We are very excited to announce that Chicago Electric Power Tools has just released its new, professional grade line of cordless power tools that are of highest quality and feature the latest advanced designs and engineering.

These new cordless power tools will exceed the high expectations of even the most demanding professional cordless power tool user.

Heavy Duty case is included with the Drill, Hammerdrill, and Impact Driver

Cushion grip handles designed to avoid fatigue

Back up batteries available for $14.99 – most competing brands sell them for $70 or more!

We put these power tools through punishing tests in our state-of-the-art test labs to ensure that they perform to professional quality standards and stay tough for the long haul. And our quality commitment is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

It’s June– and as with every June, a new herd of college grads is cut loose into the world. This means new apartments, new (or new old) furniture, new roomies, and a whole slew of new domestic responsibilities. Something every grad should consider getting is a decent tool set. Yes, you’ll probably have a landlord that takes care of that kind of stuff. But landlords are not your parents and they sure won’t always be around when you need them. Sometimes you’ll have to take care of things yourself –and wouldn’t it be great if you could? That’s where Harbor Freight Tools comes in.

Here’s a list of just the most essential tools you’ll be wanting:

Design – Decorating is the most likely thing you’ll be doing on your own. Here are some tools that’ll help with that:

It’s funny how, as you get older, you start doing all the cool stuff you wanted to do when you were a punk teenager. Back in the 70’s we were all car crazy, and many’s the time I envied the guys in the neighborhood who were out on their front lawns, working on their Dodge Challengers or GTO “Goats”—

—not just because they HAD them (which would have been enough), but because they could actually work on them. Somehow, they managed to have the tools and supplies it took to keep their wheels “cherry.” Nowadays, though, when you hear (and feel) a carb-powered 426 Hemi thundering down the road, it’s a geezer you’re more likely to see behind the wheel than a punk. And chances are that geezer is one of us.

Classic car restoration is more popular than ever, and with the help of online parts stores, chat forums and YouTube videos, guys who thought they’d never get to rebuild their favorite classic rides are now living in their garages (and on their lawns), doing just that.

If you’ve decided to restore a vehicle yourself, I salute you. Not only will you save thousands of dollars, you’ll be embarking on a long, challenging– even therapeutic– journey that will reap dividends for years to come. But before we start doing that victory lap to “We Are the Champions,” let me suggest some basic tools you’ll want right out of the gate to make the dream a reality (unless, of course, you like repeatedly going back & forth to the store when you’re in the middle of something):

The Must-Have Tool

The Air Compressor will quickly become your best friend over the course of your restoration. It’s the first thing you’ll need to get for your arsenal. Between the Die Grinder, Paint Sprayer and Impact Wrench, you’re going to get a lot of use out of it and, believe me, you’ll thank yourself every time you’ve got a big chore that you don’t have to do manually. It needs to have a decent enough CFM—at least 5-6 CFM per minute at 90 psi– so that the long bursts of sanding, buffing or cutting won’t wear too hard on the compressor. You could get the job done with a 29-Gallon Tank Unit, but if you can swing it, go for a 60-Gallon Compressor, with power to spare. By the way, the Die Grinder is great for polishing the inside of the head ports, cleaning up metal and using with a cut-off wheel to repair panels.

Engine Work

A Compression Tester will help diagnose vital motor issues, such as worn piston rings, burnt valves and bad head gaskets. This is a great first tool to use when you get your new project car home. You can even take it with you to test a car before you buy it!

While it’s not vital for the project, you may want to consider picking up a “cherry-picker” Engine Hoist, especially if you’re planning to restore more than one vehicle. A good 2-Ton Shop Craneshould be sufficient, and will more than pay for itself in the long run.

Most likely, you should have the cylinders re-bored. A cylinder bore gauge is needed to check for taper, out-of-round and oversize on the cylinders if you are rebuilding the motor yourself. Any critical wear on the cylinder can be reached with this gauge. An Engine Cylinder Hone will de-glaze the cylinder walls and give them a nice, smooth finish.

Next, you’ll want a valve spring compressor to remove the valves for a rebuild. Also a cheap valve lapping tool, with grinding compound, helps reseat the valves.

Piston Ring Pliers will help you remove and replace the rings on the pistons without breaking them. A Piston Ring Compressor is needed for the installation of the pistons. Also, a piston groove cleaner will remove the carbon crud from the piston grooves.

A Dial Indicator is used to measure run-out on things like the flywheel, and endplay on the crankshaft. While there are various types of mounts, including magnetic base and screw mounts, I recommend the clamping mount because it’s faster and easier to work with.

Next, a Stud Puller is a must for removing stripped, rusted and otherwise stubborn head studs, as well as exhaust & intake manifold studs.

Another tool you cannot live without is the Torque Wrench—two, actually. Get both a 1/2″ drive and 3/8″ drive for your tool cabinet. These are essential to torque all your bolts to factory specs.

Have a complete Tap and Die Set on hand, preferably with both SAE & metric. You’ll find this invaluable for cleaning up old bolts and restoring rusted holes.

MIG Welder. You won’t get through a restoration job without it. Why a MIG welder, as opposed to another type? Well, for starters, if you’re new to this kind of project, the MIG is the easiest to learn. Also, they work with the most common types of metals, overhead welding is easier, and the MIG welder works fast.

