Ryobi P517 Troubleshooting

Blade clamp will not hold or release blade properly. 

After being used for a prolonged period, the blade begins to wear. The blade will become dull over time, and the part of the blade that slots into the blade clamp can become bent or broken. This could interfere with the blade’s stability in the clamp. It could also cause the blade to remain stuck in the clamp. In either of these cases, the blade needs to be replaced with a manufacturer-specific blade.

The blade clamp can stop functioning after it has been used a couple of times. This can be because of the debris that get caught while being used or after being used. A way to prevent this is by cleaning the saw after being used with a small stick or compressed air to blow the debris out of the blade clamp area.

If the blade clamp will not firmly hold the blade in place, something is interfering with the clamp’s function. This can happen due to extensive use or rough handling. The release lever assembly is mainly made of plastic. Due to this, the assembly can break from stress. This stress can be accrued over a long period of usage or through rough handling. If the blade clamp assembly is broken, it must be replaced.

Batteries die quickly. 

This saw is only designed to use a Ryobi-branded 18V battery. If an alternative battery is used, the saw may not operate correctly/efficiently. Ensure that the battery is Ryobi-branded and 18V. After market or alternatively branded batteries can interfere with the saw’s performance.

The battery’s charger must connect properly for optimal battery life. Ensure that the battery charger is created for the specific battery being used. Additionally, provide the battery ample time to recharge between uses. Ensure the battery charger is plugged into a working power source. If the battery charger is plugged in but the light does not turn on, then the charger is faulty.

If the battery is not properly connected to the saw, the power will not transfer effectively. Debris on the connecting pieces can interfere with the connection. Clean the battery port with a dry cloth and then a high-percentage alcohol to remove any dirt or debris. Wipe the battery’s connection area with a dry cloth as well. Ensure the battery is connected to the saw correctly and remains secure in the port throughout usage. Use this guide to replace the battery.

When in use, the saw becomes hot and/or begins to smoke. 

If the saw’s environment is too hot, the device can overheat. Do not operate the saw in extreme temperatures or place the saw or its battery near fire or large heat sources. Also, ensure that the device and its battery are being stored in temperatures between 50° F and 100° F.

Sawdust and/or debris can likely clog the vents on either side of the saw’s body, preventing adequate ventilation. Use a dry cloth to remove debris from the vents. For smaller areas, use a clean toothbrush to brush out debris. If there is a possibility that debris is clogged inside the saw, use this guide to open the saw’s housing assembly and carefully remove debris with a dry cloth.

If the battery charger is not the correct charger for the battery you are using, it could promote overheating. If the battery charger supplies too much power to the battery, the battery will overheat, which could cause the saw itself to overheat. If this occurs, immediately stop using the saw. Set the saw aside and allow it to cool down to safe operating temperatures. If the saw is not allowed to cool down soon after overheating the battery, motor, or wiring could be catastrophically broken and must be replaced. See this guide here for replacing the motor and this guide here for replacing the battery.

The trigger is pulled, but saw does not activate. 

The trigger has a safety at the top of the handle to prevent the saw from activating prematurely. To see if the safety is on, check which side of the handle the safety is protruding from. If the safety is activated, it will protrude out the left side of the handle and will display an image of a closed lock. If the safety is not active, it will protrude out the right side of the handle and will display an image of an open lock.

The trigger can become physically jammed by debris. If the device is not properly cleaned in between sessions of use, debris can build up in the trigger mechanism along the sides of the trigger mechanism or in the safety mechanism. To fix this issue, clear any debris that may be blocking the trigger mechanism from the outside. If this does not fix the issue, open the saw and clean out the debris that is inside the shell.

The wiring that leads from the trigger mechanism to the circuit board assembly could break. The wiring could overheat and eventually melt with long, repeated periods of usage. Additionally, if the saw is handled too roughly, the wiring could break from physical stress. If either of these issues occurs, the wiring must be replaced. See our guide here for how to replace the wiring.

When using the saw, it suddenly stops.  

When the saw is in use and working with a variety of materials, debris catches in the assembly and jams the device. To avoid this issue, use the saw with one type of material at a time and remove any debris between uses. Use this guide to remove the saw’s housing assembly for a deeper cleaning.

Avoid using the saw to cut thick and dense materials. Cutting nails or screws stuck in a 4 x 4 would overstress the motor with extended, improper use. The saw is meant for softer and pliable materials like thin wood and drywall. If the motor is overstressed, it may need to be replaced. See our guide here to replace the motor.

The saw dies quickly. 

A common problem with the device is that it is very fragile. During prolonged use, components can break or malfunction if the saw is not used or handled properly. This can be avoided by using the device to a certain capacity. The saw should only be used to cut small branches, small bushes, and anything that may not overwork certain parts of the saw.

Often, the saw’s motor can begin to smoke and cause the device to stop working. This is caused by using the saw to cut large object. This overworks the motor causing internal problems with the circuit board assembly. Avoid using the saw to cut things not advertised by the producer. Additionally, be sure to store the device inside a cool, dry place. This helps with device longevity as it prevents moisture build-up in the device and keeps the device at optimal temperatures. Both internal moisture build-up and high temperatures can cause internal circuit problems. If the motor is irreversibly fried, it must be replaced. Use this guide to replace the motor.