Chicago Pneumatic showcases cordless angle grinders, impact wrench at SEMA Show

“We’re very proud to offer the vehicle service industry the first true ½” cordless impact wrench in its power class with two shut off positions,” says Yann Pasco, Global Business Development Manager for vehicle service at Chicago Pneumatic Tools. “With a choice of slow mode and fast mode, the CP8849 puts the operator in full control of tightening operations and proactively guides critical parameters such as torque to ensure that everything is done properly.”

Chicago Pneumatic studied the usage of power tools by end users while changing tires, and two key challenges emerged. Firstly, when operators need to do a first approach to set up the bolt, they will use an impact wrench because doing this task by hand is harder and takes more time. However, because the impact wrench power cannot be controlled, it commonly starts impacting and tightening the bolt instead of just performing a first approach. The slow mode setting on the CP8849 is the solution to this issue. It replicates the subtle pressure and precision of hand tightening required for a first approach without the impact wrench applying any undue force or tightening action.

The second challenge identified is to prevent operators under-tightening or overtightening when doing up the bolts. The CP8849’s fast mode allows the operator to tighten bolts at speed and with absolute confidence, as it will shut off just before the maximum torque is reached. The operator can then simply finish off the tightening with a manual torque wrench, safe in the knowledge that the bolt has been tightened correctly. Fast Mode is therefore a major advantage in delivering repeatable, consistent quality and safety in tightening applications.

In addition to the two shut off modes, the CP8849 offers a 50% of maximum torque and a 100% of maximum torque forward setting, as well as a full power reverse setting. Each operating mode is easily set using a power selection button. To make the operator’s job even easier, Chicago Pneumatic has introduced a unique feature: a display at the back of the tool which illuminates the selected mode. So, with a single glance and without having to change position, the operator knows exactly which setting is selected and whether the impact wrench is in forward or reverse.

The power selection button is accompanied by a number of other features that make the CP8849 easy to operate and comfortable to use. The Side2Side forward and reverse system enables the user to select different settings with a single hand, while a thermo plastic rubber (TPR) over-molded handle guarantees a firm grip and sure handling.  In addition, the CP8849 is equipped with four front LED lights that enable the operator to see clearly in dark spaces.

To ensure the CP8849 can withstand the rigors of professional vehicle service environments, it has shock-absorbing bumpers on each side and on top. A brushless motor ensures that this cordless impact wrench is also extremely durable.

The CP8849 ½” cordless, brushless impact wrench is available with either a 1” or 2” anvil. It comes equipped with two batteries and one charger, with 20V 4Ah or 20V 6Ah options. The tool will be available to the market by the end of 2017.

Chicago Pneumatic is also introducing two new additions to its range of CP Cordless Angle Grinders, the CP8345 and CP8350, which combine efficient performance with a highly ergonomic design that maximizes comfort for end users. Launching in late 2017, the new 4.5’’ (115 mm) and 5’’ (125 mm) models provide up to 8400 rpm (750W) of grinding power, making them ideal for use in body shops, MRO applications and for mechanics working on light and heavy vehicles.

“All of our grinders are designed to achieve a high-quality finish with minimal effort every time,” said Yann Pasco, Global Business Development Manager for vehicle service at Chicago Pneumatic. “We develop our products with the operator firmly in mind, and the CP8345 and CP8350 are no exception. For this reason they are powerful but also pleasant to handle, in addition to being tough enough to withstand regular and sustained use.”

The grinders are highly compact and feature a thin main grip and tight housing for enhanced handling and ease of operation. This, combined with the inclusion of a 20° side handle, enables a greater degree of precision during cutting and grinding. Furthermore, the position of the battery has been optimized to ensure the grinders are extremely well balanced.

As well as ensuring maximum material removal, the grinders have been designed with protection of operators in mind. Consequently, they are equipped with a keyless rotating metal guard and safety level for applications requiring a greater degree of control and safety. For extra convenience, the protective guard can be oriented according to whether the tool is being used for cutting or grinding.

The latest updates to the CP Cordless Angle Grinder range are available with either a 20V 4 Ah or 20V 6 Ah battery and include a brushless motor that guarantees a high degree of durability.

For more information and to learn about Chicago Pneumatic’s innovative solutions for the vehicle service market visit Booth 10104 at #SEMA2017, go to www.cp.com/en-us, Chicago Pneumatic Tools - USA,  @CPTools_NA or CPTools_NA.