This is my second brushless Ryobi saw. The first one just stop working after a year of casual use (my original saw worked for years). The new saw cuts fine but stops under any load. A Ryobi service tech told me if I wasn't careful; putting too much load and it would destroy the circuit board and would cost more than buying a new one. I have great experience with Ryobi tools for years, but I am disappointed with this purchase.

Heavy duty, runs smoothly with lots of power, well balanced. Had for about three weeks and used it immediately, and the cordless saw is easy to use. The saw met my expectations and happy about buying it. The other benefit was the pricing of the saw. The circular saw met all my expectations. Delivery to my home was quick with no issues. Home Depot is my go to for tools and many related tool items. My Husky Tool Chest has been great also.

Blade wobbles

The shaft that the blade attaches to is only supported by a single bearing on one side. This means the blade wobbles when engaging with the workpiece, causing it to bind.Maybe I got a bad one but I cannot see how this design would be sturdy enough for 7 1/4. Remove the battery, grab the blade and you can feel the blade has a small amount of play side-to-side.It works okay but you have to go super easy on it. Brushless does have plenty of power.

Functions but lacks power

I was always frustrated with my old ryobi circular saw lacking power to cut through 2x material, but loved the convenience of battery portability. So for a roofing project I thought I’d try upgrading to the latest offering, hoping it was an improvement. It was but only marginally. Even with new blades this saw just doesn’t perform as well as I would like it too. And I’m a fan of many other ryobi products for their functionality at a budget price.

Just Okay

I had a 18v 5 1/2 inch saw (with brushes) like forever. I used it and abused it in every way you can imagine. One time I cut down a tree with it, and then cut the tree into firewood lengths. I cut cinder blocks, laminate, and pressure treated 2x6's. Then it died. I considered opening it up and trying to repair, but then figured it was time to upgrade. This saw is about as good as my old 5 1/2. Doesn't seem to have any more power or speed. It does have a headlight, which is nice, but that is a poor substitute for the laser the old 5 1/2 had.

Ryobi 7-1/4" Brushless Circular Saw Review

I bought the Ryobi 7-1/4" brushless circular saw on clearance from Home Depot a couple of years ago and have used it several times. While it’s a step up from my older brushed 6.5" Ryobi saw, that’s about what I expected. However, it was missing the bevel adjustment lock screw and the blade removal Allen key right out of the box—fortunately, I was able to source those parts from another tool.I chose the 7-1/4" size because I prefer the deeper cut capacity and more affordable blade options compared to 6.5" models. The saw performed decently overall for small projects, but I’ve since had the chance to try a similar brushless saw from another lineup, and it highlighted some areas where this tool falls short.Specifically, the other saw felt more powerful and didn't ... MoreI bought the Ryobi 7-1/4" brushless circular saw on clearance from Home Depot a couple of years ago and have used it several times. While it’s a step up from my older brushed 6.5" Ryobi saw, that’s about what I expected. However, it was missing the bevel adjustment lock screw and the blade removal Allen key right out of the box—fortunately, I was able to source those parts from another tool.I chose the 7-1/4" size because I prefer the deeper cut capacity and more affordable blade options compared to 6.5" models. The saw performed decently overall for small projects, but I’ve since had the chance to try a similar brushless saw from another lineup, and it highlighted some areas where this tool falls short.Specifically, the other saw felt more powerful and didn't bog down under load. It also had a few extra features that made a noticeable difference in day-to-day use. After using both, it was clear to me that the Ryobi, despite being part of the One+ HP series, lacked the refined feel and power I was ultimately looking for. As a result, I decided to move on from this saw in favor of something that better met my expectations.

Superior Value

Probably the feature I like best about this saw is the dust collection. It connects easily to my Rigid shop vac hose, and leaves almost nothing on the floor below my cuts. The cuts I've made so far have been clean, and precise with 2x4 cross cuts producing perfect 90 degree angles (as tested using a carpenter's square). The thin kerf blade cuts quickly and accurately. The thinner profile (compared to a standard kerf blade), creates less dust and consumes less battery power also. Height adjustment and bevel adjustment are both quick and easy. They don't lock into place, as would be helpful for a lot of switching back and forth (for example between 90 and 45 degree bevels), but that's mostly something that I'm unaffected by. The base-plate is steel and has a groove ... MoreProbably the feature I like best about this saw is the dust collection. It connects easily to my Rigid shop vac hose, and leaves almost nothing on the floor below my cuts. The cuts I've made so far have been clean, and precise with 2x4 cross cuts producing perfect 90 degree angles (as tested using a carpenter's square). The thin kerf blade cuts quickly and accurately. The thinner profile (compared to a standard kerf blade), creates less dust and consumes less battery power also. Height adjustment and bevel adjustment are both quick and easy. They don't lock into place, as would be helpful for a lot of switching back and forth (for example between 90 and 45 degree bevels), but that's mostly something that I'm unaffected by. The base-plate is steel and has a groove running lengthwise, leaving me wondering if Ryobi is planning some kind of guide rail or jig for making long cuts in sheet goods (eg plywood). That would really cool - if so, but that's just me speculating. The overall feel of the saw is good, with rubberized grip handles that feel very sure and well balanced. Lastly, the motor cover has a rubberized surface and the saw lays flat on it and won't slip or slide when placed down. I think Ryobi has delivered a lot of value in this saw. As a brand I know and trust (and carried by big orange), it's a tool I would definitely recommend.

