produktowe/starlock-nowy-standard-montazu-osprzetu-firmy-bosch/
chris
http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/standards.png
Reflector
I think I know where they’re going with the “max” system, check this out:
http://www.elektronarzędzia.info.pl/nowosci-produktowe/starlock-nowy-standard-montazu-osprzetu-firmy-bosch/
“Starlock Max
Bosch GOP 500 CE SL, Fein AFSC 18 QSL, Fein AFSC 18QCSL, Fein FSC 500 QSL”
500 = I assume they mean a 500 watt corded version. The GOP 250 and 300 are 250W and 300W, they’re the 2.5 amp and 3 amp USA versions.
It seems pretty stupid they’d want to introduce a weird, 3D profiled retention system until you notice the max version basically has none of the holes and an extended blade in that drawing. I guess they want to implement a really large version that can handle the torque that the little pins might not handle. 500W would be an insane climb in power over the existing OMTs on the market.
Also, spotted a new Bosch OMT!:
“Bosch GOP 12 V-EC SL”
Finally, a 12V version of the OMTs. I actually like my 18V OMT but I find sometimes I just need something a little smaller.
Stuart
Don’t forget about the Bosch PS50?
EC suggests brushless, so it looks like a new 12V is coming down the pipeline. It’s about time! But even if so, the PS50 is still an existing Bosch 12V-class OMT, so the new one won’t be the first.
Reflector
No edit options on the comments, I had a brainfart when I posted that. I ment brushless 12V OMT.
I think what Bosch and Fein are doing with the interface is to support the Starlock Max tools and trickle down the interface to the rest of the tools. From what I see, it looks like the Starlock standard and Plus interface should more or less accept OIS blades and more or less most OMTs should handle the Starlock blades (Which looks like the OIS interface but with the funky 3D Starlock surface instead of a simple round one). I think they’re building this around the Starlock Max tools and blades more than anything since the TotT article brings up that there are these super long OMT blades that don’t play too nicely on the current tools (Bosch C-Tec)
Check my posts @ BTP for my thoughts on that, I basically summarized most of them: http://bethepro.com/forums/topic/brushless-version-of-the-12v-omt-might-be-coming/
Reflector
Yet another correction:
http://www.bosch-presse.de/presseforum/details.htm?txtID=6707&locale=en
C-Tec Speed, not the C-Tec. I assume with the longer blade there’s a longer lever and that’s probably why they want the Starlock Max interface so they can drive an even larger version of these with corded tools that have 500W motors.
Stuart
Tomorrow’s post covers my additional thoughts about the new interface.
After looking at the list of new tools, and how most are in the Starlock Plus category, I think this is how the 3 classifications of tools and accessories fit in with each other:
Starlock: For all OIS-compatible tools and lower power tools, such as from DIYer brands and Bosch 12V.
Starlock Plus: For the new Flagship Fein and Bosch oscillating tools, and I expect such tools to be used heavily with Starlock accessories.
Starlock Max: For heaviest duty Supercut-class tools.
Adam
http://www.fein-uk.co.uk/multimaster/multimaster/product/id/324543/mobile/
Steve
The beginning of the end for Fein.
David Funk
Is it just me or is there a huge advantage to Dewalt’s quick change lever on their occalating tool?
Tator
Anybody take notice to a new porter cable 20v brad nailer at lowes????
Nathan
My first response was the same as yours. And my second, and third…
Manufacturers finally got it together to make blades compatible with all the major brands and so of course the “market leaders” have to throw a spanner in the works to ensure their profit margins. What a crock.
This is EXACTLY like pharmaceutical companies “reformulating” inhalers by changing the propellant. No active ingredients changed, just the propellant… and they get to repatent the resulting product for another 7 years.
Todd H.
Bosch is more concerned with their pathetic garbage wireless junk then with real innovation and tool power. Now this nonsense, give us all a break, Bosch has fallen way behind these days. Sad to see such a one time well minded company fizzle out like this and start with such stupidity.
Bg1
The bosch wireless charging , chargers / big holsters will never be successful,But they have a wide product range. Pro Corded/Cordless/Accessories and the quality is very good/price, they sell a lot all over the world. The milwaukee product range is narrow.
