The Astro Pneumatic Suggest a Tool Give Away

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

The Astro Pneumatic Suggest a Tool Give Away​

Entry Period Ends on Monday August 4th, 2014​

At Astro Pneumatic we've always welcomed customer feedback on our service, tools and support. Of course, this often comes in the form of questions like “hey, why don’t you guys have…?” or “why did you stop making…?” or “do you make an extra heavy duty version of…?”

Since the GJ community includes a lot of our customers as well as just a lot of tool nuts like our customers, we’d like to provide a thread for this kind of feedback. Feedback has always helped shape the discussion within our product development and product revision team, and we value it so much that it often finds its way into our product offerings.

And since the bosses aren't around right now – that means free tools!

10 prizes (9370 - 8" Self Ratcheting Adjustable Wrench) drawn at random from the ideas submitted in this thread



1 grand prize (7775 - 12V Portable Power Supply and Emergency Jump Starter Kit) also drawn at random

​

So:
What tools seem difficult for you to find?

What tool seems to never be offered at an affordable price?

Do you see a need for a certain tool to be offered at a higher quality or be made of a heavier duty construction than what’s currently on the market?

What kind of tool should be made (or made better), but it seems like no one is making? (i.e. specific jobs/tasks that there aren't really any specialty tools for)

Each user will be considered only once but feel free to contribute as much as you’d like.
This thread is not limited to tool ideas, discussion is welcome!

 

[warmpancakes]

Craftsman used to offer a under the Hood cart it was a great cart at a great price, under 100.00 IIRC its sold by a few other companies for a MUCH higher price now,

Pics of snap on version here

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...etailing-cart-autogeek-s-show-car-garage.html

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682799&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[NewEdgePerf]

Mid-length socket sets in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drive. Very few tool companies offer them, but they are often times handier than the deep well versions because the fit in tighter spots and still have enough depth.

Socket organizers that allow the user to customize for the sockets and hex/torx bits, not just every size imaginable. Some mechanics like to put their most used sizes and bits all together. Especially for specific jobs that they do time and time again. You just grab your "set" for that job.

Razor blade dispenser that has a magnet on the back to mount to the inside lid of a tool cart.

Tony D
New Edge Performance & LS Speed Shop

 

[Kracin]

What tools seem difficult for you to find?

Since buying tools on the internet, it hasn't been too hard to find the right tool, but i recently went through a problem of trying to find a quality syphon feed gun for multipurpose applications that was under 15 dollars, and couldn't seem to find anything local or online that matched... i did eventually find one offered from astro pneumatic amazingly enough, but by the time i found it i no longer needed it.

it seems more these days that the tool thats hard to find is a specialty tool designed for a specific task and isn't carried much because it isn't used much. hard for me to say anything is hard to find if you know what you're looking for and have a computer or phone right next to you

What tool seems to never be offered at an affordable price?

Tools for me that are never at an affordable price are high quality pneumatic or cordless electric. i absolutely wish i could find a quality cordless electric impact gun that fits my budget, but i know that its going to be a very long time until production costs for these come low enough to hit the sub 200 range for tool and battery on something that can hit the 450ft/lb mark

Do you see a need for a certain tool to be offered at a higher quality or be made of a heavier duty construction than what’s currently on the market?

I don't think people have a hard time finding tools that are a higher quality, you just have to buy from the right manufacturer. nobody buys HF screwdrivers and expects them to last, but people have no problem buying quality screwdrivers from wiha, felo, wera and all those others. i can't say i've ever seen a tool that wasn't offered in high quality somewhere, by somebody.


What kind of tool should be made (or made better), but it seems like no one is making? (i.e. specific jobs/tasks that there aren't really any specialty tools for)

Man, this is a tough one, because i go through a whole slew of different tools every day, from plastic welders, to mig, and smaw welding, drilling, torch cutting, soldering, braising, etc etc etc all kinds of different jobs. i think one thing that needs to be more widespread is tap sockets, or sockets that can hold easy outs, or possibly easyouts that come inside of a socket. i always seem to run into areas that are incredibly tight and i just can't seem to get the space i need to properly tap a hole because my tap handle is just too large, so i end up doing the crescent wrench dance for an hour to get a hole done.








Tough questions here, with the new age of online buying and internet, its hard for somebody to genuinely not find a tool for the job. on the other hand, if you were talking about local buying/ then there are tons of tools that people would have trouble buying quality of simply because the physical tool shop seems to be going away in these times.

i appreciate the chance to enter the giveaway Charles. hope this feedback helps in one way or another even if i feel my opinions aren't very helpful because i feel i'm adept at finding the tools i need for the jobs i do daily.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

What tools seem difficult for you to find?

