Chicago Electric Power Tools Review
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.
Chicago Electric Power Tools is often compared with the biggest players on the market, so I had to find out what’s going on with the hype.
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.
Here is our favorite Chicago Electric Power
Who is Chicago Electric Power Tools
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.
Tool Range
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:
Obviously, the tool range is broader than this, and you can find almost any tool or accessory needed for construction or woodworking tasks under this brand name.
Tool Quality
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.
Their quality is comparable with the quality of most cheaper brands, such as Ryobi, Craftsman, and SKIL.
These brands are also renowned for the reliability of their mid-range tools, and all brands produce tools of more or less the same quality.
What makes the difference between Chicago Electric and all others is the lower price of the former, guaranteed by the fact that it’s produced directly for the retailer. Whereas, all other brands cost slightly more.
It’s easy to understand you won’t get the same quality you’d expect from a Makita by buying a cheaper tool. However, Chicago Electric is still reliable enough to satisfy most users.
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.
Average Prices
Another thing you might want to know is how exactly Chicago Electric compares to the other brands in its class in terms of price.
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.
You’ll be able to save at least a couple of dozens of bucks on your purchase while getting your hands on a product of the same quality.
Consumer Reviews
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.
The general opinion is clear. If you’re mostly doing construction-style working that doesn’t require utmost precision, a Chicago Electric tool is an excellent investment. If you need precision, go for a high-end brand, not for a mid-range or entry-level one.
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.
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Final Verdict
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.
Coming from the manufacturers of most power tool brands, Chicago Electric can easily satisfy the less demanding requirements.
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.
Looking for a CHICAGO power tool battery and charger for a 1/2″ Cordless #46701 Impact Serial # 0201326. Both of my batteries are dead and my charger quit.
Good review. I purchase these tools from HF frequently. Orbital sander, variable speed for buffing boat once a year works like a charm. The CE sawsall works like a dewalt or makita I find no difference…but I am not using these tools every day for a living. A professional tradesman would likely go with a better brand or maybe something they think is made in the US however…most of those higher priced options are produced in China as well.
My concern about this brand is parts, it hard to find “hard” I mean if you have something broken in your tool you have to throw away, no parts available for this tools at least I couldn’t find any website for parts for Chicago electric tools.
so is not about get a sheep tool is about investment. Ryobi for example you can find parts easily.
Good review. I own several tools from Harbor Freight. My only CON is that once the tool is a couple of years old it is very difficult to get replacement parts, such as blades. I’d suggest as you buying the tool to invest in whatever placement parts are available at the time. Thank you!
I find harbor freight tools are easily on par with black and decker etc.. try their Hercules and Bauer lineup of tools.. those are on par with top name tools..
I bought the Chicago electric 1/2 in. Corded drill a couple of years ago. Yesterday I was drilling a 3/4 in. hole and the bit hung up and I had a firm grip and the drill broke into 2 pieces. Not very rigid. oocom
While these tools at Harbor Freight are “competitively” priced, my experience is that, while the non-powered hand tools can be a good deal, the power tools do not withstand the test of time. I bought a pneumatic nailer to build a shed, and I had to return to the store 3 times before I got one that would do the several-day job. It hasn’t been used much since then, so I don’t know about it’s long term viability[.
Today I was using a CE hammer drill, which previosly worked just fine, but now the trigger is VERY intermittent, necessitating wiggling it back and forth to get it to operate sporadically. Would NOT buy another one.