Ryobi P2505 18 Volt Pruning Shear Operator's Manual

This manual provides essential safety instructions, operating procedures, and maintenance guidelines for the Ryobi P2505 18 Volt Pruning Shear.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING! Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

Work Area Safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres (flammable liquids, gases, dust). Power tools create sparks that may ignite dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away. Distractions can cause loss of control.

Electrical Safety

• Ensure power tool plugs match the outlet. Never modify the plug. Do not use adapter plugs with earthed power tools.
• Avoid body contact with earthed surfaces (pipes, radiators).
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
• Do not abuse the cord. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase shock risk.
• Use extension cords suitable for outdoor use when operating outdoors.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in damp locations.

Personal Safety

• Stay alert, use common sense. Do not use when tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE). Always wear eye protection.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is off before connecting to power or battery.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the tool on.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.
• Use dust extraction facilities if provided.
• Do not let familiarity lead to complacency.
• Do not use on a ladder or unstable support.
• Wear appropriate clothing: long pants, long sleeves, boots, gloves. Avoid loose clothing, short pants, sandals, or going barefoot.

Power Tool Use and Care

• Use the correct tool for the application.
• Do not use if the switch does not turn the tool on and off.
• Disconnect power/battery before making adjustments, changing accessories, or storing.
• Store idle tools out of reach of children and untrained users.
• Maintain tools. Check for misalignment, binding, or breakage. Repair if damaged.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
• Use tools and accessories according to instructions and working conditions.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry and clean.

Battery Tool Use and Care

• Use only specifically designated battery packs.
• Do not use damaged or modified battery packs or tools.
• Do not expose battery packs or tools to fire or excessive temperature (above 265°F / 130°C).
• Recharge only with the specified charger.
• Keep battery packs away from metal objects when not in use to prevent shorting.
• Avoid contact with battery liquid if ejected; flush with water if contact occurs.
• Follow charging instructions and do not charge outside specified temperature ranges.

Service

• Have tools serviced by qualified personnel using identical replacement parts.
• Never service damaged battery packs.
• Use only identical replacement parts for servicing.

Pruning Shear Safety Warnings

DANGER - Keep hands away from blade. Contact with blade will result in serious personal injury.

Maintain a firm grip on the handle while cutting.

Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with head protection.

Clear the area to be cut before each use. Remove objects like cords, lights, wire, or loose string that can entangle the blade.

Before starting, ensure the blade is not in contact with any object.

Stop the unit, remove the battery pack, and ensure the blade has stopped before setting the unit down.

Never cut material with a diameter larger than 1 inch.

Always stop the motor when cutting is delayed or when moving between cutting locations.

Keep the unit clean of clippings and materials that may lodge in the blades.

Store the unit in a dry, locked, or elevated place to prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of reach of children.

Never douse or squirt the unit with water or liquid. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from debris. Clean after each use.

Secure the unit while transporting.

Do not use the tool in bad weather, especially during lightning risk.

Keep power cords and cables away from the cutting area.

Hold the tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, as the blade may contact hidden wiring, making exposed metal parts "live" and potentially causing electric shock.

Keep all body parts away from the blade. Do not remove cut material or hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Blades continue to move after the switch is off.

When clearing jammed material or servicing, ensure the power switch is off and the battery pack is removed. Unexpected actuation can cause serious injury.

Carry the tool by the handle with the blade stopped, taking care not to operate the switch. Proper carrying reduces the risk of inadvertent starting.

When transporting or storing, always fit the blade cover. Proper handling reduces injury risk from blades.

Do not grasp exposed cutting blades or edges when picking up or holding the appliance.

Battery-operated units are always in operating condition. Be aware of hazards even when the unit is not operating.

Remove the battery pack before making adjustments, cleaning, storing, or removing material, or when not in use.

Use this product only with specified batteries and chargers.

Save these instructions for future reference and to instruct others.

Symbols

Signal Words & Meanings:

• DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation, that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
• NOTICE: Indicates important information not related to potential injury (e.g., property damage).

Product Symbols:

• ⚠️ Safety Alert: Indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
• ? Read Operator’s Manual: Read and understand the manual before use to reduce injury risk.
• ? Wear Eye Protection: Always wear eye protection with side shields compliant with ANSI Z87.1.
• ? Wet Conditions Alert: Do not expose battery, compartment, or electronics to rain, water, or liquids. Do not charge or expose to damp locations.
• ?️ Rain Symbol: Do not expose to rain.
• ⚡ Electric Shock: Use in dry conditions and observe safe practices to prevent electric shock.
• ✋ No Hands Symbol: Failure to keep hands away from the blade will result in serious personal injury.
• ? Pinch Point: Danger - Keep hands away from the blade.
• ♻️ Recycle Symbol: This product uses Li-ion batteries. Dispose of according to local regulations.
• DC Direct Current: Type or characteristic of current.
• n₀ No Load Speed: Rotational speed at no load.
• .../min Per Minute: Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, etc.
• V Volts: Voltage.
• Hz Hertz: Frequency (cycles per second).
• min Minutes: Time.

Features

Product Specifications

• Motor: 18 Volt DC
• Cutting Capacity: 1 inch (25.4 mm)

Know Your Pruning Shear

Safe use requires understanding the product and manual. Familiarize yourself with operating features and safety rules before use.

Blade

The pruning shear has a 2-inch cutting blade for small limbs and branches.

LED Light

The LED light illuminates when the switch trigger is pressed and turns off automatically about 30 seconds after the trigger is released or the battery is removed.

Lock-Out Trigger

Prevents accidental starting.

Sheath

Protects the operator from sharp blades when the tool is not in use and prevents blade damage during storage.