Since buying tools on the internet, it hasn't been too hard to find the right tool, but i recently went through a problem of trying to find a quality syphon feed gun for multipurpose applications that was under 15 dollars, and couldn't seem to find anything local or online that matched... i did eventually find one offered from astro pneumatic amazingly enough, but by the time i found it i no longer needed it.

it seems more these days that the tool thats hard to find is a specialty tool designed for a specific task and isn't carried much because it isn't used much. hard for me to say anything is hard to find if you know what you're looking for and have a computer or phone right next to you

What tool seems to never be offered at an affordable price?

Tools for me that are never at an affordable price are high quality pneumatic or cordless electric. i absolutely wish i could find a quality cordless electric impact gun that fits my budget, but i know that its going to be a very long time until production costs for these come low enough to hit the sub 200 range for tool and battery on something that can hit the 450ft/lb mark

Do you see a need for a certain tool to be offered at a higher quality or be made of a heavier duty construction than what’s currently on the market?

I don't think people have a hard time finding tools that are a higher quality, you just have to buy from the right manufacturer. nobody buys HF screwdrivers and expects them to last, but people have no problem buying quality screwdrivers from wiha, felo, wera and all those others. i can't say i've ever seen a tool that wasn't offered in high quality somewhere, by somebody.


What kind of tool should be made (or made better), but it seems like no one is making? (i.e. specific jobs/tasks that there aren't really any specialty tools for)

Man, this is a tough one, because i go through a whole slew of different tools every day, from plastic welders, to mig, and smaw welding, drilling, torch cutting, soldering, braising, etc etc etc all kinds of different jobs. i think one thing that needs to be more widespread is tap sockets, or sockets that can hold easy outs, or possibly easyouts that come inside of a socket. i always seem to run into areas that are incredibly tight and i just can't seem to get the space i need to properly tap a hole because my tap handle is just too large, so i end up doing the crescent wrench dance for an hour to get a hole done.








Tough questions here, with the new age of online buying and internet, its hard for somebody to genuinely not find a tool for the job. on the other hand, if you were talking about local buying/ then there are tons of tools that people would have trouble buying quality of simply because the physical tool shop seems to be going away in these times.

i appreciate the chance to enter the giveaway Charles. hope this feedback helps in one way or another even if i feel my opinions aren't very helpful because i feel i'm adept at finding the tools i need for the jobs i do daily.

Thank you for entering everyone!
All responses will surely be useful, and we appreciate everyone's participation.

We appreciate you answering all the questions, but single answers will suffice to for anyone who is wondering.

Thanks again!

 

[wornoutoldman]

What tools seem difficult for you to find?

What tool seems to never be offered at an affordable price?

Do you see a need for a certain tool to be offered at a higher quality or be made of a heavier duty construction than what’s currently on the market?

What kind of tool should be made (or made better), but it seems like no one is making? (i.e. specific jobs/tasks that there aren't really any specialty tools for)

The answer to all of questions is as close as your internet search engine.

However as to "what should be our next tool contest giveaway"?

I suggest "The Astro Pneumatic Tool Co Giveaway of a Lifetime Contest"! With the winners (plural here) receiving one of every tool Astro has in their current catalog.

Now that would be awesome, kick ***, phenomenal, far out, you get the idea.

Oh and I should get two entries for the suggestion...

 

[Junkman]

An adapter to use the 7775 battery pack with the major brands of power tools, such as DeWalt, Milwaukee, etc.. Seems like every time that I am doing a project, the battery will run down, and then I need to find the spare.

 

[BikerDad]

Since you focus on mechanic's tools, these are almost certainly not up your alley, nonetheless:

What tools seem difficult for you to find?
Compass plane

What tool seems to never be offered at an affordable price?
See above.

Do you see a need for a certain tool to be offered at a higher quality or be made of a heavier duty construction than what’s currently on the market?
DEFINITELY the compass plane. The only company currently manufacturing it is an embarrassment to German tool making.

What kind of tool should be made (or made better), but it seems like no one is making? (i.e. specific jobs/tasks that there aren't really any specialty tools for)
Converter/adapters to allow mixing and matching between the various modular toolbox systems, i.e. Tanos/Systainers > L-Boxx > TStak > Toughsystem. Getting locked into a system doth not make this consumer happy. A similar sentiment is felt with regards to cordless tool battery systems.

 

[Ruger_556]

Long handle (26-30") flex head 3/4 drive ratchet.

MAC is the only one even in that length range and it's just a straight 26" ratchet. Why 3/4 ratchets are shorter than their 1/2" counterparts is mind blowing to me. Having to use a pipe is just a pain in the ****.

 

[4x4gearhead]

Stubby shanked torx screwdrivers. These would be handy for me a lot of times, as long as they were made well.

 

[JTslim]

Drill bits in an organized, well built container. Everything is quick release now for most impact drills, it is difficult finding a good set that has everything (torx, hex, flat, Phillips, square etc.) and is in a great container you can take anywhere and won't break. Maybe add some magnetic capabilities as well! Plus no repeats of sizes etc. Make the set irresistible for the common man. "I can't live without that set"

 

[kythri]

A much wider/expansive selection of pullers would be really nice.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Long handle (26-30") flex head 3/4 drive ratchet.

