RYOBI Cordless Circular Saw Lineup: Real Models & Specs
RYOBI doesn’t make a product literally called a “Skil saw” — “Skilsaw” is a genericized trademark from the separate SKIL brand that people now use to mean any circular saw. What RYOBI actually sells is a lineup of ONE+ 18V cordless circular saws in four blade sizes: 4-1/2″, 5-1/2″, 6-1/2″ (model P507), and 7-1/4″ HP Brushless (model PBLCS300B/PBLCS302B).
That naming mix-up matters because it’s easy to end up comparing the wrong things when shopping. Here’s what RYOBI’s actual cordless circular saw lineup looks like, with real specs for each model.
RYOBI’s Real Cordless Circular Saw Lineup
| Model | Blade Size | Depth of Cut (90°) | Motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V ONE+ 4-1/2″ | 4-1/2″ | Compact, light-duty | Brushed |
| 18V ONE+ 5-1/2″ | 5-1/2″ | 1-9/16″ | Brushed, ~4,600 RPM |
| 18V ONE+ 6-1/2″ (P507) | 6-1/2″ | 2-1/16″ (1-7/16″ at 45°) | Brushed, 40% more power than the 5-1/2″ |
| 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 7-1/4″ (PBLCS300B/302B) | 7-1/4″ | 2-9/16″ (1-13/16″ at 45°) | Brushless, ~5,000 RPM, ~325 cuts/charge |
All four run on RYOBI’s ONE+ 18V battery platform, so a battery you already own for another ONE+ tool works across the whole line. The 7-1/4″ HP Brushless model is the one built to match corded circular saw performance — RYOBI markets it specifically as cutting like a corded saw, and the specs (5,000 RPM, 2-9/16″ depth of cut) back that up on paper.
Which Size Should You Get?
- 4-1/2″: light trim work, thin material, tightest spaces — not a general-purpose framing saw.
- 5-1/2″: a good all-around compact size for most home DIY cutting.
- 6-1/2″ (P507): steps up to cutting through standard 2-by dimensional lumber in one pass.
- 7-1/4″ HP Brushless: the closest cordless gets to a corded saw’s cutting depth and speed — the pick if you’re replacing a corded saw entirely.
Blade Options
Blade choice matters more than the saw itself for cut quality:
- Crosscut blades: cutting across the wood grain
- Rip blades: cutting along the grain
- Combination blades: general-purpose, decent at both
- Fine-tooth/plywood blades: cleaner edges on plywood and veneered material
Match the blade’s bore size and diameter to your specific model — the 7-1/4″ saw and the smaller models don’t share blades.
Safety Features
RYOBI’s cordless circular saws include a retractable blade guard and, on most models, an electric brake that stops the blade quickly when you release the trigger. Always wear eye and ear protection, keep both hands on the saw during a cut, and clear the work area of obstacles before starting.
Cordless Vs. Corded: The Real Trade-off
A corded circular saw gives you unlimited runtime and no battery weight, which still matters for all-day framing work. A cordless saw like RYOBI’s HP Brushless 7-1/4″ closes most of the performance gap and adds the freedom to work anywhere without an extension cord — the real cost is managing battery charge and carrying spares for longer jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RYOBI Make A “Skil Saw”?
Not literally — “Skilsaw” is a trademarked name from the separate SKIL brand that became a generic term for circular saws. RYOBI’s equivalent products are its ONE+ 18V cordless circular saws in 4-1/2″, 5-1/2″, 6-1/2″, and 7-1/4″ sizes.
What Is RYOBI’s Most Powerful Cordless Circular Saw?
The 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 7-1/4″ (model PBLCS300B/PBLCS302B), with a brushless motor running about 5,000 RPM and a 2-9/16″ depth of cut at 90 degrees — RYOBI positions it as matching corded circular saw performance.
Can I Use The Same Battery Across RYOBI’s Circular Saw Sizes?
Yes. All of RYOBI’s cordless circular saws in this lineup run on the ONE+ 18V battery platform, so one battery works across the 4-1/2″, 5-1/2″, 6-1/2″, and 7-1/4″ models, plus RYOBI’s other ONE+ tools.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a “Ryobi Skil saw,” what you actually want is one of RYOBI’s ONE+ 18V cordless circular saws — and which one depends on the job. For general DIY, the 5-1/2″ or 6-1/2″ (P507) covers most needs; for cutting performance close to a corded saw, the 7-1/4″ HP Brushless is the one built for it.
