July 10, 2026 — A consumer has reported that their Ryobi ONE+ 18V reciprocating saw, model PCL515B, caught fire while in use, raising significant safety concerns. The incident highlights potential hazards with the popular power tool, with the user noting similar experiences reported by others online.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On June 18, 2026, a consumer reported that their Ryobi ONE+ 18V battery-powered reciprocating saw, model PCL515B, ignited and began flaming and smoking during operation. The user noted having attempted to contact Ryobi support on three separate occasions regarding the issue but received no response. The report also mentions that numerous other owners have posted online reviews detailing similar experiences of the motor “burning up.” The consumer expressed serious concerns about the product’s safety, warning of the potential for severe burns or even starting a forest fire due to the uncontrolled ignition.
Safety Concerns
This incident, coupled with other online reports, points to serious safety concerns associated with the Ryobi PCL515B reciprocating saw:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary and most immediate danger is the risk of fire and severe burns to the user. A tool catching fire while in operation can lead to uncontrolled flames, smoke inhalation, and direct contact burns.
- Long-Term Risks: Beyond direct user injury, a flaming power tool presents a significant risk of property damage. If used in or near flammable materials, or in outdoor settings like dry brush, it could potentially ignite a structure fire or a forest fire, leading to widespread destruction and environmental damage.
- Who Might Be Affected: This issue poses a risk to any consumer operating the Ryobi PCL515B reciprocating saw. The potential for the tool to unexpectedly ignite places all users at risk, regardless of their experience level. Bystanders and surrounding property are also at risk from potential fire spread.
- Property Damage Potential: The incident describes “flaming and smoking,” indicating a significant fire hazard that could damage work surfaces, surrounding equipment, and larger property if the fire is not quickly contained.
What Consumers Should Do
Given the reported safety concerns, consumers who own the Ryobi PCL515B reciprocating saw should take the following precautions:
- Immediately Cease Use: If you own a Ryobi PCL515B reciprocating saw, stop using it immediately, especially if you notice any unusual noises, smells, smoke, or signs of overheating.
- Check Your Product: Verify if your reciprocating saw is the PCL515B model. The model number is typically located on a label on the tool body.
- Store Safely: Remove the battery from the tool and store both the tool and battery in a cool, dry place, away from flammable materials. Do not attempt to repair the tool yourself.
- Monitor for Signs of Malfunction: Be vigilant for any indicators of a potential problem, such as unusual smells, smoke, excessive heat, or performance issues during future use of any power tool.
- Report Incidents: If you experience any issues with this product or any other consumer product, report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.saferproducts.gov. This helps the CPSC identify potential hazards and take action.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Attempt to contact One World Technologies, Inc. (Ryobi’s manufacturer) to report your experience and inquire about potential remedies or recalls, even if previous attempts have been unsuccessful.
Manufacturer’s Response
No manufacturer response has been provided in the incident report.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.