Ryobi RJS18-0 Jigsaw UK Review – Tested and Rated

The Ryobi RJS18-0 is the budget pick at the bottom of our best cordless jigsaws UK comparison, and it earns that position through honest value rather than compromised performance. It runs on Ryobi’s ONE+ platform, covers the essential jigsaw tasks adequately and backs it all with a 3-year warranty that matches the professional brands. For a homeowner or occasional DIY user who needs a capable jigsaw without the professional price tag, this is the sensible starting point.

The performance gap versus the professional tools in this comparison is real – the cut precision, orbital feel and build quality all step down noticeably from the Makita DJV182Z, DeWalt and Milwaukee tier. But for most domestic jigsaw tasks – cutting kitchen worktops, sheet material, timber framing and occasional curves – the RJS18-0 does the job competently. The ONE+ platform, shared with over 180 compatible tools, is the broadest battery ecosystem in DIY retail and a meaningful practical advantage for buyers who already own other Ryobi ONE+ tools.

Overview and first impressions

The RJS18-0 is noticeably lighter and more compact than the professional tools in our comparison. At 1.4kg bare it is the lightest of the five, and the green and black ONE+ livery feels solidly assembled if not quite at the same density as a professional Makita or Milwaukee. The grip is comfortable enough for general use and the trigger action is smooth through the full speed range, though the low-end control is less refined than the professional brushless tools.

The blade change uses a tool-free lever mechanism that is straightforward to operate, though the blade retention is slightly less positive than the Makita’s system – there is a small amount of play in the blade holder that becomes apparent on close inspection. For general cutting tasks this does not affect results meaningfully, but it is a discernible step down from the professional tier. The base plate pivots for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees and locks via a thumbscrew. The orbital action dial offers 3 settings rather than the 4 or 5 on rival tools.

The overall impression is of a competently built consumer tool rather than a professional one. Nothing feels fragile but the premium build density of the Makita and Milwaukee is absent. For the price point this is entirely expected and appropriate – the RJS18-0 is built to the standard that its position in the market needs to meet, not the standard of a professional tool. For a homeowner who will use it a handful of times per year for domestic cutting tasks, the build quality is more than adequate to last many years with basic care.

Specifications and scores

How it performed in our tests

The RJS18-0 handled all standard domestic cutting tasks adequately in our tests. In 18mm plywood on orbital setting 1, the cut was acceptable with slightly more tear-out on the exit face than the professional tools – a fine-toothed blade minimised this to a workable level. In 45mm softwood at orbital setting 2, cutting speed was reasonable at the top stroke rate, though the shorter 23mm stroke length versus the 26mm on the professional tools makes a small difference in thick material. In hardwood at orbital setting 0, the tool managed cleanly at a measured pace.

The most noticeable limitation versus the professional tier was cut precision on curves – the slight blade play in the holder translates into marginally less accurate tracking through tight radius cuts compared to the Makita and Bosch. For a kitchen worktop cutout or a straight-sided aperture this difference is irrelevant. For detailed decorative curves in hardwood it becomes apparent. For the intended domestic use case, the performance is fully competent.

Battery system and runtime

The RJS18-0 runs on Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ platform – the largest battery ecosystem in the UK consumer market, covering over 180 tools from drills and sanders to garden tools, pressure washers and lighting. ONE+ batteries are available at B&Q as standard, making them the most easily sourced replacement battery in UK DIY retail. The platform’s breadth is a genuine advantage for homeowners who already use other ONE+ tools – a battery bought for the RJS18-0 charges and runs the drill, the circular saw, the leaf blower and the hedge trimmer.

Runtime per charge is adequate for domestic tasks. The brushed motor is less efficient than the Makita and Bosch’s brushless units, but for the lighter cutting loads typical of home use the difference is less significant than it would be in sustained trade use. On a 2.0Ah ONE+ battery the RJS18-0 handles a typical domestic session comfortably. Upgrading to a 4.0Ah battery gives noticeably extended runtime for larger projects such as fitting a kitchen or cutting multiple sheets of board material in one session. The RC18120 standard charger takes approximately 55 minutes to charge a 2.0Ah battery – slower than the fast chargers supplied with premium tools but entirely acceptable for domestic use where a flat battery can charge during a lunch break or overnight without any impact on productivity.

Performance and limitations

The RJS18-0’s limitations are consistent with its price point. The 100mm maximum wood cutting depth is lower than the 130-135mm on professional rivals, meaning very thick timber is beyond its spec. The 3 orbital settings versus 4 or 5 on professional tools gives slightly less cutting flexibility, and the blade play and cut precision step down from the professional tier are real. None of these limitations matter for the typical homeowner cutting kitchen worktops, shelving, architrave and garden timber.

The 23mm stroke length is worth understanding before purchase. A longer stroke means each blade movement removes more material per stroke, which makes a measurable difference when cutting thick material. The RJS18-0’s 23mm versus the Makita’s 26mm is a 12% reduction in stroke length – small enough to be irrelevant in 18mm plywood and noticeable but manageable in 45mm softwood. For cuts in material thicker than 50mm, the tool works but takes more time than a professional alternative would. For the materials most homeowners actually cut – kitchen panels, shelving board, softwood framing – the difference is academic. The dust blower is a welcome inclusion at this price point, keeping the cut line visible during extended cuts and reducing the need to stop and clear sawdust manually.

Final verdict – is it worth it?

The Ryobi RJS18-0 is exactly what a solid budget pick should be – honestly positioned, competently built and priced at a point where its limitations are expected and acceptable. It is roughly half the price of any professional rival in this comparison, and for a homeowner who genuinely needs a jigsaw for kitchen fitting, shelf cutting and occasional garden timber work, it handles all of those tasks without complaint.

The performance gap versus the Makita DJV182Z and DeWalt DCS331 is real and measurable – cut precision, orbital feel and build density all step down noticeably. But those differences matter at trade intensity, not at weekend DIY frequency. For the user who picks up their jigsaw six times a year, the RJS18-0 does the job and the significant saving versus the nearest professional alternative is a straightforward financial win. The money saved buys a decent set of T-shank blades, a good straightedge guide and still leaves change – all of which improve the cut result as much as the tool upgrade would for most domestic applications.

For ONE+ platform users the case is even clearer – the RJS18-0 shares batteries directly with the drill, the sander and the leaf blower, which means the effective cost is just the tool body. At that price point, it is outstanding value. It is not the tool for a joiner or a serious renovator, but it is a very capable jigsaw for the buyer it is designed for.