You’ll get strong, clean cuts with cordless metal shears like DeWalt’s 20V models, which handle 20-gauge stainless steel and feature brushless motors for efficiency.
Milwaukee M18-compatible shears offer solid torque and pivoting heads for tight curves, while dual-battery 21V versions extend runtime on thicker materials.
Look for rotating heads, good ergonomics, and replaceable blades to match your workload.
Some models include LED lights and safety locks—smart perks that boost control.
There’s more to pick the right fit.
| Cordless Metal Shears for Dewalt 20V |  | Professional Grade | Motor Type: Brushless | Battery Compatibility: DeWalt 20V MAX / 60V FLEX | Cutting Head Rotation: 360° rotating/lockable | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Cordless Metal Cutting Shears with Dual Batteries |  | Best Value | Motor Type: Brushless | Battery Compatibility: Makita 18V/21V | Cutting Head Rotation: 360° rotating/pivoting | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Cordless Metal Shears for Milwaukee 18V |  | High-Performance Pick | Motor Type: Brushless | Battery Compatibility: Milwaukee 18V | Cutting Head Rotation: 360° pivoting | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| DeWalt 20V Cordless Metal Shear |  | Best Overall | Motor Type: Brushless | Battery Compatibility: DeWalt 18V/20V | Cutting Head Rotation: 360° rotating (adjustable) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Cordless Metal Shears for 18V Battery |  | Budget-Friendly Pick | Motor Type: Brushless | Battery Compatibility: Milwaukee M18 18V | Cutting Head Rotation: 360° adjustable/pivoting | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Cordless Sheet Metal Shear for Dewalt 20V |  | Editor’s Choice | Motor Type: Brushless | Battery Compatibility: DEWALT 20V lithium-ion | Cutting Head Rotation: 360-degree pivoting | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Cordless Electric Metal Shears for DEWALT 20V |  | Most Popular | Motor Type: Brushless | Battery Compatibility: DEWALT 20V Max | Cutting Head Rotation: 360° pivoting | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Electric Metal Scissors Cordless Cutting Tool |  | Best for Portability | Motor Type: Brushless | Battery Compatibility: Not specified (includes batteries) | Cutting Head Rotation: 360° swivel | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Cordless Metal Shears for Dewalt 20V
If you’re a contractor or DIY enthusiast working with sheet metal on job sites, these Cordless Metal Shears cut through 14 GA steel with ease and offer full compatibility with your DeWalt 20V MAX or 60V FLEX batteries—no extra power pack needed. You’ll appreciate the 400 Nm brushless motor’s durability, and the IP54 rating means dust and light moisture won’t slow you down. The rotating cutting head reduces fatigue by half, while the LED light keeps your workspace visible. You get clean cuts on metal, PVC, and more, though the bare tool means buying batteries separately.
- Motor Type:Brushless
- Battery Compatibility:DeWalt 20V MAX / 60V FLEX
- Cutting Head Rotation:360° rotating/lockable
- Max Torque:400 Nm
- Included Battery:No
- Cut Material Thickness:14 GA steel
- Additional Feature:400 Nm commercial-grade motor
- Additional Feature:IP54 dust/moisture resistance
- Additional Feature:LED shadow-free lighting
Cordless Metal Cutting Shears with Dual Batteries
You get unmatched runtime and convenience with dual 21V 4.0Ah batteries, making these cordless metal shears ideal for professionals who need extended cutting power without frequent recharge breaks. You’ll keep working longer, thanks to the fast charger and drop-in battery compatibility with Makita 18V/21V models like BL1850B and BL1840B. The 800W brushless motor delivers 300 N·m torque, slicing through 2 mm metal plates smoothly. You can cut stainless steel, iron, plastic, or leather with ease, handling curves, circles, or straight lines. The 360° pivoting head adjusts quickly with a hex key, while the anti-slip grip reduces fatigue. Safety locks and forward/reverse buttons help prevent accidents, and the included toolbox makes transport simple.
