Pneumatic Screwdrivers

Air screwdrivers drive and back out threaded fasteners all shift without heating up, and the clutch inside decides how accurately they stop. Chicago Pneumatic builds every one of these on a 1/4 in. hex drive in four clutch types: shut-off tools that cut the air at target torque, including the CP28 shut-off screwdrivers and the three-inlet CP2611; cushion-clutch tools such as the CP2612 and the pistol-grip CP780/CP781; direct-drive and positive-clutch tools like the CP2755/CP2765 and CP2780 for soft joints; and impact screwdrivers for seized fasteners. Bits and holders are under screwdriver accessories, and the line is laid out on the CP air screwdrivers page.

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Clutch Type Is the Decision

A shut-off clutch trips at preset torque and cuts the air, so every joint gets the same torque no matter who holds the tool — the pick for quality-controlled and safety-critical assembly. A cushion clutch absorbs the end of rundown so torque builds smoothly and the operator takes less kick; the general-assembly default. Direct drive has no clutch — the motor stalls against the joint, fast and cheap in soft material. A positive clutch stays engaged, letting the operator control engagement for higher torque.

Pistol, Straight and Push-to-Start

Straight bodies suit inline access and push-to-start operation — the CP2623 and the CP782 and CP783 models work that way. Pistol grips with a progressive trigger suit horizontal work, which is what the cushion-clutch CP28 and the direct-drive CP28 are for. The CP2611 and CP2612 add three air-inlet positions so the hose leaves the tool where the operator wants it, and the composite bodies set torque keylessly with color rings marking the setting.

Impact Screwdrivers

The CP2136 straight and CP2141 pistol both use a double rocking dog clutch in a metal housing. They hammer rather than clutch, so they break seized screws loose where a clutch tool stalls. The CP2136 adds a power regulator, reverse button and suspension bail; the CP2141 is the compact, low-noise choice for tight spaces. Anything bigger than a screw belongs with the impact wrenches.

Compare CP Air Screwdrivers

Model	Clutch	Body and notable feature
CP28 Shut-Off	Shut-off	Pistol, aluminum body, one-hand reverse
CP28 Cushion	Cushion	Pistol, keyless quick torque setting
CP28 Direct Drive	Stall torque	Pistol, lightweight for intensive use
CP2136 Series	Impact	Straight, power regulator and suspension bail
CP2141 Series	Impact	Pistol, compact and low noise
CP2611 Series	Shut-off	Composite body, three air inlets
CP2612 Series	Cushion	Three air inlets, color rings for torque ID
CP2621/CP2622	Shut-off	Straight push-to-start, rubber-gripped aluminum
CP2623 Series	Cushion	Straight push-to-start, high speed
CP2755/CP2765	Direct drive	Fast rundown in soft material, trigger reverse
CP2780 Series	Positive	Compact, operator-controlled engagement
CP780/CP781	Cushion	Pistol, external clutch adjustment
CP782/CP783	Cushion	Straight, external clutch adjustment

Every model takes a 1/4 in. hex bit. Pick the row matching your clutch and body style, then open the product page for torque and speed by part number.

Common Questions

What is a shut-off clutch screwdriver? An air screwdriver whose clutch trips and cuts the air the instant the fastener hits preset torque, so the joint repeats regardless of operator. The CP28 shut-off, CP2611 and CP2621/CP2622 work this way. All are hand-held rather than fixtured, but hung off a tool balancer one works like a stationary station.

Cushion or shut-off? Shut-off if the torque has to be documented or repeatable to spec. Cushion for a smooth, low-kick rundown on general assembly where a wider torque spread is fine. Direct drive and positive clutch only on soft joints in wood, PVC and plastic.

How much air do they take? Small tools, but not zero. CP lists the industrial screwdrivers at 800 to 1,700 RPM and 0.88 to 2.87 lb on 1/8 and 1/4 in. inlets, the maintenance line reaching 13,000 RPM. Keep the supply clean through a filter, regulator and lubricator.

Do the bits swap between tools? Yes — the whole range is 1/4 in. hex, so bits and holders move between them and across the CP industrial tool line. The Chicago Pneumatic Industrial hub lists the catalog by family. In-stock items ordered by 4 PM ET ship the same day from Denver.