DeWalt Swivel Head Shear (18 Gauge)

A compact, curve-friendly metal shear that rewards a steady hand

I’ve been putting the DeWalt swivel-head shear through the paces on mild steel panels, corrugated roofing, and some 20-gauge stainless trim. My takeaway: it’s a straightforward, well-balanced double-cut shear that cuts cleanly, tracks curves more easily than most, and is happiest when you let it work at its own pace. It’s not a universal replacement for a nibbler or snips, but for sheet steel up to 18 gauge it’s a dependable, repeatable solution.

Cutting performance and edge quality

This shear removes a continuous 7/32-inch strip as it cuts. That strip curls out of the way in a neat ribbon, which keeps the sightline clear and reduces the tendency for the panels to chatter. Both cut edges are impressively clean with minimal distortion. On flat 18-gauge mild steel, I get a factory-looking edge that needs little more than a quick swipe with a deburring tool if the part is going to be handled often.

The variable speed range—roughly 100 to 350 strokes per minute—helps. Starting slow allows precise alignment, then I increase speed as the cut stabilizes. On 20-gauge stainless, staying on the slower side prevents the cut from heating and reduces edge discoloration. Push it too fast or lean on the tool and the cut quality drops; if you keep the head at the correct angle and let the blades bite, it tracks smoothly and moves quickly without fighting you.

One note on the published cutting speed: the listed 2500 ft/min figure is not a real-world feed rate you’ll match on the workpiece; it’s effectively a blade speed proxy. Actual progress depends on thickness, hardness, and geometry. Still, in thin panels the tool moves briskly—dramatically faster than snips and more controlled than a jigsaw on sheet metal.

Curves, corners, and starting cuts

The minimum cutting radius is about 5-1/2 inches. In practice, that’s enough for duct penetrations, window cutouts, and gentle profile transitions. The 360° swiveling head is the real difference-maker: I can orient the head to keep the handle comfortable while the blades follow the line, which reduces fatigue and helps maintain a consistent angle through curves. For tighter inside radii or sharp corners, I’ll switch to a nibbler or drill relief holes and connect them with snips.

For interior cutouts, the shear needs a start point. A 1/2-inch pilot hole is a simple way to get the center blade into the panel; once inside, the tool will happily orbit a circle or follow a scribed path. Tracing long waves on corrugated roofing is far less dramatic than with a single-cut shear; I rotate the head so the blades ride the ridge/valley transitions and focus on steady feed rather than force.

Handling and ergonomics

At around 5 pounds, the shear is easy to hold one-handed with the other hand stabilizing the work. The footprint is compact enough to sneak between studs and under overhangs. Vibration is modest for a shear in this class; I can guide with fingertips and still feel the panel, which is key for maintaining a steady line on curves.

Speed control is predictable. I prefer to stage the trigger into the cut, then roll up to a mid setting for most steel and dial back for stainless or intricate arcs. The head rotation mechanism stays put once set, and being able to swing the head while maintaining a comfortable wrist angle is more than a convenience—it’s the difference between a clean, steady line and a jagged one.

Noise is present but not egregious for a metal-cutting tool. I wear hearing protection and gloves out of habit. Eye protection is non-negotiable; while the strip stays coherent, fragments from the kerf can flick off at odd angles.

Visibility, waste management, and the curling strip

That 7/32-inch ribbon is both a blessing and a consideration. On the plus side, it carries chips away and keeps the cutting path visible. On long cuts, coil the strip by hand every few feet or let it feed into a bucket so it doesn’t snag or scratch finished surfaces. The removed width is predictable, so I always mark my line on the waste side or account for the kerf in the layout when the finished dimension is critical.

Material capacity and edge cases

Within its rated envelope—mild steel up to 18 gauge and stainless up to 20 gauge—the DeWalt shear performs as advertised. Thin aluminum is almost effortless. Step outside that window and the trade-offs show up quickly: thicker or harder stock will slow the cut, generate heat, and dull cutters prematurely. If I need to go thicker, I’ll switch to a throatless shear, bandsaw, or plasma.

Corrugated and ribbed panels can be a handful for some shears; here the ability to rotate the head and hold angle consistently keeps the cut smooth. Expect a little more finesse when cresting ridges, but it’s manageable with practice.

Power, cord, and day-to-day use

Corded power means no runtime anxiety and consistent torque. The 5-amp, all ball-bearing motor has the continuous-duty feel you want in a shop or on a siding job. The 8-foot cord is adequate on a bench; on a roof or long run, you’ll want an extension. The jacket is flexible, which is good for cold weather, but it’s also something to protect around sharp cut edges. I route the cord over my shoulder or clip it to a belt to keep it off the work. If you frequently cut abrasive or sharp tin, consider adding a short length of split loom or a cord sleeve near the tool end.

Maintenance and consumables

As with all double-cut shears, the center blade and side knives are wear items. Keep them clean, inspect edges regularly, and replace when you start seeing fuzzed edges or increased effort in a given material. A drop of light oil on the cut in stainless helps reduce heat and extend blade life. The gearbox has the solid feel I expect from a ball-bearing design, and the overall construction inspires confidence for regular use.

Warranty support is in line with the brand: a 90-day money-back period, one year of free service, and a three-year limited warranty. The tool arrives on its own—no case or extras—so plan storage accordingly and pick up spare cutters if you’re heading into a big job.

Where it fits in a metalworker’s kit

• Use this shear when you need clean, low-distortion cuts in sheet up to 18 gauge.
• Choose it over a nibbler when edge quality and minimal burrs matter more than super-tight curves.
• Choose a nibbler, jigsaw, or plasma for tight radii, complex interior corners, or thicker stock.
• Keep aviation snips nearby for corner termination and quick touch-ups.

Limitations worth noting

• The 5-1/2-inch minimum radius limits intricate shapes.
• The removed 7/32-inch strip means you must plan your layout to preserve finished dimensions.
• The cord needs mindful management around sharp edges.
• Replacement cutters are a cost of ownership; factor them in if you’re cutting stainless regularly.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt shear for anyone who routinely works with sheet steel up to 18 gauge and wants clean, repeatable cuts with the ability to follow gentle curves. The swiveling head, predictable speed control, and clear sightline make it easy to produce professional results without wrestling the tool. It’s not a tight-radius specialist and it won’t replace heavier cutting methods on thick stock, but within its design envelope it’s efficient, reliable, and easy to live with. If your work includes roofing panels, ducting, body panels, or shop-made brackets in thin steel or stainless, this shear earns its spot on the bench.