Milwaukee Unistrut Cutter Overview: Inside the M18 FORCE LOGIC Strut Shear

Shearing strut is challenging when trying to keep things quick, cost-effective, and safe on the jobsite. In today's age, when professionals need precise, square cuts on strut channels, there's just not enough hours in the day for mistakes that cost the team money and productivity. Having rough edges, uneven cuts, or having to endlessly file edges doesn't help, especially when accuracy is the key to getting the job done right.

The right tool, like the Milwaukee 2933-21 M18 FORCE LOGIC Strut Shear, often called the "Milwaukee Unistrut Cutter" or simply the "Milwaukee Strut Cutter," steps in to offer professionals a complete solution that’s powerful, portable, and easy to use whenever it's needed. Below, we’ll break down everything this Milwaukee strut cutter brings to the table, from unique design features to important maintenance tips and tricks that can help maximize the tool's life.

Milwaukee 2933-21 Strut Cutter provides advanced features that allow users to make precise and efficient unistrut cuts in metal. Its proprietary shearing dies consistently deliver clean, square cuts without the need for extra filing or cutting. It also comes with an integrated support plate that supports frequent repeat cuts, therefore saving time on larger and more strenuous jobs. 

To ensure the safety of the user this shear cutter is built with fully enclosed blades and a trigger lockout to prevent accidents. The weight of the unistrut cutter is 24 pounds, making it easy to move around a warehouse or workshop. This cutter also fits any chain vice that you have available. With this tool being more portable, it's important that it has compatibility with Milwaukee’s ONE-KEY technology, which allows tracking, maintenance alerts, and remote lockout, adding control and security to the jobsite and your tool.

To cut clean, square cuts each time, professionals need high-quality shearing dies. Milwaukee boasts that along with this unistrut cutter, their proprietary shearing dies to allow users to make exact cuts repeatedly. 

This ability to cut exact pieces comes from having 2 different ways to measure. The first way that the Milwaukee Unistrut Cutter lets users measure is by adding 4" to the cut measurement and then lining up the mark with the front face of the support plate. The Second way to measure is to measure out from the shear plane indicator on the cutter. These two ways to measure give experts the means to make quick work on projects without making mistakes on the cuts. Remember, though, it's always better to measure twice and cut once. This Unistrut cutter can't fix inaccurate measurements.

For professional trade workers working with struts all day, safety is one of the main rules of the trade. According to OSHA regulations, it's important to have barriers installed on metal cutting shears. Milwaukee’s dual die design on this tool eliminates exposed blades, which significantly reduces the risk of injuries. Here’s how the tool keeps safety in mind:

• Dual Die System: This design prevents accidental cuts or lacerations by fully enclosing the blades, making it one of the safest options compared to competitors.

• Trigger-Lock Out: Accidental tool activation can happen to anyone, especially when transporting the tool, setting it up, or working in tight spaces on the jobsite. The trigger lockout feature prevents unexpected starts, adding another layer of protection for the user.

Other unistrut cutters on the market are stationary and tie you to a single spot. At the same time, you work, but the Milwaukee 2933-21 is portable and made so that users can cut directly at the point of installation. 

No more back and forth.

It’s built for flexibility, with a tri-stand chain vice mount that lets the user secure it to any chain vice from any brand. These features help make the Milwaukee Unistrut Cutter both versatile and portable on the worksite:

• Tri-Stand Chain Vice Mount: Compatible with all brands, this mount provides added stability for accurate cuts right where you need them.

• Lightweight and Portable: This cutter is just 24 pounds, making it manageable enough to move around the job site without hassle. Plus, it's not stationary. 

One of Milwaukee's most recent tool improvements has been ONE-KEY. The Milwaukee ONE-KEY technology integration gives you remote tool management at your fingertips by providing the following:

• Track Tool Usage: Managers and professionals can check tool usage history, receive maintenance notifications, and even set up a trigger lockout to deter tool theft.

• Remote Tool Lockout: This adds an extra layer of security, allowing you to disable the tool remotely if it’s ever lost or stolen.

• Maintenance Alerts: Stay on top of tool health with notifications that help keep your strut cutter in prime condition. These alerts let the user know when the tool is overheating, malfunctioning, low on power, and more. 

This M18 Force Logic Milwaukee Unistrut Shear Cutter kit provides professionals with everything they need to get the job started. 

What you get inside this kit:

• 1-5/8" x 1-5/8" Single Channel Shearing Dies: These dies are ready for standard strut-cutting applications right out of the box.

• M18 REDLITHIUM XC 5.0ah Battery: This M18 battery delivers up to 200 cuts on a single charge, making it ideal for longer projects that require frequent cuts.