Worst circular saw I've purchased

The blade is on the opposite side than what I am used to. I am right handed and it is very difficult to cut straight lines. The saw tries to pull to the right and keeps getting stuck. I've burned through two 4h batteries in 1 hour trying to cut two stair stringers.It's being returned. Ryobi products are honestly very poor quality. Stick with Dewalt or Milwaukee.

[Rewarded Review] If you are reading this review and you are shopping for a good quality, well built, sturdy and ea...

If you are reading this review and you are shopping for a good quality, well built, sturdy and easy to use 7 ¼” Cordless Circular Saw, for a homeowner handyman, this is a GREAT option (cannot assess from a contractor usage) this one is my suggestion. Without hesitation I say it fits all my needs and expectations. I would not hesitate recommending this to family and friends. WELL done RYOBI!Note is that this does not include a battery and charger. For those of us with more than a few laying around buying the tool only is a great way to keep our costs VERY reasonable. First thing you notice is this saw has a real solid feel. This has a spindle lock which makes changing the blade much simpler, no more using a screwdriver to lock the blade. And it uses an onboard ... MoreIf you are reading this review and you are shopping for a good quality, well built, sturdy and easy to use 7 ¼” Cordless Circular Saw, for a homeowner handyman, this is a GREAT option (cannot assess from a contractor usage) this one is my suggestion. Without hesitation I say it fits all my needs and expectations. I would not hesitate recommending this to family and friends. WELL done RYOBI!Note is that this does not include a battery and charger. For those of us with more than a few laying around buying the tool only is a great way to keep our costs VERY reasonable. First thing you notice is this saw has a real solid feel. This has a spindle lock which makes changing the blade much simpler, no more using a screwdriver to lock the blade. And it uses an onboard Allen wrench (included) instead of those knuckle scraping wrenches that ALWAYS slips off. Also includes an LED light which is a smart add on. This thing cuts with the same energy as my old electric Craftsman. If needed it has a vacuum attachment which is good idea if you’re cutting while inside but I find attaching a hose uncomfortable so personally I rarely use it. I also have a 6 ½ inch battery one and the difference is night and day.And in case you were wondering all the 7 ¼ blades I have fit just fine (no reason to think they wouldn’t).

good saw w potential to be alot more (after a few minor adjustments of course)

this is a decent circular saw w alot of good going for it. im probably one of the 5 people in the world who prefer a right sided saw and this one gets it right, its got a smooth startup, glides easily and has solid power. and eith the hp battery it does kick it up a notch.but there are some issues with it as well,, first the metal bottom plate,, for some reason theres a big chunk cut out and the plastic casing around the motor pokes thru and slides along your cutting surface. it also makes it very hard to square up and get a perfectly 0° blade. also w the blade angle,, the bevel is plastic and does not have set indents for the reg angles, and I actually had to shave down the plastic tip that sets down on the metal plate when its at "0°" because it really wouldn't ... Morethis is a decent circular saw w alot of good going for it. im probably one of the 5 people in the world who prefer a right sided saw and this one gets it right, its got a smooth startup, glides easily and has solid power. and eith the hp battery it does kick it up a notch.but there are some issues with it as well,, first the metal bottom plate,, for some reason theres a big chunk cut out and the plastic casing around the motor pokes thru and slides along your cutting surface. it also makes it very hard to square up and get a perfectly 0° blade. also w the blade angle,, the bevel is plastic and does not have set indents for the reg angles, and I actually had to shave down the plastic tip that sets down on the metal plate when its at "0°" because it really wouldn't go down passed roughly 4°..i also really wasnt a fan of the sliding blade cover, but thats an all inclusive issue w all circ saws, they just get in the way lol.all in all its a decent saw, i did have some issues w it stalling out near the ends of cuts, as well as keeping the cuts straight, but as i mentioned that was from a misaligned blade. once i had remedied the situation, it has been working for me no sweat.and in case anyone wants to ask, no it wasnt just the blade itself, i had tried it out w 3 other brand new blades before i adjusted it in any way, and the problems arouse w them all,, but then i fixed it up and it glides like a dream.i still would have liked to see an all metal plate tho, dont know the reasoning behind that but hey, im no scientist