chicago brand power tools manufacturer
Everybody – and we mean everybody can use a cheap reciprocating saw to accomplish household maintenance and repair projects (well, OK, maybe not your mother-in-law). It’s just a super-convenient tool that lends itself well to being a multi-purpose “grab-it” solution. Harbor Freight’s Chicago Electric Tools 4-1/2″ Rotating Reciprocating Saw looks to be the cheapest product we’ve seen in some time, retailing for $25 and often being on sale for less than $20 (we know, that’s less than a combo pack of recip saw blades ). We had wanted to review this product for some time and finally were able to procure one – on an out of town trip, no less. Never truly off the job, we latched onto the tool and opened up the box to begin our testing. Within, we quickly found the 6-amp 4-1/2″ reciprocating saw, a 10 tpi wood-cutting blade, 24 tpi metal-cutting blade, and even a pair of replacement brushes. Lifting the saw from the box to feel how well it was made, our initial impression was that it was not exactly top-notch in the build quality department, but it did feel like a great occasional-use power tool.
Chicago Electric power tools is the house brand for tools manufactured by Harbor Freight Tools discount tool retailer. The Chicago Electric-branded tools are only for sale new from Harbor Freight.
The Chicago Electric brand was introduced by Harbor Freight Tools in 1983. Harbor Freight employs a comprehensive quality-assurance process including real-world testing for all tools manufactured under the Chicago Electric brand name. Tools bearing the Chicago Electric brand carry a 90-day warranty from the date of sale, so long as customers can provide a proof of purchase or receipt when they return the tool to a Harbor Freight Tools store.
We have invested millions of dollars in our own test labs and factories, so our tools will go toe-to-toe with the top professional brands. And we can sell them for a fraction of the price because we cut out the middleman and pass the savings on to you. It"s just that simple!
We have invested millions of dollars in our own test labs and factories, so our tools will go toe-to-toe with the top professional brands. And we can sell them for a fraction of the price because we cut out the middleman and pass the savings on to you. It"s just that simple!
This Chicago electric power tools review is intended to enlighten you on the right and wrong about Chicago electric power tools and help you decide whether it will suit your needs or not.
This might come as a shock to you, but Chicago tools is a brand owned by the harbor freight tools. In addition to Chicago tools, harbor freight tools also own earthquake, drill master and Bauer.
This is what the store uses to ensure their prices remain low and pocket-friendly. The tools are cheaper because the company spends much less to have them made.
So, if you’ve been wondering why Chicago tools are so much affordable, then there you go with the answer. Their cost of tool’s acquisition is only a fraction of what their high-end competitors spend.
Based on value for money, you might be wondering whether these tools deliver. The fact is that Chicago electric power tools produce reliable mid-range and entry-level tools. The quality of what they produce is more so equivalent to brands such as Ryobi, SKIL, and Craftsman.
While other brands considerably cost more, Chicago tools cost lesser for more or less the same quality. Most users argue that their devices satisfy needs and preferences.
It is justified for a professional framer to invest in expensive but high-quality tools, but for any other cases, Chicago electric power tools work fine.
So, in wrapping up, the main argument behind the worth of Chicago electric power tools is not on their low-cost devices alone but also based on their quality.
The devices will not last forever, as nothing does anyway, but will serve you for a long time. Based on durability concept, Chicago power tools last for long only if they are maintained correctly.
Besides, harbor freight ensures that each device comes with a custom warranty to give you peace of mind. You can thus trust these tools whenever you have any work that requires their service.
Regardless of what power tools you might need, Chicago Electric Power Tools might not be the first name that comes to mind. At least not to my mind. I’ve tested dozens of tools over time, but have recently noticed a certain general interest in this brand.
Not only I decided to dig into the matter, but I actually discovered quite a few interesting things about this brand. If you’d like to know whether or not it’s worth your money, read my Chicago Power Tools review to find it out.
Chicago Electric Power Tools is a brand owned by Harbor Freight Tools. Yes, you’re right. The renowned power tools store we’ve all visited at least once in the lifetime. My biggest surprise was that Harbor Freight doesn’t own Chicago Electric only. It also owns other names including Bauer, Drill Master, and Earthquake.
What makes Harbor Freight’s tools different is not their quality, but their price. The company buys the power tools from renowned manufacturers who produce the tools under the desired brand name.
