Here at Chief® Air Hammer, Die Grinder, Air Tools, Tools, our mission is simple: to provide professional-grade air tools and equipment at prices regular folks can afford. We believe that with the right tools, anyone can tackle DIY projects and automotive repairs with confidence.
Our History
Chief® was founded in 1977 by John Smith, a third-generation automotive mechanic. John got his start working in his family’s garage in rural Illinois. From a young age, he understood the importance of having quality tools. He saw his father struggle with flimsy, overpriced equipment from big box retailers. John knew there had to be a better way.
After graduating high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Army as a vehicle mechanic. During his service, he gained hands-on experience maintaining heavy machinery and equipment. He was impressed by the durability of the professional-grade tools the Army provided him.
When John’s service ended, he decided to make it his mission to provide similar high-quality air tools to professional mechanics and DIYers alike. He opened the first Chief® store in Dallas, Texas and began developing a line of affordable, Made-in-USA air hammers, die grinders, impact wrenches, and more.
John’s motto was “Hardworking tools for hardworking people.” The brand grew quickly as word spread about the durability, reliability, and performance of Chief® pneumatic equipment. In the 1980s, John expanded the catalog to include sanders, cut-off tools, drills, and other workshop must-haves.
Today, Chief® operates 5 factories in the United States and ships to over 50 countries worldwide. But our company remains true to John Smith’s founding commitment to provide professional-grade tools at unbeatable prices.
Our Factory
Every Chief® air tool and accessory is proudly engineered and manufactured in the USA. Our state-of-the-art facility in Rockford, Illinois employs over 500 American workers.
Our factory boasts an ISO 9001 certified quality management system. This means that every design, manufacturing, and distribution process is held to the highest international standards. ISO 9001 certification is your assurance that Chief® products undergo rigorous quality control testing before leaving our facility.
Chief® also follows ISO 14001 environmental management standards. We’re committed to sustainable manufacturing processes that reduce energy consumption, waste, and our carbon footprint. Our Rockford factory runs on over 30% renewable energy. We also recycle over 90% of metal remnant waste from production back into our supply chain.
Our expert R&D team works tirelessly to improve upon our industry-leading product designs. Our engineers use the latest modeling and simulation technology to analyze stress, airflow, vibrations, and other dynamics. This helps us maximize the power, balance, and durability of every tool we make.
Meanwhile, our skilled production workers assemble each product by hand with care and quality control. Machines support production, but experienced technicians oversee every stage from machining components to final assembly. Their craftsmanship shines through in the finished product you receive.
Our Products
Chief® offers a full lineup of professional pneumatic tools as well as complementary accessories to complete your workshop. Here are just a few of our most popular products:
Air Hammers and Scalers
Our 1-1/8″ Air Hammer delivers a whopping 2,400 BPM with just 90 PSI of air input. The long-reach barrel gets into tight spaces while the quick-change retainer makes bit swaps fast and easy. It’s perfect for automotive work, construction, metal fabrication, and more.
For more delicate tasks, reach for our 3/4″ Air Scaler. The tuned exhaust directs air away from the work area while the feathering throttle gives you total control over the 18,000 BPM impact rate. It excels at paint/rust removal, cleaning, and surface prep applications.
Die Grinders
Chief® die grinders are a must for cutting, deburring, chamfering, and general grinding on metal and other hard materials. Our benchmark 1/2″ Dual Purpose Die Grinder outputs an ultra-high 50,000 RPM free speed. The composite housing withstands shop abuse while the dual-port exhaust directs debris away from the work surface.
For heavy-duty applications, step up to our 1″ Industiral Die Grinder. Its massive front bearing withstands severe side loads generated when using large abrasive wheels and cut-off discs. Turn the rear exhaust to keep grinding swarf under control.
Air Sanders
From auto body work to woodworking, Chief® has the right sander for the job. Our 6″ DA Sander features a powerful 0.8 HP motor that spins the pad up to 20,000 OPM. The ergonomic composite body reduces fatigue while dual paper clamps keep abrasives firmly in place. An integrated regulator and in-line oiler give you fingertip control.
