Tool Reviews: CP Cordless Tools Line and Ullman Lighted Mirror
CHICAGO PNEUMATIC CORDLESS TOOLS LINE
Chicago Pneumatic’s new line of cordless tools includes a 12V 3/8” impact wrench, a 19.2V 1/2” impact wrench, a 12V 3/8” drill, an LED work light and universal charger. Each product features molded rubber battery encasing to protect against accidental drops and shop abuse, and rubber over molded handles to provide superior ergonomic balance and support. The products feature lithium-ion battery packs with an easy-connect battery system. The tools were designed with one-hand forward/reverse toggles and feather-touch triggers.
The workhorse in the group is the CP8748, a 1/2” 19.2V or 18V lithium-ion cordless impact wrench producing 425 ft./lbs. of maximum torque. The tool weighs just 6.5 lbs.
Essential to the new CP cordless product line is the CP8000, a universal charger compatible with all CP batteries. The charger features charge indicator lights, Ni-CD battery refresher, electrode protector and a universal plug connection.
THE REVIEW
Mike Steptoe, owner of Reliable Auto in Fort Atkinson, Wis., tested the cordless Chicago Pneumatic 1/2”-drive impact wrench, No. CP8748L. He and his techs highly recommend this wrench for a shop looking to add a cordless impact.
“It’s a very nice gun with plenty of power,” said Steptoe. “The batteries last a long time.”
Steptoe said the tool was a bit front-heavy, as it tended to tip forward if set down with a bigger socket attached. He also found that when changing tires, the tool was so powerful that he needed to double-check tightened lug nuts and loosen to recommended torque settings.
Overall, Steptoe and his crew were very impressed with the cordless tools from CP, especially the battery system, the ease of changing and charging batteries, and the battery life. He found this was the perfect tool kit to take along to the junkyard to save time and energy removing parts.
“The [battery] level indicator is nice,” Steptoe said. He especially liked that the tool would just quit working when the battery was low, rather than endure a long, slow drain of power.
ULLMAN LIGHTED INSPECTION MIRROR
The Ullman Lighted Inspection Mirror, No. HTC-2LT LED, allows techs to use just one hand to illuminate and identify a problem and use the other to work with a tool, which quickens repair times. LED technology has made it possible to incorporate a light with an inspection mirror.
• 2-3/8”-diameter LED lighted case illuminates darkened areas.
• Stainless-steel handle telescopes from 6-¾” to 37” for fast, accurate inspection.
• All-angle ball joint holds lighted mirror head firmly at any angle for perfect viewing; ball joints are manufactured from tempered spring steel to withstand stress of constant repositioning.
• Textured grip won’t slip in wet or oily hands.
THE REVIEW
Mike Steptoe also reviewed the Ullman Lighted Inspection Mirror, No. HTC-2LT. He and his techs found there was a small learning curve with the mirror, but thought it was an excellent innovation on inspection mirrors.
“It’s a cool concept,” Steptoe said of the telescoping lighted inspection mirror. “It sure beats trying to shine a flashlight into the area you’ve got the mirror in.”
He found that the LED was “plenty bright” and ran for a long time without a dip in brightness.
Steptoe had one suggestion, though.
“The size and extension for this lighted mirror are fine,” Steptoe said. “But I’d really like to see this same application on a smaller mirror as well.” He said that would really help with some interior work.