This is basically the strategy used by the store to keep its prices low. In fact, Harbor Factories doesn’t resell famous brands only. The tools manufactured under their own brands are cheaper, mainly because the store spends less to have them.
With the economic crisis striking, it’s easy to understand that both amateurs and professionals are looking to invest as little as possible in tools as reliable as possible.
And this is where Chicago Electric Power Tools come into play. Produced by Harbor Freight at a fraction of the cost of a high-end brand, these tools appeal to most users. But do they live up to the expectations? And what are your options? Find it out below.
Chicago Electric Power Tools is a brand name that covers a wide range of tools and accessories. Most of them are dedicated to contractors, beginners, and amateurs. Among the most popular, we can mention:
Now, getting to the part that is perhaps the most interesting, you’re probably wondering if these tools are worth your money. And you’ll be pleased to know that Chicago Electric produces reliable entry-level and mid-range tools.
The brand addresses homeowners and amateurs majorly; moreover, their saws and oscillating tools are perfect for constructors who don’t need extreme precision in their work. Obviously, if you’re a professional framer, investing in an expensive but high-quality tool will pay off. In all other cases, a Chicago Electric Power Tool will do just fine.
We already told you that Chicago Electric power tools are cheap, but to understand their value, know that they are cheaper than other entry-level brands including RIDGID, DOIT, Ryobi, TACKLIFE, and SKIL.
It is hard to judge a brand without consulting other consumer reviews. What amazed me is the overall positive feel people have about this brand. Chicago Electric is defined as a reliable brand, and most tools enjoy overall positive feedback from the users.
Obviously, you’ll have to account for the tools’ limitations. Chicago Electric is not a high-end brand comparable with Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, and the like.
However, it stands out among the entry-level and mid-range tools. Comparative testing has shown that Chicago Electric performs as well as more established brands like SKIL and RIDGID. In some cases, it even outperformed the more popular brands.
Overall, users declared they would invest their money in Chicago Electric power tools without overthinking it unless the nature of their job truly requires a high-end alternative.
It is hard to argue that Chicago Electric’s main benefit is the low cost of their tools. It doesn’t matter what tool you need; if it’s produced under the brand’s name, chances are it will cost you way less than any other tool on the market.
Another great advantage is the overall quality of the tools. Perhaps they won’t be your forever tools and will fail after a number of years. Yet, you’ll definitely get great quality for the money.
In terms of durability, if maintained correctly, the Chicago Electric power tools will last as long as most entry-level tools. You’ll get to enjoy them for quite some time but don’t expect utmost precision from them.
We can’t say Chicago Electric tools have many drawbacks. They are great tools considering their price tag and category. Obviously, if you’re a professional looking for a high-end tool, you’re going to find a thousand flaws in a Chicago Electric tool.
Chicago Electric Power Tools are undoubtedly surprising. These entry-level and mid-range tools can satisfy the needs of most novice contractors and find their place in an amateur’s arsenal. They offer reliability and dependability at more than affordable prices, all packed under Harbor Freight’s warranty.
So, if you’re a novice looking for their first power tools, an avid amateur, or just a homeowner who feels he could use a saw, electric drill, or oscillating tool every now and then, the Chicago Electric Power Tools are undoubtedly excellent products to consider.
Distributor of pipe, tubing, valves, fittings, hangers, strut products, hose, pipe insulation and jacketing products, pumps, chemicals and tools. Types of fittings include adapters, clamps, connectors, joints, elbows, tees, crosses, bushings, nipples, couplings and plugs. Chemical products such as thread sealants, PVC and CPVC cement, primers, silver solder, anti-seize compounds, flux, leak detectors, paint markers, hand cleaners, thread cutting oils and protective tapes are also available. Saws, blades, bits, power tools, pipe threading equipment and drain cleaning equipment can be provided. Heating supplies include pumps, hydronic heating equipment, vents, expansion tanks, boiler controls, steam traps and regulators. Tool rental, custom hose assembly and valve actuation services are available. Serves the piping system, mining, heating, energy and plumbing industries. 24/7 emergency services available.
When it comes to the selection of power tools for your DIY projects or any professional projects you prefer tools that are pocket-friendly, high quality, durable and have no issues with availability of replacement parts.