You’ll also want a Hammer & Dolly Set, otherwise known as a “Body & Fender Set.” These tools go a long way in repairing and straightening steel panels, and all-around custom fab work. This one, made by Pittsburgh, probably has the best price you’re going to find, and one look at the customer reviews should convince you there’s no need to keep looking.

A Step Drill is essential to make quick, clean work out of drilling large diameter holes for auto-body jobs such as installing chrome trim, and for firewall holes.

A Spot Weld Cutterworks great in restoration projects and does just what its name implies. Also, a Plumber’s Torch is great for softening and shaping metal.

As you work on your project, you’ll find a Bench Grinder and Drill Pressare extremely helpful in the auto restoration process. Plus, a Wire Wheel on the grinder is a must and makes cleaning up parts quick and simple.

It’s a given Harbor Freight’s got a huge catalog of affordable hand & power tools– that’s why so many out there love the store and keep going back. Not only do they find the tools they need a lot cheaper than other places, they even find stuff they just can’t get anywhere else. And that catalog keeps on getting bigger!

This electric die grinder has a longer-than-typical shaft that lets you reach into tight, cramped work spaces.

A die grinder is an essential tool for any automotive specialist. This versatile Electric Die Grinder with Long Shaft (SKU 44141) by Chicago Electric Power Tools is available only through Harbor Freight and is designed to allow you to reach into tight or hard to reach spaces with ease. Measuring over four inches longer than similar electric die grinders, this tool is also lightweight, maneuverable, and, best of all, easy to fit into any tool budget!

With this long reach electric die grinder, you can sand, polish and grind metal, wood and plastic to your needs no matter how cramped the work space. This die grinder electric tool is especially useful for automotive grinding. The extra long shaft easily gets into those exhaust pipes, engine bays and other cramped or tight spaces that standard die grinders just won’t reach!

The grinder’s 1/4″ collet accepts most die grinder accessories so you can switch applications quickly. And with an all ball-bearing construction for durability and maximum 25,000 RPM speed, this incredible electric die grinder will help you power through your projects for years to come! Check it out along with our Front Exhaust Air Angle Die Grinder (SKU 52848) and our Rear Exhaust Air Die Grinder (SKU 32046) today.

This 100-piece bit set includes security bits that let you work with hex, hollow hex, Pozi bits, Torx bits, hollow-tip Torx bits, square and spline fasteners.

Includes slotted and Phillips bits

1/4″ hex shaft

Rugged chrome vanadium construction

Blow-molded case with individual compartments

So use code 50763378 when you check out with the security bit set in your online cart or just click on the coupon below. You will get 30% off this item* from the Harbor Freight website! This offer lasts through October 17, 2011.

This week we’re highlighting this set of high speed steel, titanium nitride coated drill bits from Drill Master (SKU 96275), which is now only $14.99 until September 26.

This 2 piece set of high speed steel, titanium nitride coated drill bits replaces 21 individual drill bits in your toolbox (2 common sizes between the 12-step and 11-step bits). You won’t have to constantly change bits when drilling the range of holes needed on a countertop, for example, to speed installation of kitchen/bath fixtures.

Cool-running titanium nitride coating

High speed steel for long life

Automatically deburrs holes as you drill

Two-flute design gives you faster, smoother cutting

Quick-change 1/4″ hex shank

So use code 68727963 when you check out with the high-speed drill bits in your online cart or just click on the coupon below. You will get 31% off this item* from the Harbor Freight website! This offer lasts through September 26, 2011.

Keep your chain saw’s chain in top condition by periodically sharpening it in this all-inclusive electric sharpener. This chain saw sharpener comes with a 4-1/4” diameter grinding wheel on the drop-down arm, a vise with precision angle adjustment, and height and scale positioning.

Includes 4-1/4” x 1/8” grinding wheel with 7/8” arbor

4200 RPM grinding speed

Large side safety guard

120 volt, 0.75 amp, direct-drive ball-bearing motor

So use code 36640006 when you check out with the circular saw in your online cart or just click on the coupon below. You will get 60% off this item* from the Harbor Freight website! This offer lasts through August 1, 2011.

This workhorse circular saw has a powerful 10 amp, direct drive motor that can stand up to rigorous use. The saw features a dual-grip handle for better control and calibrated bevel adjustments for accurate cutting from 0 to 45 degrees. An easy pivot shoe with depth scale can allows for up to 2-1.2″ thick straight cuts and up to 1-3/4″ thick cuts at 45 degrees. A 7-1/4″, 24-tooth carbide tipped saw blade is included.

All ball bearing motor for long life

Dual-grip handle design for better control

Automatic guard return

Calibrated bevel adjustments for cutting from 0 to 45 degrees

Easy-pivot shoe with depth scale

Maximum speed 5000 RPM

Arbor 5/8″, spindle lock

Includes carbide tipped saw blade and removal hex wrench

So use code 20609098 when you check out with the circular saw in your online cart or just click on the coupon below. You will get 30% off this item* from the Harbor Freight website! This offer lasts through July 25, 2011.

This 3/8″ portable power drill has a keyless chuck for easy bit changes, and the variable speeds between 0-3000 RPM give you all the versatility you need for drilling or driving. The smooth-running ball-bearing motor is designed for a long service life.

Variable speed: 0-3000 RPM

Reversible

Keyless chuck capacity: 3/64″ to 3/8″

So use code 58749380 when you check out with the reversible drill in your online cart or just click on the coupon below. You will get 25% off this item* from the Harbor Freight website! This offer lasts through July 18, 2011.