Ryobi ONE+ 18V 8 in. Cordless Battery Pruning Chainsaw review

Ryobi has an ever growing line of OPE in the 18v line. The pruning chainsaw went on sale down to $69 and the team at Ultimate Tool Reviews picked up one for testing. Here are some quick specs and lets jump into the review. model # P5452BTL

• 8 in. bar and chain

• Lightweight, compact design for reduced fatigue

• Ideal for light pruning and limbing

• Oil-free function for simple operation

• Side access chain tensioning and on-board tool storage for easy adjustments

• Install SAFE-T-TIP prior to use

• Works with all RYOBI 18V ONE+ lithium-ion tools and batteries

• 3-year limited tool warranty

In testing I found the 8 inch bar and chain to be a perfect fit for this size and power of a chainsaw, for fun I did try a 12 inch bar and chain, which worked fine but drained the battery pretty quick. The saw has good power for the size and quickly trims through any pruning task.

To switch out a bar or chain is very simple, just one bolt to remove. Same goes for the chain tensioner, just as simple and fast to do.

This chainsaw has a 2 button power on operation, you pull back on the top switch and squeeze on the button on the handle, while this is great there is no chain break on this saw, which makes the saw less safe to use then others.

Cuts were smooth and even though this saw doesn’t have an oil system, it seems to still run pretty cool. During my testing I added some bar and chain oil directly to the bar just to be safe.

Ryobi is thinking ahead here by including a tool to remove the bar and chain as well as adjust the chain tension right into the handle.

My final thoughts are this is an excellent saw for the price, especially when it goes on sale. It’s light, simple to use and has enough power for most branches you will find in your back yard. The lack of chain break is concerning, but overall I would recommend this saw.