Chicago Electric (a brand of Harbor Freight) Power Tools checks off all these criteria’s when compared with other brands in the power tools’ industry.
Being a DIY lover, I try to explore various tools for my hobby activities ranging from drilling, grinding to cutting or sawing. Most of the times Chicago Electric Power Tools are comparable with big players in the power tools industry.
After evaluating other options, I found that Chicago Electric Power Tools are better and well under budget and if you would like to know the outcome of our evaluation then find out more in the below article.
Harbor Freight, a well-known discount tool and equipment retailer, owns Chicago Electric Power Tools. When I researched further about this company, I was amazed to know that Harbor Freight also own other reputable names like Hercules, Bauer, Earthquake, Admiral, Warrior etc.
The moto of this company is to keep the costs leaner by outsourcing most of the manufacturing activities and passing on the cost benefit to the beginners and learned professionals. Let us check below if they fulfill our expectations and the range of tools options they offer.
Chicago Electric Power Tools brand offers a wide collection of tools and accessories which are all-time favourites of DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, handymen and even professionals.
Chicago Electric Power Tools are rigorously tested in the labs owned by Harbor Freight Tools located in Calabasas, California. Since 2010, all the tools undergo stringent quality control tests using cutting-edge testing lab setups thus ensuring that the tools endure long operational hours and offer extended life.
This brand is aggressively priced in the market and ensures that you save around 20 to 60% for various power tools requirements. You would surely save considerable amount of money when you decide to go ahead with Chicago Electric tools.
As we quoted already that Chicago Electric power tools are not only cheaper but also offer value for money in comparison to its entry-level competitors like Genesis, Dremel, Porter-Cable etc.
Don’t worry if you are thinking about replacement parts or repair parts for Chicago Electric power tools, Harbor Freight Tools accepts replacement parts orders over a call or at any nearby store.
So, if you are worried about availability of the parts for your tools then be care-free since this company even processes special order parts in case you don’t find your parts in the in-stocks parts list given on its website.
The soft copies of the parts can be downloaded from their website just in case you lost the paper copy of the original manual. The pdf manuals are available for all Chicago electric power tools so be assured about availability of tools manual.
Chicago Electric power tools are suitable for light-duty to medium-duty applications and numerous on-field tests have proven that this brand executes the cutting/drilling/machining tasks equally well compared with well-known names.
We have observed few complaints from the novice customers who do not check the specified torque, cutting speed, material recommended for the Chicago Electric Power Tools and then blame this brand after failure of parts while using on heavy-duty jobs.
As discussed above, with its outsourced manufacturing business model, Chicago Electric is a clear winner when it comes to pricing of tools for amateur or professional jobs.
Even if the prices are inexpensive there is no compromise on the quality and performance of the tools. In-fact you can periodically update your tools-arsenal instead of using same tools over and over many years.
Ease of availability is another advantage of this brand. Chicago Electric tools are widely available in any tool’s retailer shops owned by Harbor Freight Tools.
Any tool must be maintained properly to ensure its longevity. The Chicago Electric Power Tools are durable, but we should not expect high precision performance from them.
Harbor Freight Tools also launched a Credit Card Offer with no annual fees and offer extra 10% off on entire first purchase and 5% on every recurring purchase thereafter.
Considering its price tag, we cannot complain about Chicago Electric tools. They are appropriate for your low-precision, light-duty normal day-to-day DIY, cutting, drilling, grinding works.
It is evident that if you expect all the features of an advance high-precision tools at this price tag, then you might find dozens of faults in this brand. “It’s better to be realistic sometime”
To sum-up, we can say that while making a buying decision we need not only check the price of the tools but also check if it is suitable for the given application. When we pay less for a tool, we should not expect it to perform with extremely high-quality precision and longer life at par with expensive and well-established brand like Bosch Power Tools.
Since Harbor Freight offers hassle free return policy and a warranty on selected tools you should check at their online or offline stores for your next visit to buy tools.
Overall, I think Chicago Electric Power Tools outrank basic entry level products and a must have for any rookie or a handyman working on a basic project or a householder who likes to work on DIY projects to perform drilling, cutting, sawing, polishing tasks frequently.
For decades, Harbor Freight has become the go-to location for home power tools. To this day, the company continues to grow and brings in approximately $5 billion in revenue every year.
