Larry, others:
I can't seem to be able to retain the blades in my 18v Ryobi reciprocating saw. My only need for it is when I go to my local pick & pull salvage yard - anywhere else I'll use my Super-Sawsall. When cutting thru sheetmetal - where occasionaly the blade will stick or bind, it comes out of the collet. Frequently I am unable to get more than 15 to 20 seconds (!) of sawing without the blase coming out.
I have tried various brands of blades, I have chamfered the hole in the blade (the saw collet has a ball bearing that is the locking device). I have relieved material in the housing to make sure the blade release is not being triggered by the housing inadvertantly. I have tried to side load the blade to the collet in all directions. Nothing has made a difference.
Have you had issues retaining blades in your Ryobi recip saw? I really do not want to buy a different brand if I can avoid it to have common batterys between tools. I have considered buying a replacement blade collet (about $25 as a service part + shipping) if that would solve the problem.
If you wish to contact me directly, my address is aribert at live dot com (the default address in the header is in active.
TIA for any insight