wrote:
I have what has to be the ultimate boneheaded question.

Not nearly the ultimate...but it's up there.

I purchased a Ryobi circular saw, the 7 1/4" laser version. I took it
out of its case, installed the blade, made my cuts - and now, for the
life of me, I can't figure out how to fit it back in its case! I've
turned it this way and that, have found some orientations that almost
work but would require twisting the cord at an odd angle.

This isn't the worst problem in the world, but it is annoying. Does
someone else on this group have one of these saws, and know how to fit
it back into its case?

Here's a picture of one in its case
http://i2.ebayimg.com/03/i/06/e8/cd/a1_1.JPG

Did you mess around with the blade depth adjustment? If the blade
isn't fully exposed (bottomed out) the saw may not sit all the way
down in the case.

R