Switch Trigger

Activates the motor and blades when depressed and the lock-out button is engaged.

Toolless Blade Removal

Allows quick, tool-free blade removal for sharpening or replacement.

Assembly

Unpacking

This product is shipped fully assembled. Carefully remove the product and accessories from the box. Verify all items in the packing list are included.

WARNING: Do not use if not completely assembled or if parts are missing/damaged. This could result in serious personal injury.

Inspect the product for breakage or damage during shipping.

Do not discard packing material until the product has been inspected and operated satisfactorily.

If parts are damaged or missing, call 1-800-525-2579 for assistance.

Packing List

• Pruning Shear
• Blade Sheath
• Operator's Manual

WARNING: Do not operate with damaged or missing parts.

WARNING: Do not modify the product or create unrecommended accessories.

WARNING: Always remove the battery pack before assembling parts to prevent accidental starting.

Operation

DANGER: Never cut near power lines or electric sources. If the blade jams on an electrical cord, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE! It can become electrically live. Continue holding by the insulated handle or lay the tool down safely away from the line. Disconnect power to the damaged line before freeing the blade. Contact with a live blade or cord can cause death or serious injury.

WARNING: Do not let familiarity make you careless. A moment's inattention can cause serious injury.

WARNING: Always wear eye protection with side shields (ANSI Z87.1 compliant). Wear head protection for overhead cuts.

WARNING: Do not use unrecommended attachments or accessories.

Applications

This product can be used for:

• Cutting and pruning small limbs and branches.

Installing/Removing Battery Pack

See Figure 2.

WARNING: Always remove the battery pack when assembling, adjusting, cleaning, carrying, transporting, or when the tool is not in use. This prevents accidental starting.

NOTE: To avoid serious injury, remove the battery pack and keep hands clear of the lock-out button when carrying or transporting.

To install:

Insert the battery pack into the product as shown.

WARNING: Ensure battery pack latches snap into place and the pack is secure before operation.

To remove:

Depress the latches to remove the battery pack.

WARNING: Always remove the battery pack and keep hands clear of the lock-out button when carrying or transporting.

For charging instructions, see the battery and charger manuals.

Preparation for Cutting

See Figures 3-5.

This product is designed for cutting small limbs and branches up to 1 inch in diameter. The blade performs one cut per trigger press. Releasing the trigger before the cut is complete returns the blade to the open position.

• Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and protection.
• Remove the sheath.
• Press and hold the switch trigger to open the blade.

NOTE: The tool will not operate further until the switch trigger is released and pressed again.

To start the pruning shear:

• Position the open shear onto the branch to be cut.

NOTE: Cut at an angle for a cleaner cut.

• Squeeze and hold the trigger to close the blade completely.
• Release the trigger; the shears will automatically return to the fully open position before the motor stops.

Maintenance

WARNING: Always remove the battery pack before cleaning or performing any maintenance.

WARNING: Always wear eye protection (ANSI Z87.1 compliant) and head protection for overhead cuts.

WARNING: Use only recommended or equivalent replacement parts. Other parts may create a hazard or damage the product.

NOTICE: Periodically inspect the product for damaged, missing, or loose parts. Tighten fasteners. Do not operate until missing/damaged parts are replaced. Contact customer service or an authorized service center.

General Maintenance

Avoid solvents for cleaning plastic parts, as they can cause damage. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.

WARNING: Keep plastic parts away from brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc., as chemicals can damage or destroy plastic.

Replacing or Sharpening the Blade

See Figures 6-9.

WARNING: Protect hands with heavy gloves or rags when performing blade maintenance. Blade contact can cause serious injury.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Place the product on a level surface.
• Raise the tab on the blade change knob.
• Turn the knob counterclockwise to loosen and remove. NOTE: The knob is spring-loaded; hold it firmly.
• Once removed, press the spring to release and remove the blade bolt.
• Hold the cutting blade with one hand and remove the alignment pin with the other.
• Remove the cutting blade.

To sharpen or replace the cutting blade:

• Sharpen blades by rubbing a 300-400 grit sharpening stone across the cutting and fixed blade edges.
• If replacing, remove and discard the old blade.
• Place the sharpened or new blade into the unit in the open position.
• Hold the blade in place with one hand and insert the alignment pin with the other. NOTE: Ensure the alignment pin inserts completely with no gap.
• Insert the blade bolt through the alignment pin and blade. Rotate the bolt to align flat sides with the blade's oblong hole.
• Holding the bolt, press the blade change knob against the spring and turn clockwise to thread the bolt. Do not cross-thread.
• Finger tighten the blade bolt until resistance is felt. Do not overtighten.
• Lower the tab on the blade change knob. Ensure the three locking pins align and the tab lies flat. Adjust if necessary until pins engage securely.

Cleaning the Pruning Shear

• Remove the battery pack.
• Clean the body and handles with a soft, dry cloth after each use. Do not use water and soap.

Lubricating the Blade

See Figure 10.

Lubricate the blade before and after each use for easier operation and longer life. Lubricate during use for extended periods.

• Remove the battery pack.
• Place the lubricant nozzle against the steel ball on the product. Add lubricant oil into the bolt hole.

Storing the Pruning Shear

See Figure 11.

• Remove the battery pack before storing.
• Clean all foreign material from the shear.
• Always place the sheath on the blades before transporting or storing.
• Store in a place inaccessible to children.
• Keep away from corrosive agents (garden chemicals, de-icing salts).

This product has a Three-year Limited Warranty for personal, family, or household use (90 days for business or commercial use). For warranty details, visit www.ryobitools.com or call 1-800-525-2579.