The legacy of Chicago Pneumatic
From designing the world’s first impact wrench to playing a role in the Apollo 8 space mission and powering construction of the Riyadh metro network, we have evolved and transformed with every decade and for the future. This is our journey:
1900s
- John W. Duntley meets steel magnate Charles M. Schwab in 1901 and Chicago Pneumatic is incorporated.
- We patent the first single-valve pneumatic hammer, and develop a new line of products including air tools and rock drills.
- We expand overseas, opening new offices in UK, Canada, and Germany.
1910s
- We produce a horizontal, two-cycle, semi-diesel oil engine to power our compressors.
- We perfect the Simplate valve, which replaces mechanical valves on compressors – a technological breakthrough adopted by all compressor manufacturers.
- Production begins for the gasoline-driven CPT car and ‘Little Giant’ trucks.
- We develop a new line of products to meet a growing demand for air tools and rock drills.
- We begin production of a 2-cycle, semi-diesel engine to power Chicago Pneumatic compressors.
1920s
- We manufacture a diesel engine that will be used in racing cars around Europe.
- We begin manufacturing rotary oil well drilling equipment, a technology that will continue to be used for oil prospecting into the next century.
1930s
- We design and manufacture the world’s first impact wrench, in both pneumatic and electric versions.
- Our tools and equipment are used in the excavation work and construction of the Empire State Building.
- Our construction and mining equipment is used in the making of landmarks such as the:
- Lincoln Tunnel, New York
- Triborough Bridge, New York
- Chicago subway system
- Boulder Dam, Arizona
- Grand Coulee Dam, Washington
- Eight dams comprising the Tennessee Valley Authority flood control and power generation project, and the
- Golden Gate suspension bridge, San Francisco.
1940s
- The image of Rosie the Riveter with her Chicago Pneumatic riveting hammer debuts on the Saturday Evening Post; it will go on to become a cultural emblem.
- We develop the hot dimpling machine which is used in almost all aircraft manufacturing at the time.
1950s
- Our drill bits break depth records approaching 20,000 ft.
- We introduce a portable broach puller for aircraft rivets.
- We introduce torque control impact wrenches in steel erection for the Tishman Building in New York.
- Our CP610 impact wrenches are used to assemble the Carquinez Bridge in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Our torque control impact wrenches are used exclusively in assembling the deck structure of the Glen Canyon Bridge which connects Utah and Arizona.
- CP G-900 Tracdrils equipped with CP-450 DR drifters, CP-69 sinker drills and CP-39A sinker drills are used in construction of the two-lane highway through the historic Donner Pass.
1960s
- Our electric motor powers a pump that inflates three bags on the Apollo 8 capsule, upon splashdown in the Pacific.
- We customize tools for new aircraft designs: the Boeing 737 and 747, Lockheed L1011 and C5A, the Douglas DC-10 and British Aerospace’s Concorde.
- Our rock drills, compressors, and impact wrenches are used to construct the Forth Road Bridge in Scotland.
- We introduce the world’s first speed ratchet, the CP728.
1970s
- We introduce our wrenches to an automotive market already familiar with our speed rachets.
1980s
- We roll out new industrial products: screwdrivers, assembly tools, and ratchet wrenches.
- Our logo gets a millennium-ready makeover.
- Atlas Copco acquires Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company.
1990s
- ‘The Classics’ are launched: the CP789H reversible drill, the CP828H ratchet, and the CP854 angle grinder. Our authentic styling is available today in The Classic Range.
- We win silver from the AMA for our ‘23 parts’ campaign which shows how just 23 interchangeable components can be used to make over 250 light assembly tools.
2000s
- We inaugurate a state-of-the-art Technocenter in Nantes, France. Here our teams will focus on R&D, design, prototyping, testing, and certifying industrial tools, with a view to advancing automation across industries.
2010s, 2020s
- Through tough weather and geothermal conditions, our generators and light towers rise to the challenge, perform and deliver on the Riyadh Metro network.
- We open a new tool showroom for customers and distributors at our Rock Hill location in the US.
- The popular TV science series ‘Wicked Inventions’ features Chicago Pneumatic.