- Motor Type:Brushless
- Battery Compatibility:Makita 18V/21V
- Cutting Head Rotation:360° rotating/pivoting
- Max Torque:300 N·m
- Included Battery:Yes (2 batteries)
- Cut Material Thickness:Up to 2 mm
- Additional Feature:Includes dual 4.0Ah batteries
- Additional Feature:Variable-speed trigger control
- Additional Feature:Comes with transport toolbox
Cordless Metal Shears for Milwaukee 18V
Cordless Metal Shears for Milwaukee 18V
Cordless metal shears built for Milwaukee 18V users deliver serious cutting power in a compact, maneuverable design—ideal for roofers, HVAC techs, and metalworkers tackling on-the-go fabrication. These shears run on your existing Milwaukee 18V battery (like the 48-11-1860 or 48-11-1880), but batteries aren’t included. For best results, use a fully charged high-capacity pack. You’ll cut up to 20-gauge stainless steel with a brushless motor spinning at 2,300 RPM and delivering 221 ft-lbs of torque. A 360° pivoting head lets you cut curves, circles, and tight shapes with ease, while dual speeds (up to 1,200 cuts per minute) boost efficiency. Safety lock and forward/reverse buttons help prevent accidents.
- Motor Type:Brushless
- Battery Compatibility:Milwaukee 18V
- Cutting Head Rotation:360° pivoting
- Max Torque:300 N·m
- Included Battery:No
- Cut Material Thickness:20 gauge stainless steel / 0.1 inch
- Additional Feature:Two-speed mode selector
- Additional Feature:18,000 RPM max speed
- Additional Feature:Hex bolt head adjustment
DeWalt 20V Cordless Metal Shear
Powered by a brushless motor that delivers up to 18,000 RPM and 300 N·m of torque, the DeWalt 20V Cordless Metal Shear tackles tough materials like 20-gauge stainless steel, aluminum, and colored steel tiles with ease. You can cut through up to 3 mm thick metal cleanly and efficiently, and it handles non-metallics like plastic, carpet, and fabric too. The 360° rotating head gives you flexibility in tight spots—just loosen the hex bolt, adjust, then tighten. With forward/reverse controls and a safety lock, you stay in control. It works with your existing DeWalt 20V batteries, saving money. Though it doesn’t include a battery, the ergonomic grip reduces fatigue during long jobs.
- Motor Type:Brushless
- Battery Compatibility:DeWalt 18V/20V
- Cutting Head Rotation:360° rotating (adjustable)
- Max Torque:300 N·m
- Included Battery:No
- Cut Material Thickness:20 gauge stainless steel / 3 mm
- Additional Feature:Includes gloves and wrench
- Additional Feature:18,000 RPM brushless motor
- Additional Feature:Dual hex socket included
Cordless Metal Shears for 18V Battery
Built for pros who need precision without being tied to an outlet, these shears thrive on Milwaukee M18 18V batteries, making them ideal for metalworkers already in the M18 ecosystem. You’ll need to buy the battery separately—models like the 48-11-1820 or 48-11-1850 work best when fully charged. Powered by a brushless motor, they deliver 2300 RPM and up to 800 W, handling up to 20-gauge stainless steel smoothly. With 300 N·m of max torque, you can cut curves or straight lines thanks to the 360° pivoting head. Use steady pressure on thick metal. Forward/reverse controls and a safety lock boost control, while the ergonomic grip reduces fatigue during long jobs.
- Motor Type:Brushless
- Battery Compatibility:Milwaukee M18 18V
- Cutting Head Rotation:360° adjustable/pivoting
- Max Torque:300 N·m
- Included Battery:No
- Cut Material Thickness:20 gauge stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Compact ergonomic grip
- Additional Feature:800 W high-power output
- Additional Feature:Center-lock reverse button
Cordless Sheet Metal Shear for Dewalt 20V
If you’re tackling metal roofing, flashing, or wire mesh on the job site, this shear’s brushless motor and 360-degree pivoting head make it a smart pick for pros who demand precision and adaptability. You’ll get 133 ft-lbs of torque from any DeWalt 20V battery like the DCB201 or DCB205—no extra battery needed. It cuts up to 20-gauge stainless steel or 18-gauge sheet metal cleanly, handling curves, circles, and straight lines with ease. The pivoting head lets you work in tight spots, while the ergonomic grip reduces fatigue during long runs. It’s not for thick steel, but for detailed, versatile cutting, it’s a solid, reliable tool that fits right into your existing DeWalt setup.
