Ryobi Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Cooks Up a Saw That's Just Right
The biggest thing about the Ryobi 18V One+ HP Compact Brushless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw (wow, that's over the top!) might just be that Ryobi now has a one-handed model. But the Ryobi PSBRS01 isn't just a chainsaw that happens to pair with an 18V One+ battery, it's a complete package that blew our minds compared to some well-known brands.
advantage
- Best balance of performance and price in the 18V one-handed reciprocating saw class
- Lightweight and compact design
- very good cutting speed
- Brushless Motor
- Quick Release Blade Lever
shortcoming
- No kits available (but battery/charger starter kits are under $100)
recommend
The Ryobi Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw didn't emerge as a clear winner in either category. But it doesn't have any weaknesses and is a very solid value. Where most others in this category are making trade-offs in one way or another, Ryobi has found a balance that appeals to just about everyone, no matter what your highest priority is.
size and weight
Part of the 18V One+ HP Compact range, this saw is compact in one-handed design. We didn't realize how compact it was until we got our hands on it, though.
Our caliper measures 12.4 inches, tying with DeWalt's Atomic as the most compact 18V one-handed model we've tested.
It's also fairly lightweight. Weighs 3.6 lbs bare, or just 4.5 lbs with the 1.5Ah battery included with other HP Compact tools. There are several saws that weigh less, but the Ryobi is definitely the lighter in its class.
cutting performance
The trend with one-handed saws has always been to target size and weight or performance. Still, the Ryobi Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw seems to aim for better balance than most saws.
Cutting through a 3/4" EMT, the saw averages 2.76 seconds, and its brushless motor drives 3000 SPM with a 5/8" stroke length. Less than half of the saws we tested in this course broke the 3-second mark, making the Ryobi a great companion.
In our 3-inch PVC test, it took an average of 7.33 seconds to complete the cut. This puts it right between top performers who need about 5 seconds and low performers who need 12+ seconds.
This type of reciprocating saw is not the first choice for cutting wood compared to full-size models. However, if you have a 2×4 saw that you occasionally need to cut, there is no reason to look for a heavier, more vibrating saw.
While we're on the subject of vibration, this saw does a great job of managing it. For a budget-friendly model, it does a better job than most of its peers.
Putting it all together, this is a great saw for plumbing, irrigation, and electrical tasks, with performance closer to that of an advanced professional than a DIY model.
feature set
Ryobi's use of brushless motors certainly helps drive the performance we enjoy. The design team also included some additional features that go beyond the basics.
The shoe's ability to turn as you cut helps to better engage round materials. This is a pretty standard feature on full size saws, but one we don't see very often on one-handed models.
If you were part of the design team, thank you for mounting the blade release lever on the outside of the housing instead of attaching it to the shaft. This makes installing and removing the blade much easier. Even though it's so much more convenient, almost no one puts it on their one-handed models.
Summing up the notable features is the LED light we expect to find on any cordless model. It sits above the blade, and the shoe's open top design gives you a clear view of the blade.
price
You can buy the Ryobi 18V One+ HP Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw for $99 at Home Depot. There are currently no kit versions available, but you can buy a 2.0Ah battery/charger starter kit for $79 or a 2 x 1.5Ah starter kit for $99. Either way, it's still a cheaper way to get started than any other 18V one-handed model we've tested.
the bottom line
The Ryobi Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw didn't emerge as a clear winner in either category. But it doesn't have any weaknesses and is a very solid value. Where most others in this category are making trade-offs in one way or another, Ryobi has found a balance that appeals to just about everyone, no matter what your highest priority is.
Ryobi One+ HP 18V Compact Reciprocating Saw Specifications
- Model: Ryobi PSBRS01B
- Motor: Brushless
- Stroke Length: 5/8 in.
- Maximum stroke per minute: 0-3000 SPM
- Weight: 3.8 lbs.
- Dimensions (L x H x W): 15.5 x 5.5 x 3 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $99 (bare metal)