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Roger C. 09-19-2000 22:07:22 63.70.164.200 13224 Report to Moderator	Anybody have any Chicago Electric power tools, like what Harbor Freight sells? The price seems right. I know they are not top of the line tools by any means, but curious if they hold up ok. Opinions? [Reply]   [Send Email]
Jon Hagen 06-23-2007 21:25:42 12.175.230.39 193344 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   I have CE 14 inch HD chop saw, 4 4-1/2 amgle grinders, 1/2 VS drill, 3/4 hp router, 12V power grease gun. All have done well for not much money.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Charles L 09-04-2007 08:06:33 70.162.196.190 196485 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Jon Hagen, 06-23-2007 21:25:42   I bought several Chicago Electric tools from Harbor Freight for occasional use. The 8 1/2 inch compound miter saw (42654) has been nothing but trouble. On first use, the blade guard broke, returned it and the same happened with the second one. I took it off (not recommended) and it worked OK for for a few more uses (probably totaling no more than two hours use) and then the gears from the motor to the blade shaft wore out! I'm returning it and getting another one but it will probably break, as well. I purchased two different drills, a 1 horse hammer drill and a variable speed hand drill, which do not work in vertical applications after about ten minutes of use. I'm returning them, as well. These tools are JUNK.   [Reply]   [Send Email]
Mitch R 10-27-2007 11:13:17 76.99.191.204 199652 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Charles L, 09-04-2007 08:06:33   I got a nice reciprocating saw, used it to demo a wall, and a couple of other projects. At that point I was satisfied. Then I tried to use it to take out some mature bushes, with about 4" diameter trunks. Got through the first two ok, then halfway through the second, a piece cracked, and got jammed in the reciprocating part, and no more saw. So have to agree with Charles... JUNK. Where are you returning it if you bought online?   [Reply]   [Send Email]
Jerome Sheppard 06-22-2007 08:11:19 68.96.3.5 193285 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   I have a 12" Compound Sliding Miter Saw. After a few times using it, the laser light went out. I returned thw saw and got another. I am installing wood floor in my den and kitchen. Before I was through, the second laser light went out. How can I get some information as to why the lights are going out so fast, or can the bulbs be replaced? If so, where can I find some?   [Reply]   [Send Email]
freebase 06-23-2007 21:03:26 74.101.105.194 193343 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Jerome Sheppard, 06-22-2007 08:11:19   I just fixed the laser in mine. The light itself was fine - it was a faulty switch. The switch is an industry standard size. I found a replacement switch from another source that just snapped in place.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Pissed Off Gary 06-21-2007 18:34:53 65.135.107.96 193264 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   REF: Variable Speed Jigsaw (item 35778) I purchased the above jigsaw from Chicago Electric Power Tools thru Harbor Freight. I don"t think I put 20 minutes of use on it after I noticed the blade started wobbling all over the place. After examination, I discovered the entire blade securing piece on the end of the reciprocating shaft had come off (and nowhere to be found!). This wasn"t one of their imexpensive models either! Now I can"t get Harbor Freight to help at all in obtaining a relacement holder. Frankly, Harbor Freight"s customer care (AFTER you pay out the money) really sucks! I"ll never buy from Harbor Freight again, nor will I buy a Chicago Electric Power Tool again!!!   [Reply]   [No Email]
Nix930 01-06-2007 07:06:20 68.37.243.96 184065 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any go in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   Chicago Electric is distributed exclusively by Harbor Freight and should not be confused with Chicago Pneumatic who makes excellent commercial grade tools. I shop at the Harbor Freight Store near my home every week. The Chicago Electric brand is great for the hobbyist. It’s my choice for tools that I use infrequently. I’ve never had a problem returning an item for replacement or refund. For tools that I use every day, I pay 5 times as much and get commercial tools that are 5 times better.   [Reply]   [Send Email]
Peter Jay Huiras 05-18-2007 10:39:02 65.26.242.2 191647 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any go in reply to Nix930, 01-06-2007 07:06:20   Hello Nix! I saw a Chicago Electric Tool--Looked Stonger than my Foredom--but Made in RUSSIA--with ONLY STRAIGHT CHISELS! You said you know where to buy COMMERCIAL TOOLS??? Do you do CARVING??? I am Looking for BIG STRONG CARVING TOOLS--I've been Carving Violins & Guitars for many years into Dragons & Mermaids--but I am Carving BIG TREES NOW & I want BIG TOOLS??? Does anyone make BIG STRONG POWER TOOLS FOR CARVING??? Check out My Web: www.ViolinGuitarMaker.com Thanks Lots Peter Jay Huiras PeterJay@ViolinGuitarMaker.com   [Reply]   [Send Email]
Jimmy James 09-30-2006 14:42:40 71.75.21.60 178252 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any go in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   I bought a 5 lb. rock tumbler made by these people. It broke within 8 hours of use. I took it apart and fixed it. Two days later the motor stopped working. It was a total waste of money.   [Reply]   [Send Email]
Internet Browser 09-21-2006 13:42:25 70.232.255.118 177850 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any go in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   the world is filled with foolish people and that is what drives these types of business people. simple human nature, there are bad people and good natured people... foolish and the ones that prey on the foolish.   [Reply]   [Send Email]
michaelweis 06-23-2006 12:25:15 68.163.226.15 174085 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any go in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   I just bought a Chicago 7" power sander with hook/loop sanding pad. They sent just 1 sanding disk from Harbor Freight, and I have not been able to locate where I can get more disks. Any ideas?   [Reply]   [Send Email]
