The Milwaukee M12 FUEL 16 Gauge Scroll Shear, model 2487-20, is a cordless sheet metal cutting tool built for fast, clean, debris-free cuts in common jobsite metals. This is a scroll shear designed for cutting sheet metal, spiral duct seams, and tight-radius curves. If you work in HVAC, metal fabrication, or service work where corded tools get in the way, this tool is built to give you corded-class cutting capacity in a smaller, easier-to-handle M12 platform format.

What makes this tool matter is the mix of capacity and control. It is rated to cut 16-gauge mild steel, 18-gauge stainless steel, 16-gauge aluminum, and 26-gauge spiral duct seams. That is the range a lot of techs and installers actually deal with, and the 1/2 inch cut radius gives it the maneuverability to follow tighter layouts without fighting the tool. Because it is a scroll shear, it is a better fit for curved work and seam work than a straight-line cutter when the layout gets tight.

Milwaukee pairs that cutting ability with a POWERSTATE brushless motor and a 5-mode variable speed dial. On the job, that means you can slow the tool down when you need to stay on a line, then bring the speed up when the material and cut path allow it. The Auto-Load mode is especially useful for starting precise cuts because it eases into the material and ramps up once the tool is working. That helps reduce jump at the start of a cut and makes the tool feel more predictable in lighter-gauge material.

The compact body is one of the big selling points here. Milwaukee positions this scroll shear as a lightweight, balanced option for better access and mobility, and that lines up with the tool-only weight of about 2.8 pounds and the overall length of 10.2 inches. For overhead work, ladder work, or cuts inside tighter mechanical spaces, those numbers matter. A smaller tool is not just easier to carry. It is easier to keep steady when you are following a curve or working along installed duct.

Milwaukee also built in practical details that make sense for real use. Variable speed and an LED work light are both included, which helps when you are cutting in dim mechanical rooms, above ceilings, or in areas where layout lines are hard to see. The tool is designed for debris-free cutting, which is a real advantage when you want a cleaner finished edge and less mess around the work area.

Because this is part of the Milwaukee M12 battery platform, it makes the most sense for users already invested in M12 batteries and chargers. If your truck already carries M12 gear, adding this bare tool is a straightforward move. You get the flexibility of cordless metal cutting without adding another battery system to manage. Milwaukee also notes that it is part of an M12 lineup with more than 250 tools, which matters for tradespeople trying to keep one compact platform for service and punch-list work.

The ideal buyer is the person who needs more than occasional sheet metal cutting and wants better mobility than a corded shear. HVAC installers, ductwork crews, sheet metal shops, maintenance teams, and remodelers doing metal trim or flashing work are the obvious fit. Serious DIY users can benefit from it too, but this is not really a casual-use specialty tool. It is best for buyers who will actually use the tight-radius cutting ability and appreciate the control features enough to justify stepping up to a dedicated cordless scroll shear.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 16 Gauge Scroll Shear

This is the kind of specialty cordless metal cutting tool that earns its spot fast if you do duct, flashing, or curved sheet metal work more than once in a while.

• Who it's for: HVAC installers, sheet metal mechanics, maintenance crews, and remodelers who need tight-radius cutting in installed material or cramped spaces.
• Why it stands out: The real value is the combination of 16-gauge mild steel capacity, 1/2 inch turning radius, and M12 portability. That is a useful mix, not just a spec-sheet flex.
• Worth knowing: This is a bare tool, so it makes the most sense if you already run M12 batteries. If you mostly cut straight lines in open shop conditions, a different shear style may be a better fit.

• What materials can this scroll shear cut? It is rated for 16-gauge mild steel, 18-gauge stainless steel, 16-gauge aluminum, and 26-gauge spiral duct seams.
• Is this a cordless tool? Yes. It is a cordless M12 tool that runs on Milwaukee 12V M12 batteries.
• Does it have variable speed? Yes. It has a 5-mode variable speed dial and an Auto-Load mode for added control and productivity.
• How tight of a turn can it make? The stated cut radius is 1/2 inch, which is the key reason to choose a scroll shear for tighter curved work.
• Does it include a battery and charger? No. This 2487-20 version is tool only.