Chicago Pneumatic Cutting Tools

Air cutting tools trim, slit and part metal where a torch would warp the work and a grinder would not fit. Chicago Pneumatic covers four types here. Cut-off tools spin a small abrasive wheel through bolts, clamps, sheet metal, fiberglass and composite — the 1.63 lb, 0.5 hp (370 W) CP861, the CP874 with a 2-7/8 in. (73 mm) wheel and speed regulator, and the extended 4 in. (100 mm) CP9116 for restricted access. Air saws cut curves and openings: the 1.3 lb CP7900, the low-vibration CP7901 at 10,000 strokes per minute, and the heavier-duty CP881 at 9,500 SPM. The CP785S shear and CP835 nibbler handle sheet. Wheels and blades are in cutting accessories.

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Cut-Off Tools

A cut-off tool is the fastest way through a seized bolt, a clamp, exhaust tube or fiberglass. The CP861 is the square-handle heavy-duty model with a lock-off lever against accidental start-up; the CP874 adds an adjustable speed regulator and rear exhaust on a 2-7/8 in. wheel; the CP9116 stretches to 4 in. of reach with a composite grip and 360° swivel inlet. All three take small wheels from the abrasives range. For stock removal rather than parting, cross to air grinders.

Air Saws

A reciprocating air saw follows a scribed line, cuts openings and reaches panel work no wheel can. The CP7900 is the compact one at 8.5 in. (216 mm) long and 1.3 lb (0.59 kg), with a 3/8 in. (10 mm) stroke, adjustable guard guide and 18T, 28T and 32T blades in the box. The CP7901 keeps that stroke, runs 10,000 strokes per minute and holds vibration under 2.5 m/s². The CP881 is the intensive-use saw at 9,500 SPM with a 32T blade. Coarser teeth for thick stock, finer for sheet.

Shears & Nibblers

Both cut sheet, but they leave different edges. The CP785S shear runs a 0.5 hp (370 W) motor through triple idler planetary gearing, cutting squares and angles in aluminum, tin and steel to 18 gauge (1.1 mm), and leaves a clean straight edge with no chip. The CP835 nibbler punches its way along with a 0.177 in. punch — steel to 0.060 in. (16 gauge), aluminum to 0.102 in. (10 gauge) — and turns tight corners and circles. Punch and die swap out easily.

Compare CP Cutting Tools

Model	Type	Published figures
CP785S Series	Shear	0.5 hp (370 W); cuts to 18 gauge (1.1 mm)
CP7900 Series	Air saw	1.3 lb (0.59 kg); 8.5 in. long; 3/8 in. stroke
CP7901 Series	Air saw	10,000 SPM; 3/8 in. stroke; under 2.5 m/s²
CP835 Series	Nibbler	0.177 in. punch; steel to 16 ga, aluminum to 10 ga
CP861 Series	Cut-off tool	0.5 hp (370 W); 1.63 lb (0.74 kg)
CP874 Series	Cut-off tool	2-7/8 in. (73 mm) wheel; speed regulator
CP881 Series	Air saw	9,500 SPM; supplied with 32T blade
CP9116 Series	Cut-off tool	4 in. (100 mm) extended reach; 360° swivel inlet

CP builds eight tools in this line at 0.35 to 0.5 hp on 5.5 to 17 CFM, 1.3 to 1.9 lb, all on a 1/4 in. inlet — the range is above and on the CP air cutting tools page.

Common Questions

Looking for a Cutlass Clipper? We do not list a Chicago Pneumatic tool under that name. The closest current equivalents are the reciprocating air saws above. Send the part number off the tool and we will match it, or check the parts and diagrams hub for the exploded view.

How much air does a cut-off tool need? CP puts the whole cutting line between 5.5 and 17 CFM at 90 psi, so a shop compressor handles one tool comfortably and two at once is where sizing starts to matter. A regulator and lubricator on the drop keeps the vanes alive.

Cut-off wheel or air saw? A wheel is faster and straighter through solid stock, bolts and tube. A saw follows a curve, starts in a drilled hole and cuts openings in panel. If the cut has a radius in it, take the saw.

What wheels and blades fit? Wheel size is set by the tool — 2-7/8 in. on the CP874 — and saw blades are sold by tooth count. Both are stocked as blades, wheels and punches, alongside the rest of the industrial tool range. In-stock items ordered by 4 PM ET ship the same day from Denver.