Milwaukee is filling a specialty hole in its M12 lineup. The new M12 FUEL 16-Gauge Scroll Shear (2487-20) is up for pre-order at $299, with shipments starting September 11, 2026.
It cuts mild steel, stainless, and spiral duct seams on the same 12V platform already powering over 250 M12 tools.
The 2487-20 is a niche tool built for HVAC, sheet metal, electrical trim, and any trade that works with thin-gauge metal on a regular basis. The headline benefit: you finally get cordless convenience without giving up the cutting capacity of a corded scroll shear.
Specs at a Glance
- Cutting capacity (mild steel): 16 gauge
- Cutting capacity (stainless): 18 gauge
- Cutting capacity (aluminum): 16 gauge
- Spiral duct seams: 26 gauge
- Minimum turning radius: 1/2 inch
- Speed control: 5-mode variable-speed dial with Auto-Load mode
- Motor: POWERSTATE brushless
- Battery platform: M12 (any M12 battery)
- List price (bare tool): $299
- Ship date: September 11, 2026
What Auto-Load Mode Does
The 5-mode dial is the same layout Milwaukee uses on its other M12 FUEL specialty tools. Auto-Load is the standout: the motor starts slow, then ramps up only when it senses load.
The practical effect is cleaner starts on the edge of a sheet, less wandering, and better cuts in thin materials where too much speed throws the blade off the line.
For trim work, you want that. For long straight runs, you can dial up to a higher mode. The 1/2-inch turning radius is also industry-standard, so layout marks from a corded scroll shear transfer straight over.
How It Compares to Corded Scroll Shears
Most cordless sheet-metal work today gets done one of two ways: a die grinder with a cutoff wheel, or a nibbler. Both work but neither cuts a clean edge.
A scroll shear slices instead of abrasively grinding, so there’s no heat-affected zone, no burr cleanup, and no dust. If you’ve ever watched an electrician or HVAC tech finish-cut a piece of 18-gauge galvanized, the difference is obvious.
DeWalt’s ATOMIC 20V MAX Extended Die Grinder (DCG420XB) is the closest alternative in the cordless specialty-metalworking space, but it’s a grinder, not a shear. Different tool for different work.
Where It Fits in M12
Milwaukee’s M12 line already has the M12 FUEL Die Grinder (3486-20) and the redesigned M12 FUEL Ratchet for specialty trades. The 2487-20 closes the gap on the cutting side.
Pre-existing cordless scroll shears from other brands exist, but few hit this price point on a major-brand battery platform.
If you’re already in M12, this is one of those tools that gets added without a new battery investment. The kit version (model number not yet published as of July 16) should ship around the same time, with the FORGE or HIGH OUTPUT XC packs.
How to Pre-Order
- Model: 2487-20 (bare tool, $299)
- Pre-order: Ohio Power Tool and authorized Milwaukee dealers
- Ships: September 11 to 18, 2026
- Channel: Milwaukee is exclusive to Home Depot, but the 2487-20 should also land at independent Milwaukee dealers (Acme Tools, Ohio Power Tool, etc.). It will NOT show up on Amazon.
Pre-order it at Ohio Power Tool (free shipping over $199). Prices and ship dates are pulled from Ohio Power Tool’s product listing on July 16, 2026. Confirm directly with the retailer before ordering.
Sources: Ohio Power Tool, Milwaukee M12 FUEL 16-Gauge Scroll Shear; Milwaukee Tool