Makita Releases Metal Shear Lineup for Tradesmen
Makita has added to the line of 18V cordless metal shears designed to tackle a variety of materials across a variety of trades. The lineup now also includes the 14 ga. Straight Metal Shear, an 18 ga. Off-set Metal Shear, and a 1/2″ Fiber Cement Shear. These new additions join the existing line to cover HVAC, MEP, siding, metal fabrication and manufacturing, roofing, and other trade applications.
Makita 18V LXT Metal Shears
- XSJ01 18 Gauge Strait Shear
- XSJ02 16 Gauge Compact Straight Shear
- Makita XSJ03 14 Gauge Straight Shear
- XSJ04 18 Gauge Offset Shear
- XSJ05 1/2″ Fiber Cement Shear
Makita XSJ01 18-gauge Straight Metal Shears
The Makita 18 Gauge Straight Shear features a 4-pole motor and delivers 3,000 strokes per minute. The double-cut shear design tackles up to 18 gauge mild steel and 20 gauge stainless steel for straight and scribe cuts. It won’t deform your material, and it features a 360º swiveling head to give you options as you approach your cuts in metal.
With the Makita 5.0Ah battery attached, these Makita cordless metal shears still manage to stay compact. The XSJ01 weighs just 5.3 lbs. and measures 13-3/4″ to offer an ergonomic design that should stay manageable. In terms of weight, these come in similar to electric 5-amp shears we’ve seen from other manufacturers.
You can pick up the Makita XSJ01 as a bare tool or in a kit. The bare tool retails for $349. The kit, which comes with two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger, retails for $569.
XSJ02 16 Gauge Compact Straight Shears
Another of the collection of classic Makita cordless metal shears, the XSJ02 Compact Straight Shear, combines high cutting speed with a maneuverable size.
It features a 4-pole motor that produces up to 4,300 strokes per minute for fast cutting in up to 16 gauge mild steel, 18 gauge stainless steel , and 12 gauge aluminum. Its double blade design cuts cleanly with minimal burrs.
The XSJ02 has a 5.1-lb build that stays maneuverable with a minimum cutting radius of 9-7/8″. Its barrel grip design, soft grip, and lock-on slide switch make extended cutting a comfortable affair.
So far, the Makita XSJ02 Compact Cutting Shears look to come only as a bare tool. It retails for $319 and includes a 3-year warranty.
Makita XSJ03 14 Gauge Straight Metal Shear
The Makita XSJ03 straight shear features a brushless motor that provides up to 3,000 strokes per minute. It cuts up to 14 ga. mild steel and 16 ga. stainless.
Makita constructs the cutting head from milled steel to extend tool life while the double-cut blade keeps material distortion to a minimum. The cutting head rotates a full 360º for a variety of available cutting positions.
The Makita XSJ03 cordless metal shear features a trigger lock-on switch for continuous use, while a D-handle makes for an ergonomic grip that helps you maneuver cuts within a minimum 7″ cutting radius when needed.
We’re still waiting on a firm release date and pricing information regarding the Makita XSJ03 Cutting Shears. We do know that you’ll be able to pick it as either a bare tool or as a kit with two 5.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger.
XSJ04 18 Gauge Offset Shear
With its brushless motor, the Makita XSJ04 Offset Metal Cutting Shears can cut up to 18 ga. mild steel and 20 ga. stainless steel with a radius down to 3″. It also provides up to 3,000 SPM. A push-button on the side of the housing lets you set the cutting head to any position.
The cordless 18V Makita XSJ04 18V Offset Shear features a pistol grip and a trigger that can be locked to the on position. An aluminum housing keeps it durable and lightweight, while its LED light and belt clip give it a real “power drill” type of feel that lets you cut down to a 3″ inch radius.
We’ll update when Makita solidifies a release date and pricing for the XSJ04 Offset Cutting Shears. It will be available as a bare tool (XSJ04Z) or as a kit (XSJ04T) with two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger.
Makita XSJ05 1/2″ Fiber Cement Shear
Makita designed the cordless 18V XSJ05 to cut through cement board for exterior siding, backer board, or floor underlay. But, because the design works similarly to all of the other shears in the line, it works while producing minimal dust. I recently replaced wood window trim with fiber cement board using a saw. It’s hard to convey just how much better using a shear is.
It features a brushless motor that provides up to 3,000 SPM. It also features reversible cutting blades that extend your blade life. The XSJ05 shear head rotates 360º to offer multiple cutting positions across fiber cement board.
It also features lightweight and durable cast aluminum gear housing. A D-handle sits in-line with the motor to offer the best possible balance and maneuverability. Meanwhile, a variable-speed trigger gives you good control over your cutting speed.
The Makita XSJ05 fiber cement cutting shears should hit stores soon.
Makita 18V Cutting Shears Compared
| Model | Makita XSJ01 18ga Straight Shear | XSJ02 16ga Compact Straight Shear | Makita XSJ03 14ga Straight Shear | XSJ04 18ga Offset Shear | Makita XSJ05 Fiber Cement Shear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Brushed | Brushed | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless |
| No Load Speed | 0-3,000 SPM | 0-4,300 SPM | 0-3000 SPM | 0-3,000 SPM | 0-3,000 SPM |
| Cut Capacity: Mild Steel | 18 ga. | 16 ga. | 14 ga. | 18 ga. | 1/2″ (Fiber Cement) |
| Capacity: Stainless Steel | 20 ga. | 18 ga. | 16 ga. | 20 ga. | 1/2″ (Fiber Cement) |
| Cut Capacity: Aluminum | 13 ga. | 13 ga. | 12 ga. | 12 ga. | 1/2″ (Fiber Cement) |
| Blade Type | Double Cut | Double Cut | Double Cut | Profile | Double Cut |
| Cut Radius (min) | 7 in. | 9-7/8 in. | 7 in. | 3 in. | — |
| Overload Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LED Light | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lock-On Power | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Trigger Lock-Off | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Length | 13-3/4″ | 14-1/4″ | 13-5/8″ | 13-1/8″ | 13-7/8″ |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs. with battery | 4.4 lbs. with battery | 5.5 lbs. with battery | 5.1 lbs. with battery | 5.5 lbs. with battery |