Acalz
Well you might be saying that because when you walk into HD they don’t carry and on hand, just Boasch table saws and such. When you walk into Lowe’s you see more but nothing close to what you see in HD with Milwaukee, I have the M12 line from Milwaukee, but still have 3 18V drills from Bosch along with 4 batteries, I can’t see myself jumping over to the 18V Milwaukee brand because my Bosch drills are great and have never let me down. I agree with you on the wireless stuff, but you would be surprised on how well they sell to companies, I flipped 3 wireless batteries that I got from Lowe’s for 37 bucks and sold them for 100 bucks each really fast, which means someone, other then the basic DIYer is buying them.
I’d put Bosch against anyone out there, they have a proven record and are hard to beat.
Charles
What a negative “innovation”. Granted it does solve a problem, but the problem is good generic blades, which I don’t want solved.
Specialty Diamond on Amazon are great. And at $2 each, I don’t care if my guys destroy them. I don’t find them at all worse than Fein.
For that matter, my $29 harbor freight oscillator is actually 99% as good as my fein. Just missing quick change
firefly
I see conflicting message in your response. If your $29 Harbor Freight Oscillator is 99% as good as your Fein then why do you even care? There are also many other that have a quick change system as well.
Charles
because the history of innovations like this is pretty clear – you need a broad market to justify quality generics.
Let’s put it this way, Bosch and Fein are voting with their dollars that they agree with me… Proprietary blades were a big profit center. In the tool world the accessories tend to be far more profitable for the companies than the tools.
Charles
oh, and while there are many others that have quick change systems, they aren’t as cheap. I’m not sending 1 multitool out, I’m pro, I’m sending 5 out. And I’m not expecting homeowner life from tools either, though real pro stuff actually lasts an impressive amount of time. (As an aside, like the rest of the pro world, I don’t count rigid electric tools as real pro, they are just ryobi plus).
Harbor Fright has a lot of garbage. They also have a number of tools that are surprisingly good. I’ve been using one half inch drill as a mud mixer for 10 years now. My guess is they are ripping off the old black and decker or some such. (all of their blades, papers, etc. are awful though)
Mike
Well my thumbnail is 99% as good as your Horror-ber Freight…when it comes time to cut spruce-pine-fir baseboard and trim. But if the job calls for ‘destroying’ Speciality Diamond blades from Amazon, Bosch is the brand to use. OMT, jigsaw, recipro, circular, hell even an SDS Roto will do the destroying…just make sure to get the accessory that has the following words on the package: TUNGSTEN CARBIDE. Now take a deep breath and prepare for the shocking news: the cost will be more than two dollars. Bosch/Freud(or Fein/Festool) tungsten-carbide blades will literally cut through cheaper knockoff brand blades and still deliver better results on a workpiece…over and over and over and over again. But I could be wrong; I have no experience in the destroying trades. I belong to the ‘anything worth doing is worth doing right’ school of thought. Less wasted, less waste. Of course those darn “Chah-neez” do make tidy profits plundering the USA’s ever growing supply of scrap metals. America’s sixth biggest export—scrap metal. One out of every two pounds of new steel originates in the PRC. I live in South Chicago and grew up hearing fairy tales and legends about something called ‘American steel mills’. Probably just something made up to scare little kids, that whole “metal should last longer than plastic” idea.
Maybe I’m getting dementia early, but I seem to remember Toolguyd posting a multipart blog dedicated to some fairly elaborate head-to-head OMT blade testing…and if I recall correctly(not guaranteed) the testing ended when all of the blades failed minus one exception…Bosch carbide toothed. Pretty sure the Bosch carbide blades had plenty of life left. Of course the testing did involve destroying nails or screws, which are both slightly tougher than $0.79/ft baseboard.
I’ve run across this argument more times than I can recall. The whole “pros must be dumb paying 6x the cost of a dollar-store knockoff” line. Like how stupid do you have to be to use a $1000 Hilti reciprocating saw when Harbor Freight sells a (99% as good)reciprocating saw for $19.99? All those pros are just stupid, I guess.