For feathering edges and finish work, the 3″ Palm Sander is ideal. The slim profile gets into tight spots while the 1/4″ air inlet allows you to snap on different hose lengths. At 25,000 OPM, it makes quick work of detail sanding on metal, plastic, wood, and more.
Air Drills & Impact Wrenches
Our 3/8″ Reversible Air Drill develops an impressive 530 in-lbs of torque – enough for driving large fasteners or powering hole saws and other accessories. The 2-speed transmission lets you toggle between 250 and 1850 RPM. A rubberized grip and rear-mounted trigger reduce fatigue and give you more control.
When you need serious bolt-busting torque, the 1/2″ Air Impact Wrench delivers up to 500 ft-lbs with variable speed control from 0 – 9,000 BPM. The TwinHammer mechanism hammers in both directions for double the power. This workhorse makes light work out of rusted exhaust bolts, suspension components, lug nuts, and more.
Air Accessories
Of course, pneumatic tools need compressed air to function. That’s why Chief® offers a full line of regulators, filters, lubricators, couplers, and hose to complete your air system. Our Quick-Change Air Coupler Set lets you instantly switch tools or add extensions without losing airflow. For portable work, our Retractable Hose Reels keep things tidy in your garage, shop, or job site.
We also carry precision nozzles, blow guns, air probes, swabs, and other specialty items that utilize compressed air to make short work of cleaning, drying, blasting, inflating, vacuuming, and more.
Regardless of your trade, Chief® has the pneumatic tools and accessories to fit your needs. Everything we make adheres to our strict standards for performance, reliability, and durability.
Our Customers
Over the past 40+ years, Chief® has cultivated a loyal customer base that spans tradespeople, DIYers, and industrial clients. Here are just a few of the people we’re proud to serve:
- Auto mechanics – Chief® air hammers, sanders, drills, and impact wrenches take on every task in the shop from breaking rusted bolts to smoothing body filler.
- Machine shops – Our die grinders and cut-off tools make quick work of cutting, chamfering, and deburring. Precision air nozzles help clean parts down to the micron.
- Autobody shops – From sanding filler to removing paint and rust, Chief® has all the air tools needed to repair panels, polish paint, and give cars that factory finish.
- Plumbers & HVAC pros – Our durable drain cleaners, tube brushes, and blow guns handle the toughest clogs and gunk encountered on the job.
- Contractors – Riveting, nailing, sanding, drilling – our air hammers, nailers, sanders, and drills withstand daily abuse on residential job sites.
- Handymen – For home remodeling projects, Chief® sanders, die grinders, staplers/nailers have the reliability and control needed for precision work.
- DIYers – Home mechanics, woodworkers, artists, and hobbyists appreciate Chief®’s quality without the professional price tag.
- Farmers & ranchers – On the ranch, Chief® air tools make quick work of everything from equipment maintenance to metal fabrication and repair.
No matter your trade, Chief® provides the air tools and accessories needed to make your job easier. Our products allow you to tackle projects with speed, precision, and confidence.
Our Commitment
We proudly stand behind our motto: Hardworking Tools for Hardworking People. This commitment to performance, reliability, and value has driven our company from the very beginning.
When you buy Chief®, you can count on:
- Powerful Performance – Chief® air tools output optimal RPMs, IPMs, CFM, and torque to make your jobs easier. We use quality motors and optimized mechanics.
- Rugged Reliability – Each tool is made from quality materials under strict tolerances. We use precision bearings, heat-treated alloy steel, and reinforced components that stand up to punishing shop use.
- Ergonomic Comfort – From the grip and balance to vibration reduction and feather-touch triggers, our tools are engineered for all-day comfort and control.
- Affordable Value – Thanks to our direct distribution and American manufacturing, Chief® tools cost a fraction of comparable pro models from other brands.
- Lasting Support – Our USA-based customer support team is ready to answer questions and handle any warranty issues promptly.
When you choose Chief®, you’re making an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. We strive to build tools that live up to our name and empower people to take pride in their work. That’s a commitment you can continue to count on.
We sincerely thank you for considering Chief® for your air tool needs. Please reach out if you have any questions – we’re always happy to help!