Bosch GEX12V-5N 12V Max Brushless 5-In Random Orbit Sander (Bare Tool)

I just plowed thru most of a 2,000sq ft building that needed quite a bit of drywall patching - walls and ceiling ...with hand pads. This little rocket blasts thru that c'hit like a gas torch on plastic bags. 60grit seemed fine, and I did not use the bagger. Walls were easy both ways, pad or tool, but this sander made short work of 9 foot overheads. I got Bosch years ago so it was easy to stick to the brand. 12v may not be the most 'industrial or longest lasting, but the compact size makes it a good choice, especially working overhead. 150% happy. Jim - Eastern Shore Md

WARNING- the batteries don’t last long, this is for very small jobs, Bosch basic 12V batteries only last 5-10 minutes full blast sanding. But for small jobs this is an EXCELLENT sander, smooth and powerful (with fresh batteries). Highly recommended for very small / finishing jobs.

Don't know why I waited so long to get a cordless sander but sure glad I got this one! Super light and easy to use, for big jobs or quick touch-ups. I have several other Bosch "12 volt" style tools because I prefer the smaller size (I work in tight spaces) and have been very happy with the power and durability of this quality Bosch line. I bought the bare tool to save a little but I did go bux up for the 3.0ah batteries for this cool little sander. The larger capacity battery lasts longer than the "stock" size, especially for this tool. And believe it or not, the dust collection on this little cordless is way better than my heavy corded Bosch RO unit (which I may never use again!). It did not come with a case, so I stupidly bought an expensive Bosch branded bag(the only Bosh product I gave a bad rating), but at least its an easy way to transport the sander, an extra battery and a selection of 5" sand paper. It keeps the dust contained and of coaurse everyone else will know you're a "Bosch Guy or Gal".

Love that it stops immediately when you click it off. Prefer this much over the cabled ones.

It is OK and good for small jobs where you can't use a corded one. However, it is picky on batteries. Very interesting thing -- I've just received a pair of Chinese 3Amp ones, these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3MS1CMB. The sander won't start with those. At all. It shows random number of LEDs every time I pressed the button, from barely alive to fully charged, but motor won't start at all. I thought the batteries are dead and even going to return them but saw an older Bosch screwdriver, that with brushed motor and tried those batteries in that screwdriver. To my surprise those batteries worked perfectly fine there. That made me curious and I tried those batteries in all my Bosch 12V tools, with brushed and brushless motors (I have something like 10 different tools). Surprisingly those batteries worked perfectly fine in ALL tools but this sander. That got me even more curious so I pulled all my 12Vmax (10.8V) batteries, both genuine Bosch and several different Chinese ones (something like 15-20 of them). Surprisingly. ALL those batteries worked OK in this sander. Both genuine Bosch and all those Chinese ones. So ALL other tools worked with ALL batteries, including those particular Chinese ones I've just received without problems. This sander worked OK with all batteries EXCEPT these particular ones. They worked OK in ALL other tools, brushless or not. This batteries came in pack of two and BOTH batteries behave exactly the same so it is not like one of them was bad or whatever. So 4 starts only because of this. Dunno what's wrong with that tool/battery combination but it is the only tool of about 10 different Bosch tools that refused to work with those particular batteries.

I’ve used a lot of cordless sanders over the years, but the Bosch GEX12V-5N stands out for how smooth, compact, and balanced it feels in the hand. The ergonomics are excellent — it’s easy to control with one hand, and the weight is centered perfectly, making it ideal for fine finish work or touch-ups between coats. Despite its small size, this little sander packs plenty of punch. It’s become my go-to for quick sanding jobs — leveling patches, prepping edges, or knocking down small surfaces before finishing. Paired with Bosch’s 12V system, it’s convenient for quick grabs around the shop without dragging cords. Dust collection is solid, vibration is minimal, and it doesn’t fatigue your hand even during longer use. I’d recommend this to any woodworker or DIYer who values precision, portability, and comfort over brute force. A genuinely well-designed tool that makes sanding feel effortless.

This sander is a very comfortable size to work with I like it a lot and it works with my other 12 V tools, which I like to use. Bosch makes a great product!

Great lighter sander for vertical work and delicate horizontal work where you don't want to sand with a lot of pressure.

I cannot use it without a battary .. i need a battary please

Excellent. Use with 4-6 amp hour battery for bigger jobs.

The seal was cut and the sander is dusty. Does not look new. But everything is working

Muy lijera, y buen desempeño

j'adore cette série 12V compacte et puissante