Thanks to their state-of-the-art testing labs, where employees put Harbor Freight tools into a long list of rigorous, punishing tests, Harbor Freight ensures a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of their products.
In terms of quality, Chicago Electric is a mid-range brand. They’re not the most powerful nor the most durable, but they’re safe, functional, and get the job done just fine.
Along with the tools mentioned above, Chicago Electric also sells accessories and sharpeners to aid users with their projects. At the time of writing this review, Chicago Electric offers over 200 different tools and accessories fit for every occasion.
The Chicago Electric Miter Saw is praised for its power, versatility, and durability. Let’s take a look at the features that make this miter saw worth the attention.
Driven by a powerful 15 amp motor, the Chicago Electric Miter Saw has a generous 10-inch cut miter range that’s suitable for a number of applications.
While Chicago Electric tools aren’t as durable as the more well-known brands, they can survive years of use until they need to be replaced- especially if it’s well maintained and taken care of.
If you’re operating on a tight budget and only need to do standard DIY projects and household maintenance and repair, we recommend checking out some of Chicago Electric’s tools.
Jobsite Supply is proud to offer a full line of power tools & accessories for concrete and construction trades. From Bosch to SAIT, Jobsite Supply carries the best power tools from the industry"s leading manufacturers.
Jobsite stocks the latest technology from one of the worlds leading power tool companies including SDS and SDS MAX Rotary Hammers, Litheon I-Drivers & Pocket Drivers, Brute Tough Drills, Impacts, Mini Grinders, Cut-Off Machines and Hammer Drills.
Jobsite has recently added a broad selection DeWalt Tools to our stock product lines, including Rotary Hammers, Circular Saws, Grinders, Cordless Drills, and Cordless Impacts.
Chicago Pneumatic, also known as "CP", is an industrial manufacturer providing power tools, air compressors, generators, light towers and hydraulic equipment. Products are sold in more than 150 countries through a worldwide distribution network. CP is active on markets such as tools for industrial production, vehicle service, maintenance repair operation for mining, construction, infrastructure equipment.
Chicago Pneumatic is a brand name in the pneumatic tool industry with a history tracing back to 1901. John W. Duntley had in mind the idea of sourcing and selling construction tools "that weren’t yet available". He established the Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company,Chicago. The first plant to begin manufacturing product specifically for CP was the Boyer Machine Shop in St. Louis, Missouri.Charles M. Schwab, who invested heavily in the company. On December 28, the company was incorporated and the first single-valve pneumatic hammer was patented.
1904 was the year of expansion for CP. Offices were opened in England, Canada, and Germany; and new lines of products had been developed such as air tools and rock drills.
In 1970, the CP611 impact wrench was used in the steel erection phase of the World Trade Centers (New York City). Sold for several years into industrial markets, CP torque impact wrenches were introduced in the 1970s into the automotive market. In 1987, Chicago Pneumatic became part of the Swedish conglomerate Atlas Copco. During 1988, more new products were launched than at any time since the late "70s, such as screwdrivers, assembly tools and new ratchet wrenches. The following year, the current logo was designed and adopted.
The CP Tools main center for power tools is the Technocenter in Nantes (France), where over 100 people work in R&D. Teams research, develop, design, build prototypes, test, and certify industrial tools on the market. Industrial (Metalworking and Energy) and vehicle service tools are also manufactured in Budapest, Hungary, Qingdao, China, Nashik, India, Osaka, Japan, and Clifton, New Jersey, United States.
Two distribution facilities provide the world market with powertools products; Charlotte, North Carolina that serves the United States and Canadian markets, and Hoeselt, Belgium, for the rest of the world. Two Logistic hubs are located in France and China.
Plants in Kalmar, Sweden), and Nasik, India, collaborate closely on product design, prototypes and testing of the pneumatic handheld tools. Two distribution centers, located in Texas (U.S.) and Hoeselt (Belgium) provide products to distributors worldwide.
Chicago Pneumatic products are sold exclusively through authorized distributors worldwide. The distributor network consists of specialized distributors in construction, demolition, vehicle service, industrial maintenance, public works and general industry. CP also made air tools for Sears Craftsman under the "756" model prefix, and in some cases even when branded as Sears Craftsman, still had the trademark "CP" logo on them.