Don’t get me wrong-skill and frugality are worthy and respectable attributes. Some people have been doing so much with so little for so long…they can do almost anything with almost nothing at all…but $2.00 Amazon blades are NOT 99% as good as Fein. The only people(in the industrialized ‘first-world’ nations) who think that are people who have never used Fein blades. I’ve seen Fein blades cut through first rebar and then granite and still have tooth-life left to trim another day. They are a bit overpriced, but the quality is there.
adam
Looks like it is time for me to get into the OMT adapter business, cause we know Bosch isn’t going to be. The only positive thing I see in this post is the brushless 12v OMT that will be accompanying all this garbage, which hopefully will inspire Milwaukee to produce something similar. I’m quite surprised Milwaukee hasn’t released a brushless 12v or 18v OMT tool by now.
firefly
It’s hard to judge by just looking at something in paper. But I don’t see a major need for improvement with the current interface system. Will there be room for improvement? Most likely, again if Fein and Bosch want to release some finding then I am all ears.
Secondly based on the picture. I don’t see a need for three separate interface. They are for the most part identical. The only benefit that I can see is for the manufacture to lock the user for a cheaper tool access to some of the nicer accessories. It’s like if you want to use this blade you gotta upgrade your tool as well. Just another way to try to sell some more tool. A cheap exploitation…
Steve
The current fixing system is fine.
This is just a way of protecting sales of blades. When third party blade manufacturers catch up then it will change again.
It will backfire on Fein as Bosch will now controle the market.
The beginning of the end for Fein.
Toolfreak
Maybe if enough commenters on enough tool blogs let Bosch know they have no intention of ever purchasing any of these blades or the tools they are made for, Bosch will either pull the design or make it a free standard for any other company to use if it’s such an improvement.
It seems the real problem is whoever is running things over at Bosch – they are more worried about wasting time and resources coming up with stupid stuff like this instead of innovating new tools and things that will move the industry forward.
Things aren’t going to change unless we vote with our wallets and our feet.
Stuart
As critical as I might seem to be in these thinking aloud posts, I’m not going to spite myself by swearing off Bosch accessories.
Bosch is my preferred brand in a number of power tool accessory categories.
Whether this is genuinely borne from consumer needs, or from marketing department, it’s a good move for Bosch. It’s not terrible for users, except if you’re using a non-OIS-compatible tool. If considerable Starlock-Plus and Starlock-Max accessories start coming out, those who don’t hop aboard the Bosch and Fein Starlock train will miss out on them. But Starlock should maintain reasonable compatibility with a lot of the tools already on the market.
Mike
I’m not sure what you mean by the phrase “the industry”, if you are referring to power tools or construction trades or what. In any case, I think what Bosch and Fein are trying to do is capitalize on their current spot in the OMT space—I mean Fein and Bosch basically offer the best OMT’s on th emarket currently, so I think they are just trying to broaden their markets, with bigger and Bosch-ier OMT’s and blades. Ride the wave while they can, while OMT’s are hot stuff. Cuz I’m not sure how long OMT’s will stay this popular. Personally, I think OMT’s are a bit over-hyped and overrated. If someone uses OMT’s and it works for them-great, really, whatever works. However, I know a lot of guys that bought an OMT excitedly and wound up almost never using it. Another example: routers. I read somewhere that 50% of Americans who purchase a router NEVER use it. And routers CLEARLY are diverse and nifty tools, but still sort of specific in their function, compared to say a circular or reciprocating saw. Or a drill for that matter. Only time will tell for sure. One thing I know for sure: if anybody out there wants to dump any Fein or Bosch tools, please know that I am available to help you out.
Monte
It soon will be the standard in the world just like Bosch´s SDS-Quick/Plus/Max drill bits or T-shank jigsaw blades.
glenn
Pointless.
Just a way for Bosch to justify charging more for their accessories.
Their R&D would be better spent on widening their range of tools rather than creating rubbish like this.
Fred
Hi,
Did anyone ever tested CORAM sawblades?
These swiss made blades are just great and you pay half the price you’d pay for Fein. Fein wants to keep his prices artificialy high with these new blades, no doubt about that!
My choice is made, my next machine will be a Makita with CORAM blades !
On their website CORAM even claim to have invented the oscillating sawblades.
Oliver
A sneaky way to bring out a tool that will only take the Starlock blade system and no other type of blade. Now you’re forced into £5-£10 per blade. They call it development and better tooling but it’s just about making sure you’re tied into their
products and is something Bosch and Fein have alwats done!