Cutting sheet metal often requires precision, particularly when working with curved layouts and tight spaces. Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel 16-Gauge Scroll Shear (2487) aims to address these challenges with a cordless design tailored for professionals. The tool offers five speed modes and a variable-speed dial, allowing users to adjust cutting speed based on the task. This flexibility proves valuable for maintaining control during detailed cuts, where consistency matters more than speed.
Speed Control and Auto-Load Mode
The shear’s speed modes range from 12,300 to 3,600 strokes per minute, with an Auto-Load feature that begins at a slower speed before ramping up once the blades engage the material. This design reduces manual speed adjustments, combining precise starts with efficient cutting. Users can manually fine-tune speed via a dial, enhancing adaptability for various cutting scenarios. The tool’s versatility extends beyond straight lines, supporting curved and complex shapes effectively.
Milwaukee specifies the 2487 can cut up to 16-gauge mild steel, 18-gauge stainless steel, and 16-gauge aluminum, along with 26-gauge spiral duct seams. Its 1/2-inch turning radius enables tight curves, a critical feature for HVAC and sheet-metal work. The design prioritizes clean, debris-free cuts, minimizing mess in occupied or finished spaces.
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Design and Ergonomics
The shear weighs 2.8 pounds as a bare tool, increasing to 3.25 pounds with a CP2.5Ah battery. At 10.25 inches long, its barrel-grip design mirrors the M12 Fuel 16-gauge nibbler (2476), offering familiar handling. The grip felt comfortable in medium-sized hands, though balance shifts with lighter batteries. Using a 5.0 or 6.0Ah battery improves weight distribution, adding minimal heft for better control.
Vibration levels, while present, remained manageable during testing, comparable to a Pro-grade oscillating multi-tool. The metal finger guard, measuring 5¼ inches long and 2¼ inches wide, enhances safety by redirecting cuttings away from the hand. This feature is particularly useful for preventing accidental nicks during extended use.
Additional features include a two-position belt hook for convenient storage, an LED work light for dark areas, and compatibility with the full M12 battery line. Replacement blades (48-44-2771) are available for long-term use.
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The shear’s five speed modes provide granular control, with each mode offering distinct stroke rates. Mode one operates at 12,300 strokes per minute, escalating to 3,600 in mode five. This allows users to match speed precisely to material thickness and cut complexity. The Auto-Load mode starts slowly for accurate positioning, then ramps up automatically once the blades engage the metal, reducing manual adjustments.
Specialized Use and Value
The 2487 is tailored for professionals who regularly perform scroll cutting, particularly in HVAC and detailed sheet-metal applications. Its 1/2-inch turning radius and material-specific capacities (16-gauge mild steel, 18-gauge stainless, etc.) make it ideal for tight, precise cuts that general-purpose tools struggle with.