Bosch ADVANCEDMULTI P4A 18v Cordless Starlock Oscillating Multi Tool

Battery AH Explained

The best way to describe battery amp hour is that this is effectively the size of your fuel tank, the more amp hours your battery has then the longer the battery will last between charges. More amp hours does not increase the power of a given tool.

Battery Voltage Explained

A tool with a higher voltage than another is a bit like choosing an engine in a car, the higher voltage will generally mean higher power & performance. As with cars though a bigger engine does not always translate to better performance so it is important to compare the specifications of tools at different voltages between different manufacturers.

Bosch PowerForAll

The Bosch PowerForAll Tool range is a range of tools you can buy knowing that batteries are compatible with all tools in the range providing they are of the same voltage. eg 18v fits 18v, 12v (10.8v) fits 12v (10.8v) etc. Please also note that 10.8v is compatible with 12v & vice versa as it is just a name change. Indego Lawnmowers also use the PowerForAll 18v battery but require a cover plate to be removed if changing.

PowerForAll has many advantages not least the fact that once you have a tool with a few batteries then there is no need to buy the more expensive versions with battery & charger, you can just go ahead & buy the much cheaper no battery versions!

So remember PowerForAll signifies complete battery compatibility throughout the range. There is however, one caveat to this, some of the very first older chargers will not charge the very latest batteries & a battery charger upgrade will be required if you have a first generation charger. All batteries fit all tools however.

As of 2021 Bosch has licensed PowerForAll to other manufacturers whereby batteries between these manufacturers will be interchangeable.

Important
You cannot use Bosch Pro (Blue) batteries in either 12v or 18v DIY (Green) products.

OIS vs Starlock Multi Tools

The OIS or Oscillating Interface System is the original accessory fitting system that many oscillating multi tools use. Tools that have this system are able to use OIS accessories or the newer Starlock accessories but do NOT fit Starlock Plus or Starlock Max accessories.

The Starlock accessory fitment system is fast becoming a newer standard for some brands. Starlock multi tools will only fit Starlock Accessories. OIS, Starlock Plus and Starlock Max accessories do not fit these multi tools.

The Starlock Plus accessory fitment system is a slight variation of the Starlock system. Starlock Plus multi tools will only fit Starlock and Starlock Plus Accessories. OIS and Starlock Max accessories do not fit these multi tools.

The Starlock Max accessory fitment system is a slight variation of the Starlock system it is the heaviest duty multi tool type. Starlock Max multi tools will only fit Starlock, Starlock Plus and Starlock Max Accessories. OIS accessories do not fit these multi tools.