wjc 04-03-2003 18:51:12 12.86.35.249 113567 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   My son received a Chicago Electric rotary tumbler (rock polisher) for his birthday. The process involves running the tumbler for weeks to polish the rocks. It ran for two days and the belt broke, but alas they provided a replacement belt with the tumbler. It lasted 2.5 days. Chicago Electric said "Ya we have lots of problems with those and it will take 30 to back order, try a rubber band". Look elsewhere to polish your rocks (so to speak)   [Reply]   [No Email]
rb 08-11-2003 10:27:32 65.58.152.17 118219 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they an in reply to wjc, 04-03-2003 18:51:12   We bought a 3lb. tumbler that barely made it through one run. During the polishing the belt broke. You are suppose to oil the bearings and needless to say the oil worked itself into the rubber roller and would no longer roll. We took it apart to fix the problem and found that all the covers or washers over the bearings were torn and desinigrating after one run. I finished my run with a vibratory method using my husbands brass cleaning equipment. I would not recommend this method for rounding rocks in the grind cycles but more for polishing. We spent more time fixing the unit than using it. Looking for a better one!   [Reply]   [No Email]
rb 09-02-2003 16:09:45 65.58.220.232 119031 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are the in reply to rb, 08-11-2003 10:27:32   Since my situation mentioned on 8/11/03, I have purchased a thumbler's tumbler 3lb. It is working great so far and has very little maintenance. The manufacture is easy to contact and replacement parts if they are needed are a phone call away in Washington State. I have yet to need any replacement parts. I have a Model T stock #100 that only needs oiled if it starts to squeal. After almost one month of running, the belt is still intact,the bearings the rotating rods move through are still intacted like new. So far, I'm happy.   [Reply]   [No Email]
keith 06-16-2002 05:21:45 64.78.92.33 104806 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   i have had no problems with mine however my batery died and i am trying to find one, do they have web site that u know of?   [Reply]   [Send Email]
CHARLIE 08-26-2002 22:34:25 63.28.2.230 106571 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to keith, 06-16-2002 05:21:45   I bought a CHICAGO ELECTRIC POWER TOOLS 1 million candlelightpower flashlight, and blew the bulb after 2 weeks of use. I can't find a replacement bulb on this expensive flashlight! Please HELP--anybody!!!   [Reply]   [Send Email]
ron 11-19-2000 03:01:08 205.188.193.46 14182 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   I just picked up a chicago variable speed jigsaw at harbor freight tools in napa ca. fo $49.99 and went to friedman bro. building supply and man that made my day - the exact same jigsaw was sitting on the shelf for $169.99 - it was the exact same one execpt the little sticker on the side that said BOSCH MO.# 1581AVS - I went to the bosch web sight - entered in the number and there it was same color, same amps, same everything - I saved $120.00 for the same tool and I'm a happy camper. p.s. the new bosch side stickers are ordered and on the way...   [Reply]   [No Email]
D F 02-01-2008 18:31:56 64.24.242.127 207263 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to ron, 11-19-2000 03:01:08   bullshit!!!!!!!!!!!   [Reply]   [Send Email]
Roger V. 09-26-2000 09:39:57 216.93.84.9 13350 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   Like many have said, you get what you pay for. I have several HF tools that work fine for limited use. HF has been good to me on problems so far.... I ordered an 8" grinder that I thought was misrepresented on horsepower. They sent a UPS pickup so returning didn't cost me anything. On two other occasions they replaced a defective part quickly. It's not always convenient but I can't complain too loudly. If I need sturdier tools I always go with a known good brand. Roger V.   [Reply]   [Send Email]
William 09-23-2000 18:18:29 207.172.81.159 13302 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   I wouldn't buy anything from Harbor Freight. If you have a problem, you have to pay to ship it back. For some items, the freight is enough to buy a real tool in the fist place. Take it from someone who has already been burned!   [Reply]   [Send Email]
Jim 09-20-2000 11:19:18 208.17.13.159 13242 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   Well, heres my two cents worth. Like Tyler said if you dont use them much... I have a 4.5 inch grinder ($20) that Ive had for a year or two with no problems. However I dont use it everyday. But thats why they make commercial tools too. I also got a reciprocating saw ($39) that I've used alot, but not every day. If your going to use them for a hobby I'd say they are fine. Remember, you get what you pay for. Jim   [Reply]   [Send Email]
The Red 09-20-2000 09:45:07 206.246.187.2 13235 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   That is an import with the Chicago name. Same with the Pittsburgh name. I bought some items from Harbor in the late 1970s/early 1980s and was dissapointed in the quality and performance of the items I purchased at the time.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Tyler(WA) 09-20-2000 07:19:53 12.13.226.16 13233 Report to Moderator	Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they any good? in reply to Roger C., 09-19-2000 22:07:22   I'm on my second 4.5" grinder and I wish I still had my $40 so I could buy a good one. They're all right if you don't use one much but since I do.... I really should have bought better.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Rlm 04-19-2006 14:02:35 144.9.8.21 171490 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Chicago Electric Power Tools . are they an in reply to Tyler(WA), 09-20-2000 07:19:53   Does anyone know where you can purchase parts for the 4 1/2" grinder? Needing brushes. Thanks in advance. -Rick   [Reply]   [Send Email]