Ryobi RRS 1801 M Review

Demolition, pruning, and rough cutting are the jobs that separate capable power tools from the ones that gather dust. When a circular saw is too precise and a hand saw is too slow — think cutting through a wooden pallet, lopping a thick tree branch, or slicing out old pipework in a tight corner — you need a tool built for speed and reach, not finesse. The reciprocating saw, often called a sabre saw, is exactly that. It uses a long, straight blade that pistons back and forth at high speed, powering through timber, metal, plastic, and even nail-embedded wood. Unlike a jigsaw, the blade is not supported at both ends, so it can plunge into materials mid-panel and reach where no other power saw fits. A cordless recip saw adds the freedom to take that capability up a ladder, into the garden, or out to the kerbside — wherever the cut needs to happen. For renovation work, garden clearance, and any job that prioritises getting it done over getting it perfect, this is the tool that earns its keep.

When choosing a cordless reciprocating saw, the key specs are voltage, stroke length, and cutting capacity. An 18-volt system provides the best balance of power and weight — enough to drive a blade through construction timber and metal pipe without the bulk of higher-voltage platforms. Stroke length — typically 20 to 32 mm — determines cutting aggression: a longer stroke removes more material per pass but increases vibration. Tool-free blade change is essential for switching between wood and metal blades on the fly. An adjustable shoe helps control cutting depth and extends blade life by letting you use fresh sections of the teeth. Ryobi's One+ system has one of the largest cordless tool ecosystems, with over 200 tools sharing the same 18V batteries — a significant advantage if you already own or plan to build a Ryobi collection.

This review examines the Ryobi RRS 1801 M, an 18V cordless reciprocating saw from the One+ system that ships with a pack of eight blades. We cover cutting performance across wood and metal, anti-vibration handling, battery compatibility, and what the included blade pack brings. You will find pros and cons, five practical use cases, and guidance on whether this body-only tool makes sense for your toolkit. If you need a cordless demolition and pruning saw that works with batteries you may already own, read on.

The Ryobi RRS 1801 M is an 18-volt cordless reciprocating saw from Ryobi's One+ system — it works with any Ryobi 18V lithium-ion battery, though battery and charger are not included. The motor drives the blade at up to 3,100 RPM with a 22 mm stroke, delivering a cutting capacity of up to 180 mm in wood. This places it in the mid-range of cordless recip saws — capable for pruning, pallet dismantling, and occasional metal cutting, though it lacks the stroke length and orbital action of premium demolition-focused models. The tool weighs 1.9 kg without a battery, manageable for one-handed use in tight spots yet substantial enough for stable two-handed cuts.

The design follows Ryobi's black-and-green aesthetic with practical features that matter. The bi-material trigger incorporates an electronic speed dimmer — press lightly for slow, controlled starts and squeeze fully for maximum speed — giving the finesse to start a cut in finished timber without the blade jumping. The anti-vibration system uses a counterbalance mechanism to reduce the characteristic recip-saw shake, though it does not eliminate it entirely. Tool-free blade change is a genuine convenience: twist the collar, insert the blade, release, and it locks securely. The adjustable pivoting shoe slides forward and back to control blade engagement depth, extending blade life and providing a stable brace point for straighter cuts.

In use, the RRS 1801 M handles classic recip saw jobs comfortably. Pruning branches up to 100 mm in the garden is quick work with the included wood blade, and cordless freedom means no extension leads through wet grass. Dismantling wooden pallets — a job that exhausts you with a hand saw — becomes systematic cutting through each slat at the nail line. The saw plunges into plasterboard and chipboard easily for creating access holes during renovation work. Metal cutting with the included metal blade handles conduit, copper pipe, and thin steel sections, though thick steel plate will be slow. The anti-vibration system works — noticeably smoother than budget recip saws — but sustained use still transmits some buzz through the nylon handle.

The package includes the saw body, one wood blade, one metal blade, and a blister pack of six additional variegated sabre saw blades in 100 mm and 152 mm lengths for wood and metal. That is eight blades total — a generous starter set covering the most common materials so you can start cutting immediately. Universal fitting on the blades means replacements are easy to source from any hardware brand. Battery and charger are not included, standard for Ryobi body-only tools and sensible if you already own One+ batteries. If you are new to the platform, factor in roughly €50–70 for a battery and charger starter kit.

The tool weighs 1.9 kg and stores easily on a shelf or in a tool bag. It holds 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17 customer reviews — a high score from a small but satisfied user base. At €90, including the eight-blade pack, it represents strong value for a cordless recip saw, especially if you already own Ryobi One+ batteries. Ryobi backs it with a 1-year limited warranty. For occasional demolition, garden work, and renovation tasks, this is a practical, no-nonsense tool that plugs into one of the largest and most affordable cordless ecosystems on the market.

The Ryobi RRS 1801 M is ideal for DIYers, gardeners, and homeowners already in the Ryobi One+ battery ecosystem who need a capable cordless reciprocating saw for pruning, pallet dismantling, and renovation cutting without paying premium-brand prices.