Ryobi 18V Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Puts Real Performance in the Palm of Your Hand
One-hand reciprocating saws are making their way deeper into many power tool lineups across the board. A few years back, we got the opportunity to test out the first generation Ryobi 18V PSBRS01 and, let’s just say, we liked what we saw! Now, I’ve got my hands on the new and improved Ryobi 18V Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw, and I’m ready to put it to the test!
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy to maneuver
- Brushless motor
- Improved cutting speed
- Pivoting shoe
- One-handed blade insertion
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Ryobi 18V Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Performance
- No-Load Speed: 3200 SPM
- Stroke Length: 7/8 in.
- Motor: Brushless
Cutting Power
Ryobi’s 18V one-handed reciprocating saw sports a brushless motor that operates at 3,200 SPM with a 7/8-inch stroke length. These improvements allow you to cut up to 2X faster than the previous generation! This adds up to some truly competitive real-world cutting speeds, even outpacing some of the premium models we’ve tested.
We set up a few different tests here at our shop to get a feel for how this saw will perform under pressure. It quickly chewed through a nail-embedded pine 2×4 studs, 2-inch EMT, 1-inch PVC, and even #5 rebar.
Moreover, Ryobi’s vibration control is operating well above its pay-grade! We would like to see an adjustable shoe on future models, but otherwise, I don’t really have any complaints from a performance standpoint.
Ryobi 18V Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Design Notes
- Model: Ryobi PSBRS02
- Power Source: Ryobi 18V battery
- Weight: 3.9 lbs (bare tool), 4.9 lbs (with kitted 2.0Ah battery)
- Length: 12.5 in.
Size and Weight
The trend with one-hand saws has been to target either size and weight or performance. Ryobi’s second generation cordless one-hand reciprocating saw seems to have targeted a better balance than most, though. The Ryobi PSBRS02 measures 12.5 inches from tip to tail and weighs in at 4.9 pounds with the kitted 2.0Ah battery.
Overall, this saw feels pretty good in my hands, and in fact, the grip feels nearly identical to the Ryobi 18V Compact Brushless 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench. Like the PSBRS01, the motor housing is draped with a textured rubber overmold, helping you maintain a secure hold on the tool while using two hands.
Feature Set
Ryobi’s use of a brushless motor certainly helps drive the performance we’re enjoying, but the design team also included a couple of other features that go beyond the basics.
The shoe is noticeably more robust and pivots as you cut, helping keep it engaged better on round materials. While this is a fairly standard feature on full-size reciprocating saws, we don’t see it as often on one-hand models.
They also did away with the blade release lever, and instead opted for a spring-loaded blade holder that allows for one-handed blade insertion and ejection.
Additional Features
- LED work light
- Compatible with all Ryobi 18V batteries
Ryobi 18V Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Price
You can pick up the Ryobi PSBRS02 at your local Home Depot for $119 as a bare tool, and $169 as a kit that includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger. Ryobi backs this tool with a 3-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
After some hands-on time with the Ryobi 18V Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw, it’s clear that they’ve stepped up the performance. That’s a big deal for value-minded plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, and serious DIYers that turn to a compact tool in tight spaces and overhead work. If you’re on the hunt for a lightweight handheld saw for your next project, I’d highly suggest giving Ryobi a shot!
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