- Motor Type:Brushless
- Battery Compatibility:DEWALT 20V lithium-ion
- Cutting Head Rotation:360-degree pivoting
- Max Torque:133 ft-lbs
- Included Battery:No
- Cut Material Thickness:20 gauge stainless steel / 0.1 inch
- Additional Feature:133 ft-lbs torque rating
- Additional Feature:Multi-angle pivoting head
- Additional Feature:Lightweight maneuverable design
Cordless Electric Metal Shears for DEWALT 20V
You’ll get the most out of these cordless electric metal shears if you’re a DIYer or pro who already owns DEWALT 20V Max batteries. They’re bare tools, so you’ll need a compatible battery—like the DCB200 or DCB205—for power. A fully charged, high-capacity 20V Max pack delivers up to 800W and 2300 RPM from a brushless motor, giving serious runtime and 221 ft-lbs of torque. You can cut 20-gauge stainless or 18-gauge sheet metal cleanly. The 360° pivoting head lets you trim curves, straight lines, or odd shapes with ease. An ergonomic grip, forward/reverse control, and safety lock add comfort and precision—just go slow on thick metal for best results.
- Motor Type:Brushless
- Battery Compatibility:DEWALT 20V Max
- Cutting Head Rotation:360° pivoting
- Max Torque:221 ft-lbs
- Included Battery:No
- Cut Material Thickness:20 gauge stainless steel
- Additional Feature:2300 RPM consistent speed
- Additional Feature:Forward/reverse control switch
- Additional Feature:High-capacity battery recommended
Electric Metal Scissors Cordless Cutting Tool
The Electric Metal Scissors Cordless Cutting Tool shines for metalworkers and DIYers who need precision and portability in tight or cluttered workspaces. You’ll appreciate the brushless motor—it boosts safety by eliminating sparks and saves you money over time since there are no carbon brushes to replace. With 180 N·m of torque and two speed modes (0–750 RPM and 750–1600 RPM), you stay in control whether you’re slicing through stainless steel mesh or thin aluminum. The 360° swivel head lets you tackle curves and corners effortlessly, and the reversible chrome-vanadium blades handle sheet metal, plastic, even leather. Weighing just 4.1 lb, it’s easy to maneuver all day. Rubberized grip? Check. Two batteries and a carry case? Yep. You’re ready to cut smarter, not harder.
- Motor Type:Brushless
- Battery Compatibility:Not specified (includes batteries)
- Cutting Head Rotation:360° swivel
- Max Torque:180 N·m
- Included Battery:Yes (2 batteries)
- Cut Material Thickness:Not explicitly specified
- Additional Feature:Reversible chrome-vanadium blades
- Additional Feature:Two-speed mode selection
- Additional Feature:3000 mAh batteries included
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cordless Metal Shears for Sheet Cutting
You’ll want to check battery compatibility right away—using the same pack across tools saves money and clutter. Look for strong motor power and torque so you can slice through thicker sheets without bogging down. Features like cutting capacity, head adjustability, and ergonomic grips make a big difference in tight spots and long jobs.
Compatibility With Batteries
While picking a Cordless Metal Shears, matching the battery voltage to your current tools—like 18–20V or 21–22V systems—keeps things running smoothly and avoids damaging the tool or pack. You’ll also want to check that the shears accept the same battery chemistry and shape, especially lithium-ion, so it fits right and charges without issues. Go for higher amp-hour batteries—4.0Ah or more—if you’re cutting sheets nonstop; they last longer and cut down on swap time. Just remember, a bare tool means no battery or charger included, so owning compatible ones already saves cash. Also, make sure your battery can handle the shears’ peak power draw—otherwise, voltage drops might slow cutting. Planning around these details keeps your workflow steady and battery investment smart.
