Bosch GWS18V-45CN: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-09
Summary
The GWS18V-45CN is a bare 18V cordless 4-1/2 in. angle grinder with KickBack Control, drop control and restart protection, plus an optional GCY30-4 Bluetooth module. The main complaints are the missing electric brake, the side slide switch and a spanner wrench that is not stored on the tool. No current US price could be verified from non-Amazon sources.
Common problems and fixes
- No top or middle auxiliary-handle position — the handle mounts left or right only, which would help on vertical work; no workaround reported. [2]
- Spanner wrench not stored on the tool — easily lost; buy a spare if you change discs often. [2]
- Vibration — Tools In Action wished for less vibration. [3]
- Bare tool — battery, charger and GCY30-4 module are all sold separately, so the connected-ready feature is useless without the module. [1]
Parts and consumables
- 18V battery — required and sold separately; the tool is optimized for the Core18V pack. [1]
- Charger — required and sold separately. [1]
- GCY30-4 Bluetooth module — optional; enables Toolbox-app runtime and activation counts. [1][2]
- Grinding and cutting discs — wear items, expressly excluded from the warranty. [4]
- Spanner wrench — replacement for the easily lost on-board wrench. [2]
- Spare parts — available for this model under part number 3601JG3111. [1]
Yearly running cost
Not enough data. The recurring costs are the 18V battery and charger (both required and sold separately), grinding and cutting discs, the optional GCY30-4 module and replacement spanner wrenches. [1][2][4]
When it is a good buy
- Historical reference — Pro Tool Reviews listed it at $169.00 bare in March 2018; Tools In Action saw it at about $179.00 bare and about $250.00 with a Core battery in April 2018. [2][3]
- Alternatives — DeWalt DCG413B (6.1 lb) and Makita XAG04Z (4.0 lb) are modern 18V/20V grinders if you are not tied to Bosch 18V. [7]
- Warranty check — Bosch covers 18V tools bought on or after 6/1/23 with a five-year limited warranty and 18V batteries for three years; earlier purchases carry one year. [1][4]