Ryobi One+ P505 Circular Saw Review

Editor Rating: 4.3/5
Great
Ryobi One+ P505 Review
Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson
Published on: January 14, 2019
Last modified:
January 14, 2019 @ 3:02 pm
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Ryobi P505 Review Summary:
The Ryobi One+ P505 is just the thing you need for light-duty DIY or home repair work. One of the many advantages of this unit is its efficiency at cutting boards to size. Ryobi’s line of cordless circular saws has been receiving positive reviews mostly because of the fact that so much power comes at such a small price.
The P505G continues the same tradition. It’s ergonomic design, durability and power are the reasons behind it being one of the best-selling circular saw in the market. It might not meet all the requirements of a professional contractor, but it ought to satisfy the needs of any hobbyist or homeowner.
Its portability allows you to use it wherever you need it the most and it comes with various settings that will come in handy sooner or later. It would almost be a perfect buy if it weren’t for the lack of battery in the package.
Ryobi P505 Specifications:
- Weight -5.3 lbs
- Dimensions -13.4″ x 8.8″ x 7.7″
- Power source -Li-Ion Battery (not included)
- Speed 4700 RPM
- Voltage -18V
Ryobi One+ P505 – The Basics
Ryobi One+ P505 is a cordless, compact saw that measures at 5.5“. Since it operates on 18V, it doesn’t consume much power, and yet, is quite powerful for its size. The front pommel is designed to be operated with both hands, which is something that is more typical of a 7.25” saw.
What sets it apart from not only other, older Ryobi saws, but also the rest of the saws on the market, is its elegant GRIPZONE over-mold, that is designed for optimum grip and user comfort. The blade is positioned on the left side, which allows for a better view of the cut line. It can cut up to 1 9/16″ at 90° and 1 1/8″ at 45°.
The arbor size of the blade is 10mm. Along with the saw, you’ll get a 5.5″ carbide blade, which is much more durable than a standard blade. The P505 works at 4700 RPM and doesn’t have a load speed. It is also comprised of more plastic than other similar units, but it is mostly focused on the grip.

The Features
The Design
The compact and transparent lower guard leaves a great first impression. The handles are molded with the new GripZone over-mold that improves usability and allows for better comfort. The blade is positioned on the left and rotates clockwise, while the maingrip is on the right.
That ensures an excellent overview of the cut line. Each handle has a precise angle. There is also a blade wrench storage that enables easy access.
The 5.5″ blade can be position between 90-degree and 50-degree angles. This unit is capable of making cuts of up to 1 9/16“. It might be a bit shallow, but it is reasonable considering the size of the blade.
The base shoe is well designed and comes with scale readings, but doesn’t perform well when used for harsh applications. Overall, the P505 is not intended for heavy-duty use, and it is generally not recommended to rely on a cordless circular saw for more time-consuming tasks.
The P505’s bevel has a 50° capacity which allows you to perform various angular cuts. The lock knob is located on the front and is equipped with a scale that is designed to increase precision. The cell is loaded from the right and is easy to slide in and out.
There is also the spindle lock button that allows you to quickly change blades. All of the setting and adjustments are conveniently positioned for better use
Power
The Ryobi One+ P505 has an 18V motor that’s powered by Ryobi’s One+ Li-Ion cells. The max. speed of the circular blade is 47000 RPM. It might not be as fast as a corded model, but it’s above average for a cordless unit, and the speed is sufficient enough for making neat cuts.
Just like with most other Ryobi models, you’ll have to purchase a battery separately. However, if you already have a cordless Ryobi power tool, you are in luck, as Ryobi’s One+ 18V Li-Ion batteries are cross-platform, meaning that they are compatible with all of their products. You can even use some older NiCad batteries of the same manufacturer, but it’s best to check the manual for compatibility.

Pros:
Budget-friendly
Powerful, above average RPM
Durable
Carbide-tipped blade
Compact
Durable
Ergonomic grip
Cons:
No battery included
No LED or laser guide
Things we liked about it
The user-friendly design is what most people like about the P505, aside from its affordability, which seems to have become a trademark characteristic of Ryobi. It is an excellent tool for newbies as all of the adjustments are easy to get the hang of. It has an ergonomic, compact design making it a great backup tool for pros, and a great tool to have for home repairs.
Things we didn’t like
To make the product even more affordable, unfortunately, there is no battery included in the package. If you already don’t have a Ryobi unit, it might be a bit infuriating. However, the fact that the same battery can be used with different Ryobi products is consoling.
The lack of a laser guide is not a big deal, as the unit is already great for precise use, but since other, similar circular saws of the same manufacturer do have laser guides, there is no sound reason why not to include one in the package
General User Impressions Of The Ryobi One+ P505
An excellent power tool that is perfect for light-duty DIY woodwork or for use in a small workshop of your own. It is especially great if you already own a Ryobi product, as you can use the same battery. Ryobi continues to deliver excellent tools, and they are confident enough to back them with 3-year warranties, which says a lot.
Conclusion
For users who are fond of other Ryobi units, the P505’s power comes as no surprise. It goes along great with rest of the One+ family, and is better to buy along with another Ryobi unit because of the universally compatible batteries. You get a lot of power in a compact, cordless form, without the risk of tipping over wires and cords -definitely worth the purchase.
