Looking for a versatile tool to tackle your DIY projects? We’ve been trying out the RYOBI cordless jigsaw, and it’s been a game-changer for our woodworking tasks.
This handy tool packs a punch with its 18-volt power and variable speed trigger. We love how it lets us make quick, precise cuts up to 3,000 strokes per minute. The 4 orbital settings are great for matching the power to different jobs. Plus, the LED light is super helpful when we’re working in dimly lit areas.
We found the tool-free blade changes to be a real time-saver. The non-marring shoe is also nice for protecting our work surfaces. It’s pretty lightweight too, which means less arm fatigue during longer projects.
One small downside is that it doesn’t come with a battery or charger. But if you already have other RYOBI ONE+ tools, you can use those batteries with this jigsaw.
Overview of the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Jig Saw (PCL525B)
We love using this handy jig saw from RYOBI. It feels great in our hands and makes cutting a breeze. The tool-free blade changes are super quick and easy. We’re big fans of the variable speed trigger, which lets us adjust the cutting speed up to 3,000 strokes per minute. The 4 orbital settings are really useful for different materials. We also like the LED light that helps us see our cut line clearly. The saw doesn’t vibrate much, so our cuts stay accurate. It’s part of the ONE+ system, so we can use our other RYOBI batteries. Just keep in mind it doesn’t come with a battery or charger. For DIY projects around the house, this jig saw is a solid choice.
Effortless Handling with Variable Speed Control
We found the jigsaw’s variable speed trigger a game-changer. It let us make fast, precise cuts up to 3,000 SPM. The tool felt great in our hands, with 30% less vibration than we expected. This meant we could work longer without getting tired. We loved how easy it was to change blades without any tools. The 4 orbital settings were handy for different jobs. We could adjust the base from 0° to 45° both ways, which was super useful. The LED light helped us see our work clearly. One small gripe – we wish the trigger lock could keep it running without squeezing. Still, for DIY projects, this Ryobi jigsaw was a solid pick.
Versatility and Precision with 4 Orbital Settings
We love how this jig saw gives us so many options. It has 4 orbital settings that let us match the power to what we’re cutting. This is super handy when we need to switch between different materials or jobs. The variable speed trigger is another great feature. We can control the speed exactly how we want, up to 3,000 strokes per minute. This helps us make really precise cuts.
The base of the saw can tilt 45 degrees left or right. This opens up even more cutting possibilities. We found it easy to change blades too – no tools needed! There’s also an LED light that helps us see our cutting line better. All these features make this Ryobi jig saw very flexible and accurate for lots of different projects.
Reduced Fatigue with Lower Vibration
We love how the Ryobi jigsaw makes our projects easier. The tool’s 30% less vibration is a game-changer. We felt more in control and less tired during long cutting sessions. This meant we could work longer without our hands feeling shaky. The smooth operation helped us make cleaner, more precise cuts. We noticed a big difference when working on delicate projects. The low vibration also made the tool quieter, which was nice for our ears. It’s a small but important feature that made our DIY tasks more enjoyable.
Enhanced Visibility with On-Board LED Worklight
We love the bright LED worklight on this RYOBI jigsaw. It’s a game-changer for our projects. The light shines right on the cutting line, making it easy to see what we’re doing. This feature is super handy in dim workshops or when we’re working in tight spots. We’ve found it really helps us make more accurate cuts. The LED is bright enough to be useful but not so bright that it hurts our eyes. It turns on automatically when we start the saw, which is convenient. We don’t have to fumble for a separate light switch. This little light has made our DIY jobs much easier and more enjoyable.
Convenience of a Tool-Free Blade Change
We love how easy it is to swap blades on this jig saw. No tools needed! Just press a button and pop the old blade out. Then slide a new one in. It’s super quick and simple. This is great when we’re working on different projects and need to switch blade types. It saves time and hassle. We don’t have to hunt for the right tool to change blades anymore. The tool-free system also feels very secure. We haven’t had any issues with blades coming loose during use. Overall, this feature makes the saw much more user-friendly and efficient for our projects.
Pros and Cons
We’ve been using this RYOBI jigsaw for a while now, and it’s been quite the experience. Let’s break down what we loved and what could be better.
Pros
- Comfortable grip makes it easy to use for long periods
- 4 orbital settings give us flexibility for different jobs
- Tool-free blade changes save time and hassle
- LED worklight helps us see our cutting line clearly
- Cordless design gives us freedom to move around
- Variable speed trigger lets us adjust to the task at hand
- Feels sturdy and well-made for DIY projects
Cons
- The included blade isn’t great and may need replacing soon
- It’s louder than we expected
- No trigger lock to keep it running without squeezing
- Might not be powerful enough for heavy-duty professional use
We found this RYOBI jigsaw to be a solid choice for home projects. It’s user-friendly and versatile, but it does have a few small drawbacks. The comfort and ease of use really stood out to us, making our DIY tasks much more enjoyable. While it may not be perfect for every situation, it’s definitely a handy tool to have in our workshop.
