Key Features
Swivel Head AccessThe 360 degree tool-free swivel head lets this metal shear work in tight bays, corners, and overhead spots where a fixed-head tool gets awkward fast. Fast, Clean CuttingAt 2,450 strokes per minute, the double cut action moves through sheet metal quickly while the 7/32 inch strip curls out of the cut area for better visibility and control. DEWALT Cordless FreedomThe DEWALT DCS494B 20V MAX 14 Gauge Swivel Head Double Cut Metal Shear gives you cordless sheet metal cutting without dragging a cord across the work area.
Overview
The DEWALT DCS494B 20V MAX 14 Gauge Swivel Head Double Cut Metal Shear is a cordless metal shear built for cutting sheet metal with better access and cleaner control than a fixed-head cutter. This is a metal shear designed for cutting mild steel and stainless steel sheet stock in fabrication, HVAC, roofing, and general metalworking applications. Model Number: DCS494B.
What matters most here is the head design. The tool-free 360 degree swivel head makes it easier to follow a cut line when you’re working in tight quarters, around obstructions, or in positions where a straight-body shear would force your wrist into a bad angle. If you do ductwork, panel trimming, flashing, or light-gauge steel layout work, that extra flexibility is not a gimmick. It is the difference between making the cut comfortably and fighting the tool the whole time.
The cutting performance is built around speed and chip control. This DEWALT shear runs at 2,450 strokes per minute and uses a double cut design that removes a 7/32 inch strip as it cuts. That strip continuously curls out of the cutting area, which helps keep the line visible and reduces the tendency for the material to bind up around the head. In real use, that means more consistent cuts, easier tracking on long runs, and less cleanup around the blade path.
Capacity is solid for jobsite sheet metal work. It is rated for up to 14 gauge mild steel and 16 gauge stainless steel, with a minimum cutting radius of 5 inches. That gives it enough range for common fabrication and install work without pushing into the kind of heavy plate cutting that needs a completely different tool. If your day-to-day work involves sheet stock, duct, trim, flashing, or metal panels, these numbers are right in the practical sweet spot.
Jobsite usability is clearly part of the design. The tool is cordless, so you’re not dragging an extension cord over finished surfaces or dealing with limited reach on ladders and lifts. It also includes an LED work light, which is one of those features you stop noticing until you’re working in a mechanical room, above a drop ceiling, or inside a dim corner where the cut line disappears. The listed tool weight is about 4.6 pounds, so it stays manageable during longer cutting sessions and overhead work.
Because this is the bare tool version, it is intended for users already on the DEWALT 20V MAX battery platform. Batteries and charger are sold separately. That makes this a good fit for existing DEWALT cordless users who want to add dedicated sheet metal cutting without buying another battery system. You get the tool and a hex wrench in the box, which keeps the purchase straightforward if you already have compatible packs on hand.
Who should buy it? Pros first. HVAC installers, sheet metal mechanics, roofers, remodelers, and maintenance crews will get the most from the swivel head and cordless setup. Serious DIY users working with metal siding, flashing, or fabrication projects can also make good use of it, but this is not a general-purpose cutter for every material on site. It is a purpose-built cordless shear for metal cutting, and that focus is exactly why it makes sense for users who need clean cuts, mobility, and access in awkward spots.
DEWALT DCS494B 20V MAX 14 Gauge Swivel Head Double Cut Metal Shear Access and Visibility
This shear is built for the kind of cuts that get awkward with bulkier tools. The swivel head helps you keep the tool in a comfortable position while following the line through sheet metal.
- 360 degree tool-free swivel head for better access in tight work areas
- LED work light helps keep the cut line visible in dim spaces
- Double cut action clears a 7/32 inch strip from the path as you go
What’s in the Box
- (1) DEWALT DCS494B shear tool
- (1) Hex wrench
Battery and charger are sold separately.
Key Specifications
| Voltage (V) | 20V MAX |
|---|---|
| Tool Type | Double Cut Metal Shear |
| No-Load Speed (SPM) | 2,450 SPM |
| Maximum Capacity Mild Steel | 14 gauge |
| Maximum Capacity Stainless Steel | 16 gauge |
| Minimum Cutting Radius | 5 in |
| Strip Width | 7/32 in |
| Weight (lbs) | 4.6 lbs |
| Made In | Mexico |
Compatibility
Battery Platform Designed for the DEWALT 20V MAX cordless platform. This is a bare tool, so battery and charger are not included.
Built For
HVACSheet MetalRoofingMetalworkingRemodelingGeneral ContractingFlashing and TrimCordless Jobsite Cutting
Pro Tip
Before you start a long cut, rotate the swivel head so the waste strip curls away from your body and away from the layout line. It keeps the line easier to see and makes the tool feel a lot less awkward when you’re working along duct or panel edges.
Warranty & Support
3 Year Limited Warranty, 1 Year Free Service, and 90 Day Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Tool Nut’s Take
Tool Nut’s Take
A Smart Pick for Guys Who Actually Cut Metal All Day
The DEWALT DCS494B 20V MAX 14 Gauge Swivel Head Double Cut Metal Shear makes sense for users who need cordless sheet metal cutting with better access and less fighting around the cut line.
- Who it’s for: HVAC installers, sheet metal mechanics, roofers, and remodelers who regularly cut mild steel, stainless, flashing, or panels on site.
- Why it stands out: The swivel head is the big deal here. Add the double cut action, 2,450 SPM speed, and LED light, and you get a tool that is easier to control in real jobsite positions.
- Worth knowing: This is the bare tool only. If you’re already on DEWALT 20V MAX, great. If not, budget for the battery and charger.
Common Questions
- What material capacity is this shear rated for? It is rated for up to 14 gauge mild steel and 16 gauge stainless steel.
- How fast does it cut? The tool runs at 2,450 strokes per minute for fast sheet metal cutting.
- Can the head be repositioned for tight cuts? Yes. It has a 360 degree tool-free swivel head for better access and working comfort in tight spaces.
- Is this a corded or cordless metal shear? It is a cordless 20V MAX shear designed for jobsite portability.
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