• M18 & M12 Multi-Voltage Charger: Keeps the tool charged up and ready to go without needing separate chargers.

• Soft-Sided Contractor Bag: This bag features pockets to accommodate three additional shearing dies and flexible storage space that allows the user to easily transport the shear cutter.

This unistrut cutter is designed to handle heavy-duty jobs while also offering customization in terms of additional shearing dies to provide professionals with more flexibility on the jobsite. It also includes a Die Retention Arm that allows for tool-free die change, and Auto ram return on trigger release, allowing for instant setup for your next shear.

With optional accessory dies, the tool can handle multiple sizes beyond just the standard 1-5/8". Here’s a list of the other optional dies that are available:

• 13/16” x 1-5/8” Dies (49-16-1316)

• 7/8” x 1-5/8” Dies (49-16-0078)

• Combination 13/16” & 1-5/8” Dies (49-16-1513)

• Combination 7/8” & 1-5/8” Dies (49-16-1578)

These additional dies expand the tools' overall usability across various job requirements and projects, making it a highly adaptable piece of equipment. Keep these in the included tool bag for when they are needed.

Regular maintenance will keep your Milwaukee Unistrut Cutter in optimal shape. Here are some basic maintenance steps to follow, all taken from the operator's manual:

• Inspect Regularly: Listen for unusual noises and look for misaligned or binding parts. If you notice any unusual conditions on the tool or battery, it's best to stop and check immediately to prevent further damage to the Unistrut Cutter.

• Clean Battery Contacts: Quickly cleaning the batteries can often restore power if a tool isn't running at full strength like it normally does.

• Monitor LED Notifications: The LED lights will blink if there’s an issue. After 2000 cuts, the tool will shut down until it's inspected by a Milwaukee Service Center. 

Using the Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC Strut Shear isn’t complicated. In fact, Milwaukee frequently asks users how they can improve their tools to save professionals time and make their lives easier. Even though this strut shear is easy to use, it's important to understand how to operate it correctly. Following these simple steps can ensure the best results and safest operation.

1. Check the Dies: Always inspect dies for cracks or damage before use, especially if they've been used a lot or thrown inside a bag with other tools.

2. Insert Battery Pack: Make sure the battery is securely in place and that it's not damaged.

3. Insert the Strut: Position the strut using the integrated support plate for a clean, square cut.

4. Activate the LEDs: Pull the trigger halfway to turn on the LED lights and align your work properly. Use other lights when operating in dark areas to make sure the visual is clear.

5. Shear the Strut: Once everything’s in position, pull the trigger fully to shear the strut. For tool longevity, release the trigger as soon as the cut is complete.

This tool is built for anyone who regularly needs clean, repeatable strut cuts. Ideal for:

• Electricians and HVAC Professionals: For large-scale installations where quick, accurate cuts are essential.

• Industrial Maintenance Teams: Perfect for cutting struts on the fly without relying on stationary equipment.

• Contractors and Supervisors: The ONE-KEY functionality makes this tool especially valuable for crew supervisors who need to manage tool usage across multiple sites.

The M18 FORCE LOGIC Strut Shear operates on an 18V lithium-ion battery system and is compatible with all M18 tools and chargers. These batteries deliver heavy-duty power and can make up to 200 cuts per charge on a 1-5/8” pre-galvanized strut using a single M18 XC 5.0 battery. This significantly reduces the need for frequent battery changes and enhances productivity on job sites. 

Its design ensures clean, square shears without the need for additional filing or deburring. At the same time, the integrated strut support plate promotes quick and repeatable measurements (for when you need the same cut multiple times). The Strut Shear also has other safety features, such as no exposed blades and a trigger lock-out to prevent accidental activation.

This shared battery platform simplifies power management for users of multiple Milwaukee tools.

• Battery Voltage: 18V battery

• Battery Type: Lithium Ion

• Battery Life: Up to 200 cuts on 1-5/8” Pre-Galvanized Strut per charge.

The Milwaukee 2933-21 M18 FORCE LOGIC Strut Shear is a complete, portable solution for precision strut cutting. It provides smooth, accurate shears without needing additional filing or deburring, making it a powerful tool for many trade professionals.

With safety-enhancing features like the dual die design, integrated ONE-KEY tool management, and a high-efficiency M18 battery, it’s built for those who frequently cut struts but need something to make it easier while saving time without eliminating safety measures. Whether you call it a Milwaukee Unistrut Cutter or a Milwaukee Single Channel Strut Shear, this is the tool you want for clean, safe, and efficient strut shearing on any jobsite.