I'm looking to replace my old 20-year-old Ryobi reciprocating saw, which has been through a lot over the years. It's one of my go-to tools after my impact driver and work lights, so I need something reliable. I'm considering two options: the Ryobi One+ brushless model or a non-Fuel Milwaukee, which is currently on special with a battery and charger for just $20 more. I've been gradually upgrading my One+ tools and already have a bunch of Ryobi batteries. On the flip side, handling the Milwaukee in-store felt really nice, and the fact that its chargers work with my existing M12 tools is a big plus. Plus, I've seen some great deals on M18 tools that I'm interested in. What do you all think?
5 Answers
This is actually a pretty solid question! I never thought about comparing Ryobi’s high-end options to the standard Milwaukee. If you don’t specifically need a full-sized saw, maybe look into a more compact option like the Hackzall? It might make things easier for you!
If you're looking for performance, the brushless Ryobi is lighter and packs a punch compared to the brushed Milwaukee. I’ve had mixed experiences with mine, but they still get the job done. Don’t forget to consider the M12 Hackzall too—it could save you some hassle if you don’t need a full-sized saw.
I've owned both and honestly, I lean more towards Milwaukee. The handling feels better and it just seems to be easier to use. I got a full set of Ryobi tools due to my employer, but after switching to Milwaukee, I couldn't go back. Just make sure you grab the larger batteries for Ryobi, or you’ll find yourself charging them more often than you'd like!
It's worth asking yourself if you actually need a full-size reciprocating saw. I have a big one, but I often find that a more compact hacksaw would suit my needs better. And if budget is tight, keep an eye out for used tools on eBay or Marketplace. A used M18 Fuel could be a better buy than a new non-fuel saw.
Honestly, I’d recommend going with the Ryobi if you've already got batteries and tools from that line. It's nice to stick with what you know! But if you’re tempted by the Milwaukee, keep an eye out for a good deal on the Fuel model with the charger—it seems to perform really well. And hey, if you pick up a good deal on a charger, you can always have the best of both worlds!