Motor Power and Torque
Motor power and torque
Pick power and torque wisely, and your Cordless Metal Shears will slice through steel like butter—go too light, and you’ll struggle with thicker gauges. Look for high wattage and torque (N·m or ft·lb) if you’re cutting heavy-duty materials regularly. Brushless motors give you more sustained power, better efficiency, and longer life than brushed ones, especially under load. Don’t be fooled by peak torque—it’s the continuous torque and sustained power that matter most when cutting long curves or straight lines. Opt for variable-speed control so you can boost torque for thick steel or ramp up speed for thin sheets and tight bends. A solid power-to-weight ratio means you get strong performance without the bulk, reducing fatigue over time. Choose smart, and you’ll get clean cuts with less strain—every single time.
Cutting Capacity and Materials
Cutting Capacity and Materials
A powerful motor means nothing if the shears can’t handle the thickness and type of material you’re working with, so matching cutting capacity to your projects is key. You’ll typically see models cut up to 18–20 gauge steel (about 0.8–1.2 mm), but always check specs to avoid overloading. Make sure the shears are rated for your materials—stainless steel, aluminum, mild steel, PVC, or composites—since blade shape and motor strength vary. Harder metals like stainless need tougher blades, often made from chrome-vanadium or alloy steel. Reversible or replaceable blades help extend tool life, especially with abrasive or coated sheets. Don’t assume all shears cut circles or tight curves well—some are built only for straight or gradual cuts. Pair your needed cut shapes with the right head design. Finally, balance motor torque and RPMs to power through your thickest jobs without stalling or warping the metal.
Head Adjustability and Maneuverability
Head adjustability and maneuverability
You’ll cut more efficiently when the shear’s head moves with you, not against you, especially in tight spots or overhead work. A 360° pivoting head lets you slice from any angle without shifting your stance, making curves and corners easier. You’ll stay precise because adjustable head locking—usually with a hex bolt—keeps the head from drifting under pressure. If you lock the rotated head while keeping the tool body still, you reduce wrist strain by nearly half versus fixed-head models. Quick-release or tool-less adjustments mean you switch between straight and contour cuts fast, boosting productivity. Head offset and low-profile pivots give you better edge clearance, so you can trim close to flanges and cut down on finish grinding. These features save time and effort, especially on complex jobs.
Ergonomics and User Comfort
The way a shear moves with your body matters just as much as how it cuts, linking head adjustability directly to overall comfort and control. You’ll want a rotating or pivoting cutter head so the tool stays neutral in your hand as you shift angles—this reduces wrist strain and keeps cuts smooth. Grab a model with an ergonomic, anti-slip handle and even weight distribution; it cuts down on grip fatigue during long jobs. Look for claims of reduced effort—some brands note up to 30% less force needed—and vibration-dampening tech to ease forearm stress. Aim for 1.5–2.5 kg (3.3–5.5 lb); lighter tools mean less shoulder and back strain, especially overhead. Controls should sit right under your fingers: safety lock, trigger, and speed settings all reachable without readjusting your grip. It’s not luxury—it’s smarter, safer work.
Safety Features and Controls
Safety features and controls
While cutting through sheet metal, your safety hinges on smart engineering—don’t overlook features that actively protect you. Look for a positive-action safety lock or trigger interlock; it stops accidental start-ups and means you’ve got to intentionally engage the motor. Models with forward/reverse controls that default to neutral prevent sudden, unintended blade direction changes mid-cut. An ergonomic, anti-slip handle with balanced weight helps you stay in control and reduces hand fatigue during long jobs. Always check for enclosed cutting heads or blade guards, plus a cutter head lock for safer blade changes—fewer pinch points mean fewer injuries. Prefer shears with built-in LED work lights; they clear shadows and help you follow cutting lines more accurately. These aren’t just extras—they’re smart safeguards that reflect thoughtful design. Smart picks now can save serious trouble later.
Conclusion
You’re trimming sheet metal on a rooftop job when the cord snaps—again. Coincidentally, these cordless shears thrive exactly where cords fail. They cut up to 18-gauge steel cleanly, run on common 18V or 20V batteries, and save setup time. Some jam on thick curves, but straight cuts fly. Lightweight models boost control, while dual batteries extend runtime. Power varies—check amps and strokes per minute. The right pair fits your tool ecosystem and cuts hassle as much as metal.