Customer Reviews
We’ve been using this Ryobi jigsaw for a while now, and it’s clear why so many people love it. With over 300 ratings and a 4.7-star average, this tool is a hit with DIYers. Users praise its comfy grip and pro-like feel. The cordless design is a big plus, making it easy to use anywhere.
Many folks say it works great for home projects. The power and battery life get thumbs up from most users. Some people weren’t thrilled with the blade that came with it, but that’s an easy fix. A few noted it’s a bit loud, but that’s not unusual for power tools.
We found it cuts well and feels sturdy. It’s simple to use and set up. If you’re looking for a reliable jigsaw for your toolkit, this Ryobi model seems to be a solid choice based on what users are saying.
Handling and Comfort
We found the RYOBI jigsaw a joy to use. Its comfortable grip makes it easy to handle for long periods. The tool feels solid and well-balanced in our hands. We like how the non-marring shoe protects surfaces while cutting. The variable speed trigger gives us great control over cutting speed. At 4.4 pounds, it’s not too heavy for most jobs. The cordless design lets us move around freely without tripping over cords. We appreciate the on-board LED light that helps us see our cut lines clearly. The tool-free blade changes are quick and simple. While it can get a bit loud, the overall handling and comfort are top-notch for a jigsaw in this price range.
Cutting Performance
We put the Ryobi jigsaw through its paces and came away impressed. The blade sliced through various materials with ease, making clean and precise cuts. We found it had enough power to handle wood, plastic, and thin metal sheets without bogging down.
The tool felt comfortable to use, with a nice grip that reduced fatigue during longer cutting sessions. We appreciated the ability to adjust cutting speed, which helped when working with different materials.
While the included blade was decent, we recommend upgrading to higher quality blades for the best results. The cordless design was super convenient for moving around the workshop or job site. Battery life was pretty good too – we got through several projects before needing a recharge.
Overall, this Ryobi jigsaw delivered solid cutting performance for DIY and light professional use. It’s a handy addition to any tool collection.
Conclusion
We’ve had a blast testing out the Ryobi cordless jigsaw. This little green machine packs a punch for DIY projects around the house. While it’s a bit on the loud side, the comfort and ease of use make up for it. The battery life impressed us, letting us tackle jobs without constant recharging. We love not being tethered to a cord! The included blade isn’t top-notch, but popping in some quality blades really lets this tool shine. For casual home improvers, it’s a solid choice that won’t break the bank. The Ryobi jigsaw has earned a spot in our toolbox, and we think it could be a great addition to yours too.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve been using the Ryobi jigsaw for a while now, and we’ve gathered some common questions people ask about this handy tool. Let’s dive into the FAQs to help you get a better understanding of what this jigsaw can do.
What are the differences between the Ryobi brushless jigsaw and the brushed one?
The main difference is in the motor type. Brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler, and often last longer. They also tend to provide more power and runtime. The brushed version is usually cheaper but may require more maintenance over time. We find the brushless model to be worth the extra cost for its improved performance and durability.
How do I ensure that my Ryobi jigsaw cuts straight?
To get straight cuts with the Ryobi jigsaw:
- Use a guide rail or straight edge
- Go slow and steady
- Keep the shoe flat against the work surface
- Use the right blade for your material
- Check the blade tension
We’ve found that taking our time and using a guide really helps with precision.
Can the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Jig Saw handle cutting metal materials?
Yes, the Ryobi jigsaw can cut metal. We’ve used it on thin sheet metal and even some aluminum. Just make sure to:
- Use the right blade for metal cutting
- Set a slower speed
- Apply cutting oil if needed
- Clamp the metal securely
It’s not as fast as cutting wood, but it gets the job done.
Are T-shank jigsaw blades compatible with the Ryobi ONE+ 18V jigsaw?
Yes, the Ryobi ONE+ 18V jigsaw is designed to use T-shank blades. We love this because it gives us a wide range of blade options. The tool-free blade change makes swapping blades quick and easy.
Is it possible to use Bosch blades in a Ryobi jigsaw?
Absolutely! As long as they’re T-shank blades, Bosch blades will fit the Ryobi jigsaw. We’ve used Bosch blades in our Ryobi saw with great results. It’s nice to have the flexibility to use different brands of blades.
How does the Ryobi jigsaw compare to the Milwaukee jigsaw in terms of performance?
Both are good tools, but there are some differences:
- Power: Milwaukee often has a bit more power
- Price: Ryobi is usually more budget-friendly
- Battery System: They use different battery platforms
- Features: Both have similar basic features, but Milwaukee may offer more pro-level options
We find the Ryobi jigsaw to be a great value for DIY and home use. Some pros might prefer the Milwaukee for heavy daily use. For most of us, though, the Ryobi does everything we need and more.
