Ryobi RMT1801M Multi-Tool Review – UK Tested

Ryobi’s ONE+ platform now covers over 200 tools sharing the same 18V battery system, and the RMT1801M brings oscillating multi-tool capability into that ecosystem at one of the most competitive price points in the cordless segment. For existing ONE+ users who already own batteries and chargers, the body-only price makes this one of the most accessible entry points to multi-tool ownership available in the UK. The question is whether the relatively budget positioning means compromises that matter in real-world use, or whether Ryobi has delivered genuine capability at a genuinely accessible price.

The RMT1801M covers the core multi-tool tasks: plunge cutting in wood and drywall, flush cutting, sanding with the delta pad, and scraping. It ships with a universal accessory adapter that accepts blades and accessories from other major brands including Bosch, DeWalt and Makita, which is a significant practical advantage – multi-tool accessories are widely available and competitively priced across platforms, and not being locked to Ryobi-specific accessories matters for day-to-day use. We tested the RMT1801M across a range of typical DIY tasks over several weeks to form this assessment.

Overview and first impressions

Out of the box the RMT1801M feels light – 1.1kg body only is competitive even against premium tools. The grip is comfortable and the variable speed dial sits naturally under the thumb when holding the tool in its primary cutting position. The overall build is primarily plastic, which is expected at this price point, but the construction feels solid rather than flimsy and the head shows no play or rattle when the tool is running. The tool-free blade change lever is well positioned and operates smoothly, releasing and locking accessories with a single push-and-twist action that becomes second nature quickly.

The universal accessory adapter is included in the box rather than sold separately, which is a meaningful decision by Ryobi. Locking buyers into proprietary accessories would significantly increase the ongoing cost of ownership and limit choice. With the adapter fitted, blades from Bosch, DeWalt, Makita and most other major brands mount and seat correctly. The adapter does add a small amount of height to the blade mounting position compared to native-fit systems like Bosch’s Starlock, but in practice this makes no difference to cutting performance on typical DIY tasks.

The 3.2 degree oscillation angle sits in the mid-range for cordless multi-tools. Wider angles cut faster but with less precision; narrower angles are more controllable but slower through material. At 3.2 degrees the RMT1801M is a reasonable compromise that suits the general-purpose DIY use case it is designed for.

Specifications and scores

How it performed in our tests

The RMT1801M handles plunge cutting in timber and MDF competently at its higher speed settings. The 3.2 degree oscillation angle produces somewhat slower cutting speeds through hardwood compared to tools with more aggressive geometry, but for the typical DIY tasks of cutting door frames for laminate flooring, trimming skirting, or cutting access holes in drywall it performs without difficulty. Compared directly against the DeWalt DCS355 the Ryobi cuts more slowly through hardwood but the gap is not significant for occasional DIY use. The variable speed dial between 15,000 and 20,000 OPM is responsive and provides genuine control for finer work.

Battery system and runtime

Multi-tools are not heavy battery consumers compared to circular saws or angle grinders, and the RMT1801M reflects this. A 2.5Ah ONE+ battery delivers a full day of typical DIY use without requiring a recharge. Tested against a mix of cutting, sanding and scraping tasks across a typical weekend renovation job, the battery comfortably outlasted the work rather than becoming a limiting factor. Existing ONE+ users with 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah batteries will find the tool essentially limitless for occasional use.

The Bosch GOP 18V-28 uses a proprietary Starlock system that requires Bosch accessories. The Ryobi’s universal adapter approach is therefore a meaningful differentiator – blades from Bosch, DeWalt, Makita and most other major brands mount and seat correctly, keeping the accessories market fully open and ongoing costs lower.

Performance and limitations

The main limitation of the RMT1801M relative to premium alternatives is vibration. Under load on harder materials the tool transmits noticeably more vibration to the hand than premium tools that use anti-vibration engineering the Ryobi lacks at this price point. For occasional DIY use this is not a significant issue. For extended professional use involving prolonged grout removal or high-volume flush cutting, the additional fatigue becomes relevant and a premium tool would be the better long-term investment. The plastic construction also feels less substantial than premium alternatives, and there is no LED work light.

Final verdict – is it worth it?

For a Ryobi ONE+ user who needs to add a multi-tool to their kit, the RMT1801M is an easy recommendation. At around £55 body only, with batteries they already own from other ONE+ tools, the effective cost of entry is very low and the performance is more than adequate for the kinds of tasks a multi-tool handles in typical home DIY – door frame undercuts, drywall cut-outs, sanding in awkward corners, removing old adhesive and grout. It does everything a multi-tool needs to do at a price that makes it a sensible addition rather than a major purchase decision.

Compared directly to the other multi-tools we have tested, the Ryobi sits in a clear pecking order. The Bosch GOP 18V-28 and DeWalt DCS355 are better tools in terms of vibration damping, cutting speed and build quality – but they cost significantly more and require different platform batteries. Within its own category of affordable cordless multi-tools the RMT1801M punches above its price point, and the universal accessory adapter removes what would otherwise be a meaningful ongoing cost disadvantage.

Where it falls short is longevity and refinement. The plastic construction feels less substantial than premium alternatives, and extended use on harder materials will become fatiguing faster than with better-damped tools. For a professional who uses a multi-tool daily this matters significantly. For a homeowner who reaches for it occasionally during renovation projects, it is perfectly adequate and represents very good value within the ONE+ ecosystem.