Description
Milwaukee 2487-20 M12 FUEL 16 Gauge Scroll Shear – Tool Only
Ditch hand snips and bulky corded shears for good. The Milwaukee 2487-20 M12 FUEL™ 16-Gauge Scroll Shear packs true corded-cutting performance into a compact, sub-compact 12V frame built for HVAC, mechanical, and sheet metal pros. Engineered to execute ultra-tight 1/2" radius turns, it allows you to trace intricate patterns, cut round takeoff collars, and glide through curved sheet metal profiles with pinpoint accuracy.
Powered by a POWERSTATE™ brushless motor, this cordless scroll shear effortlessly powers through 16-gauge mild steel, 18-gauge stainless steel, and tough 26-gauge spiral duct seams at up to 17 feet per minute—without leaving jagged burrs, curled ribbons, or sharp chips in finished areas. Equipped with a 5-mode variable-speed dial and an intelligent Auto-Load mode, the tool starts smoothly for perfect line alignment and ramps up speed under load automatically to maximize your workflow.
Key Features:
- Tight 1/2" Cut Radius: Delivers tight radial turns and precision curve cutting without twisting or deforming surrounding sheet metal.
- Debris-Free, Burr-Free Cutting: Leaves clean edges with zero sharp shavings or metal filings—ideal for pre-installed ductwork and finished clean environments.
- Spiral Duct Capacity: Delivers corded-class power to cut clean through multi-layer 26-gauge spiral duct seams.
- 5-Mode Speed Dial + Auto-Load: Offers full control from 2,300 to 3,600 SPM; Auto-Load starts slow for accurate line starts, then automatically ramps to full throttle under load.
- POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor: Maximizes battery runtime and delivers high cutting speeds up to 17 ft/min.
- Four-Sided Indexable Blades: Rotatable blades feature four sharp edges for extended operational lifespan before replacement.
- Sub-Compact Ergonomics: Weighing just 2.8 lbs at 10.2" long, it reduces wrist fatigue and slips easily between joists, studs, and overhead runs.
- Jobsite Essentials: Integrated bright LED work light, lock-on slide switch, and reversible heavy-duty belt clip.
What’s Included:
- (1) M12 FUEL™ 16-Gauge Scroll Shear (2487-20)
- (2) Shear Blades (Pre-installed)
- (1) Feeler Gauge
- (1) 2mm Hex Key
- (1) 3mm Hex Key
- (Note: M12™ battery and charger sold separately)
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Model Number | 2487-20 |
| Platform | Milwaukee M12 FUEL™ |
| Motor Type | POWERSTATE™ Brushless |
| Strokes Per Minute (SPM) | 2,300 – 3,600 SPM |
| Speed Control | 5-Mode Dial + Auto-Load Mode |
| Max Cutting Speed | Up to 17 ft/min (5.2 m/min) |
| Minimum Cut Radius | 1/2" (12.7 mm) |
| Mild Steel Capacity | 16 Gauge |
| Stainless Steel Capacity | 18 Gauge |
| Aluminum Capacity | 16 Gauge |
| Spiral Seam Capacity | 26 Gauge |
| Switch Type | Slide Switch with Lock-On |
| Tool Length (Bare) | 10.2" |
| Tool Weight (Bare) | 2.8 lbs |
| Replacement Blade SKU | 48-44-2771 |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited Tool Warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a scroll shear and a standard offset shear?
Standard metal shears are designed primarily for long, straight slitting and wide, sweeping curves. The 2487-20 Scroll Shear features a specialized cutting head capable of making tight 1/2" radius turns, allowing you to cut circles, round takeoffs, and intricate patterns in sheet metal that traditionally required manual aviation snips.
How does the Auto-Load mode function?
Auto-Load is an intelligent speed setting selectable on the variable-speed dial. When engaged, the tool operates at a lower SPM while aligning your blade against the cut line for maximum precision. As soon as the blade encounters cutting resistance, the tool automatically ramps up to maximum speed to deliver fast, productive cutting.
Can the 2487-20 cut through double-folded spiral duct seams?
Yes. The POWERSTATE™ brushless motor delivers enough torque to power cleanly through tough 26-gauge spiral duct seams without binding or stalling the tool.
How do the indexable blades work when they get dull?
The cutter uses four-sided indexable blades. When an edge dulls, loosen the blade retaining screw using the included hex keys, rotate the blade 90 degrees to an unused sharp cutting edge, and retighten. Once all four edges are worn, replace the set with Milwaukee kit 48-44-2771.
Does this tool generate metal shavings or hot sparks?
No. Unlike nibblers (which produce sharp half-moon chips) or cutoff wheels (which produce heat, dust, and sparks), the scroll shear shears cleanly through sheet metal, producing virtually zero waste shavings and leaving smooth, burr-free edges.
Product Specifications
category_bullets: |
• Milwaukee M12 FUEL 16-Gauge Scroll Shear (2487-20) Core: Compact cordless brushless scroll shear delivers fast, clean 1/2" radius cuts in 16-gauge mild steel. • 16-Gauge Capacity. • Brushless Motor. |
selling_points: |
✔️ Precision Radius Cuts: Engineered to make tight 1/2" radius turns cleanly through 16-gauge mild and 18-gauge stainless steel. ✔️ 5-Mode Speed Dial: Ultimate control. |