18V ONE+ Jigsaw (Battery & Charger Excluded)

I’m at an age when I remember when power tools were something to be held in awe by starry eyed DIY’ers back in the 1970’s when I was a child. One advert has stuck in my mind since then which, was the Black and Decker advert for a jigsaw that is used to replace practically every tool available. Of course, this is nonsense as a jigsaw is a useful but limited device – and a perfect item for cordless use. First off let’s be clear here that a jigsaw does not negate the need for other cutting tools because frankly they are hopeless if you are trying to cut a straight line even with an edge to run against. If you are cutting thick materials, then you had better prepare yourself for a lot of hand planning afterwards because the cut will not be vertical. Those jigsaw blades bend and deform like a blade of grass in thick boards. But, every now and again you need to cut a curve or an odd shaped hole when creating your Grand Design and for that purpose a jigsaw is king. Even better one that does not have a cord to get in the way and just make life miserable. And the lack of a cord really works for this Ryobi tool because the way a jigsaw works means you don’t need a massive amount of torque which, is dependent upon voltage. Thus the 18V One+ battery – the 5AH one I used – is easily hefty enough for most of a day’s work using the jigsaw. That lack of power cord is such a wonderful thing because it makes this tool ten times more versatile. The actual tool is well made from high quality materials. I say that being an owner of Ryobi tools for ten years over which, I’ve noticed a gentle increase in quality, range and target audience. When I bought my first Ryobi tool it was super cheap and cheerful and aimed just above the bargain bin level. Now? It’s easily the match of decent mid-range stuff from the likes of Bosch and DeWalt. The plastics used are high end glass reinforced stuff and the manufacture is very good giving you a robust tool that will last quite a bit of abuse. I know. I’ve been beating mine to death for ten years on a renovation project and my original hard shiny plastic Ryobi drills are still working perfectly despite having been dropped from the roof on more than one occasion. And there is probably a reason for the increase in quality – and price… Ryobi is made by Techtronic Industries of Hong Kong who also own Milwaukee, AEG, Hoover and quite a few other higher end brands. No one is telling me that in the same factory they are making tools with entirely different components. From what I can see and feel, there is little to differentiate between Ryobi and Milwaukee apart from the eye searing yellow. The plus side of the Early Learning Centre colour of the tool is that it’s easy to find… Best of all the batteries. They are big and bulky no doubt about it when you get the higher amp versions. But, they last well. I have one battery that despite being charged routinely for over ten years is still working well. In use they last just as long as Makita ones of similar AHr rating when I compare to my son’s tools who has his own business as an electrician. In hand this jigsaw feels strong and has a bit of weight when a battery is fitted. This is a ‘Good Thing’ as it helps dampen out the vibrations and makes cutting easier. There are four settings for the blade cutting – which simply boil down to how much the blade swings back and forth. There are little pictograms showing you which to choose but it’s not rocket science. The softer materials work well with the blade vibrating back and forth but as you get into the harder stuff like oak and then metals you simply dial that back or stop it. The blades fit without requiring any tools which, to be fair most are today. Still, it's nice to not have to worry about having the correct screwdriver with you. Overall this is a great tool for the money if you have already bought into the Ryobi One+ battery system. It works well, is strong and cuts decently for a jigsaw without the aggro of a power cord.

Really impressed with this jigsaw. It’s a fantastic bit of kit for the price, feels solid in hand and performs well across different cuts. The LED is a nice touch and helps keep visibility clear when working. Power is more than enough for typical DIY jobs and it handles smoothly without any issues. Only minor drawback is it doesn’t come with a guide rule, which would have been useful, but it’s not a deal breaker. Overall, great value for money and a reliable addition to the Ryobi ONE+ range. Would definitely recommend.

Excellent

I was very surprised ! This is a professional quality tool very powerful , make sure you buy one of the bigger 5ah batteries to get the full service

I think there's been a lot of adverts showing off the Ryobi one range and it legitimately is handy to have all these tools that only use one lot of batteries, having said that I still like to have more than one just in case one runs out. Especially on some of the tools, needless to say the more you use it the quicker battery runs out so you need two charged ready for big jobs ideally...unless you spread the work over a couple of days. The tool itself is good and comes with a couple of blades ( i bought extra but have predominately used the ones in the box). Both the unit and the blades seem of good quality and i think it'll have good longevity to them. The saw has multiple speed settings dependant on the material and its quite easily to switch this up or down. I'd say all in all its quite a decent piece of kit.

Great little jigsaw changing the blades is a little fiddly at first but when you’ve done it a few times it becomes easier

Great did the job

Looked forward to using jigsaw able to use free hand . But did expect to have the guide and locking screws included in the price as been collecting several Ryobi cordless tools for my son . As a surprise. Would like he'll in acquiring missing items. That you David?