Ryobi Jigsaw Review: The Best Models
Contents
- The Best Ryobi Jigsaws Are…
- 1. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw: Best Overall
- 2. 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw: Runner-Up
- 3. Ryobi One+ P5231 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Orbital T-Shaped 3,000 SPM Jigsaw
- 4. Ryobi P515 One+ 18V 7/8 Inch Stroke Length 3,100 RPM Lithium Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- About Ryobi
- Company History
- Who Makes Ryobi Power Tools Today
- Ryobi as a Brand
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Photo by Tsungam, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Portable, versatile and easy to use, Ryobi jigsaws deserve a spot in your workshop. The catch is choosing one, since Ryobi sells several cordless models.
This Ryobi jigsaw review covers the main options in the 18V ONE+ line, plus a reciprocating saw for rougher cuts.
OUR TOP PICK
The Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw is our top pick for its useful features, proven design and broad battery compatibility.
The Best Ryobi Jigsaws Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw | 1. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw Top Pick | - 4.9 pounds - 11 x 12 x 6.5 inches - Battery-powered | Check Current Price |
| 2. 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw | 2. 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw | - Brushless motor - Battery-powered | Check Current Price |
| 3. Ryobi One+ P5231 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Orbital T-Shaped 3,000 SPM Jigsaw | 3. Ryobi One+ P5231 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Orbital T-Shaped 3,000 SPM Jigsaw | - 1,100 to 3,000 SPM - Tool only (battery sold separately) | Check Current Price |
| 4. Ryobi P515 One+ 18V 7/8 Inch Stroke Length 3,100 RPM Lithium Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw | 4. Ryobi P515 One+ 18V 7/8 Inch Stroke Length 3,100 RPM Lithium Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw | - Reciprocating saw, not a jigsaw - 7/8-inch stroke - Battery sold separately | Check Current Price |
1. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw: Best Overall
The P523 is Ryobi's 18V ONE+ orbital jigsaw. According to Ryobi's product page, it runs at a variable 1,100 to 3,000 strokes per minute and can make flush cuts all the way to a vertical surface.
A lock-on trigger lets you run the saw without squeezing the trigger the whole time, which reduces hand fatigue. A separate speed dial sets the cutting rate: slower for curves and dense material, faster for straight cuts in wood.
The SpeedMatch selector pairs the speed and orbital or non-orbital action with the material. The BladeSaver drop base lets you shift the base to use unused teeth, so each blade lasts longer.
Specs
- 4.9 pounds
- 11 x 12 x 6.5 inches
- Battery-powered
Pros
- Lock-on trigger and speed dial make controlling the cut easy
- Tool-free clamp works with standard T-shank blades
- Easy to use for both pros and newbies
Cons
- Cannot work with u-shaped blades
2. 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw: Runner-Up
Coming a close second to the first pick is this Ryobi’s 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw. A brushless motor runs cooler and gets more work out of each battery charge than a brushed motor.
Like the P523, it uses Ryobi's 18V ONE+ batteries, so it fits into the same tool system. Check the model number on the listing before you buy, since Ryobi sells several similar jigsaws.
Ryobi jigsaws in this line use a tool-free clamp, so changing a jigsaw blade is quick and needs no wrench.
Specs
- Brushless motor
- 18V ONE+ battery platform
Pros
- Cordless
- Uses an adjustable base
- Its D-handle makes it easy to grip and operate safely
- Cuts wood, plastic and thin metal with the right blade
Cons
- Its separate speed control wheel can be a hassle to reach to at times
3. Ryobi One+ P5231 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Orbital T-Shaped 3,000 SPM Jigsaw
The P5231 is the same orbital jigsaw as our top pick, sold as a tool-only package. Ryobi lists the P5231 as including the P523 jig saw, one wood-cutting blade and an Allen wrench.
The orbital settings and variable speed of 1,100 to 3,000 strokes per minute make it easy to match the saw to the material. Use higher speeds for straight cuts and slower speeds for curves.
The D-handle design is comfortable to grip, and the lock-on trigger lets you focus on guiding the cut. Ryobi covers it with a 3-year limited warranty.
Specs
- 1,100 to 3,000 SPM
- Tool only; uses any 18V ONE+ battery
- 3-year limited warranty
Pros
- Portable
- Uses a blade saver system
- Base tilts for bevel cuts
- Moderately priced
Cons
- You have to buy a battery separately
4. Ryobi P515 One+ 18V 7/8 Inch Stroke Length 3,100 RPM Lithium Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw
This one is a reciprocating saw, not a jigsaw. We include it because many DIYers need both: a jigsaw for curves and finish cuts, and a reciprocating saw for demolition, pruning and cutting pipe.
It is compact and light for its class, with a 7/8-inch stroke and up to 3,100 strokes per minute. That is plenty for most cutting around the home.
The blade clamp is tool-free, so blade changes are quick. Note that it takes standard reciprocating saw blades, not jigsaw blades.
The handle is designed to reduce vibration, but expect more shake than with a jigsaw. Hold it with both hands and keep the shoe pressed against the work.
Specs
- 7/8-inch stroke
- Up to 3,100 strokes per minute
- 1 Li-ion battery
Pros
- Comes with a variable speed trigger
- Works with different Ryobi batteries
- Best for DIY tasks
- Light and compact
- Very easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- Batteries are sold separately
- Not ideal for heavy-duty commercial tasks
About Ryobi
Ryobi started as a Japanese company, Ryobi Limited, known for die castings, printing equipment and builders' hardware. The Ryobi power tools sold in North America today come from a different company.
Company History
According to Ryobi Limited's corporate history, the company was founded in 1943 as Ryobi Seisakusho Co., Ltd. In 1961 it listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and began making offset printing presses.
It began making power tools in 1968 and changed its name to Ryobi Limited in 1973. In 1985 it founded a U.S. die-casting company, now Ryobi Die Casting (USA).
Who Makes Ryobi Power Tools Today
Ryobi-brand power tools in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand are made and sold by Techtronic Industries (TTI), a Hong Kong-based company. Ryobi Limited says TTI has no capital relationship with it.
In 2018, Ryobi Limited moved its own power tool business into a new company and sold an 80% stake to Kyocera.
Ryobi's U.S. tool line is also linked to the Diehl Motor Company, an earlier maker of hand-held power tools sold under the Sears Craftsman name.
Today the Ryobi name covers two separate businesses:
- Ryobi Limited (Japan): die castings, builders' hardware and printing equipment
- TTI's Ryobi brand: power tools and outdoor equipment, including the 18V ONE+ battery system
Ryobi as a Brand
Ryobi tools are aimed at DIYers and homeowners. Their main strength is the large 18V ONE+ system, where one battery fits over 225 tools, according to Ryobi.
Final Thoughts
Ryobi jigsaws offer good value and a huge battery platform, which makes them a sensible pick for DIY work.
Whichever model you pick, look at speed control, orbital settings and blade changes, since those matter most on a jigsaw.
Our top choice is the Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw. It is compact, well featured and easy to use.
Sources
- 18V ONE+ Orbital Jig Saw (P5231), RYOBI
- History, Ryobi Limited
- Notes Regarding the Transfer of the Power Tools Business for Consumers, Ryobi Limited
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