Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw Review

Ryobi continues to expand their 18v cordless tool line and keeping their price points among the best in the power tool business. One of their latest addition is the 7 1/4 inch circular saw. The question always remains if a cordless version of a well-honed tool can stand up to their corded predecessors. Let’s see how the Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw Review measures up.

Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw Review Overview

Circular Saws are undoubtedly one of the most versatile saws on the market, serving both the contractor and the homeowner in a multitude of ways. If someone asks what is the first saw any person looking to get into tools should buy, just behind the drill is the circular saw. They have a long history, dating all the way back to 1813 when Tabitha Babbitt created the first version to help break down timber to lumber. We have seen a lot of innovation stem from the circular saw and today they are more versatile than ever.

Ryobi brings their first full-size circular saw to the market. Inside the box you will find the bare tool, a manual, and the blade. The set up was seamless as installing the blade was fairly self-explanatory. The tool itself weighs in at 6.6 pounds, while the battery adds an additional pound and 11 ounces to the mix.

Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw Review Features

The saw functions at 3800 RPMs and the saw features an electric brake for instant stops, which is an important safety feature on any saw.

The Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw features Ryobi’s Brushless motor providing longer run time and allows for more power. The Brushless motor also extends tool life over previous motor designs.

Included is a full size 7-1/4 inch 24 tooth ultra-thin kerf carbide-tipped blade for fast, clean cuts, an absolute step above the usual stock blades of the past. This blade size allows for maximum cut capacity and blade variety, a big improvement over the previously more common 6.5-inch cordless circular saws. The maximum cutting depth comes in at 2.4375 inches at 90 degrees for this saw.

Adjusting the depth was simple, using a lever located at the back of the saw allows the user to adjust the base plate on a premarked scale based on the material being cut. The lever easily relocks and stays secure throughout.

Compatible with the newer One+ lithium-ion high capacity batteries for even better performance in terms of power and extended use.

The onboard LED light illuminates the cut line, allowing for a clear view of the piece and increasing precision.

The Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw features a 0-56-degree bevel cut capacity, including the most common cuts for optimal versatility. Bevel adjustments are easy, simply loosening the bevel lock knob and adjusting the plate to the desired angle.

There is a width of cut scale included on the base of the saw.

The saw features a left-mount blade.

A spindle lock makes for quick and easy blade changes, as well as increases safety while doing so.

The included onboard wrench also allows convenient blade changes without additional tools.

The blade screw was easy to detach and reattach using the wrench, as well it was clearly labeled ensuring no confusion when installing a blade.

The Blade Guard is made of a durable hard plastic which slides easily to allow for blade changes and adjustments.

The dust blower allows for a cleaner work surface improving accuracy.

Front pommel handle with over mold for 2-handed operation, increasing accuracy and comfort while using the saw.

Gripzone over mold on both the handle and the front pommel increases comfort during prolonged use, as well as grip.

The trigger is a standard trigger located just below the handle as is pretty standard with most circular saws. As well, the included lock-off switch prevents the saw from starting while engaged and works easily with a simple slide.

Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw Review Performance

The Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw did not disappoint. All of the concerns about a cordless version of a saw of this nature was easily dispelled. The saw cut clean, easy, and comfortable. I have seen some concerns expressed over the RPM’s being lower than some other manufacturers. I personally try not to focus on any one single spec of a tool, and in this case, I didn’t feel the saw lost any power or practical use by operating at 3800 RPMs. The included LED light offers a lot of improvement to self-regulated cutting by increasing visibility. The depth adjustment offers a slightly deeper cut than most circular saws on the market and bevel settings were both easy to adjust and secure once set.

One of my biggest concerns with cordless tools is the ergonomics. When adding a battery to an already sometimes awkward tool the weight seems to either greatly improve the comfort of use, or drastically diminish it. Thankfully the Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw fell in the former category and the weight made the saw exceptionally comfortable to use and balanced. The placement of the battery also lends itself to be comfortable and doesn’t interfere with use as some designs tend to. It tucks neatly into the side of the saw and balances the weight very well.

The included blade also impressed me. Generally, I switch fairly quickly from the stock blade to a Diablo or something similar. I cut both 2X4s and 1/2 inch plywood and both cut flawlessly. I notice often times that thinner plywood is difficult to cut cleanly but it had very little to no splintering. I tend to favor higher tooth fine-finish blades as well for most of my purposes, but the included blade at 24 teeth actually cut quite well and left a clean edge.

Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw Review Value

The Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw comes in at $119.00. Based on most other cordless circular saws on the market, it comes in at the lower end for a full size cordless circular saw. You can go for a corded version to reduce costs further, but at a price point for such a well thought out tool the Ryobi is a bargain. I tested the saw with Ryobi’s 4.0 Ah battery, which is on sale currently for $79.00 for a single. Always watch for The Home Depot to run specials or bundles on these though. As they currently have a two pack of the 4.0 Ah batteries for $99.00 which is one of many great deals out right now depending on your needs.

Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw Review Final Thoughts

Recently I had an electrician come out to install a new circuit in our home, he saw me working with this saw and asked for my thoughts. My honest opinion was that I genuinely couldn’t find anything negative to say about it, and his response was “I agree, you just can’t beat Ryobi for the price”. The tool is comfortable, solid and easy to use. Ryobi has a lot of new tools out and seems to be truly listening to consumer needs of wanting reliable tools with features that don’t break the bank.