MAC is the only one even in that length range and it's just a straight 26" ratchet. Why 3/4 ratchets are shorter than their 1/2" counterparts is mind blowing to me. Having to use a pipe is just a pain in the ****.

Plus some of us aren't allowed to use cheater pipes.

I'd like about a 32 inch locking flex head 3/4" ratchet with a comfort grip.

 

[wrnchmonkey]

A drill bit index that matches common metric taps. I have a Irwin metric tap and die set and want to purchase a index that will cover the taps in the kit.

 

[JohnKal]

What tool seems to never be offered at an affordable price?

I'd like to see an OBD2 scanner w/abs capabilities closer to the $100 mark.

 

[just a noob]

Hex key indexes, carbide burrs(I think you might have those though?) Brass drifts are hard to find at a reasonable price, but I think that has more to do with the cost of brass though.

 

[mrjaw14]

What tools seem difficult for you to find?

Tool that's hard to find is a jack adapter for unibody cars. When you use a floor jack on a unibody the pinch welds try to spread. If you look at a jack cars come with they have a "u" shaped top instead of a flat top. I want a simple metal attachment for my floor jacks that won't damage the pinch welds.

What tool seems to never be offered at an affordable price?

Harmonic balancer puller & installer tool. There's a lot of balancer pullers, but very few kits come with a quality balancer install tool at a reasonable price. I know many people just zip them on with impacts, but manuals and repair info says not to do that most of the time. It'd be nice to have a complete set of tools for harmonic balancer removal and installation.

Do you see a need for a certain tool to be offered at a higher quality or be made of a heavier duty construction than what’s currently on the market?

Tap and die set. They're either super cheap and break a lot, or really expensive and break a lot. It'd be nice to have an affordable, well made tap and die set

What kind of tool should be made (or made better), but it seems like no one is making? (i.e. specific jobs/tasks that there aren't really any specialty tools for)

A tool that I'd like to see made is a set that stops engine rotation. Something you can use on the flex plate other than a buddy with a large screwdriver that can be used by one person.

 

[kythri]

Tool that's hard to find is a jack adapter for unibody cars. When you use a floor jack on a unibody the pinch welds try to spread. If you look at a jack cars come with they have a "u" shaped top instead of a flat top. I want a simple metal or thick rubber attachment for my floor jacks that won't damage the pinch welds.

Like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JE221TI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

??

Or something better?

 

[SASORacing]

1. Tap and die sets, screwdriver sockets aka phillips #2 on a 3/8th. It's nice to be able to go from a brushless 3/8th straight to a screwdriver without buying a clunky expensive adapter.

2. Decent tap and die sets/ rethreader. Also american made tools can ask high prices and get them.

3. They put effort into the image and whether or not they are better than Taiwan made stuff is up for debate. Wheres the proof? Image/ rep goes a long ways in this reguards.

4. hmm.. I've always had trouble with cheap test lights breaking/ burning out. Heres an idea, a website where you can build your own pliers (for example) and customize the grip color, length etc.

 

[mrjaw14]

Like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JE221TI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

??

Or something better?

Something much better. That looks flat topped instead of a u shaped channel. I'd like to see a metal one that the top is shaped like the emergency jack so it's less likely to slip off is you must jack on a slight incline. Could also make one that fits down in the existing jack cup so you don't have to mod your jack that would be held in place by compression on the jack and being inside the jack cup, but that would need to be tested for stability.

I've heard of guys slotting a hockey puck, but I want something I can trust a 3000 lb car not to slice through under the weight placed on it. I want metal.

I found this picture, maybe made by Eastwood or the like? But it'd be neat if the shape was a u or a v so that if the pinch weld is slightly mangled wider than the opening in the below adapter you could still use it, and maybe even straighten it back out under the vehicles weight as it presses on the adapter. Make it 3-4 inches long so you get a good section of pinch weld and you'll have a winner.

 

[Loscaldazar]

A long 3/4 drive ratchet (with a quality mechanism!)

A 13MM (not a 1/2!!!) drain plug socket like this one (http://ultimatetoolco.com/13mm). It must be 1/2 drive, and a 13MM square sticking out. Also, the shorter it is the better. It can be used on Subaru and Nissan differentials (basically all models). HF sells one that is 3/8 drive (fail) and too long. The KTC one linked to is great, but it's $30 for a single socket!! Other brands are all 1/2 drive and 1/2 square, which is just too small for the really stuck plugs.

 

[Notorious BRT]

A new production fine toothed version of the Speed Spinner ratchet like Craftsman used to make. That thing would be super handy at times.

A really tough set of small roll pin punches that wouldn't bend so easily would be really great in the gunsmithing realm as well.

 

[bczygan]

My suggestion is simple.

And it effects your entire business and product line.

Advertise and market more and better.

I've never heard of your brand or company!

I don't think most people have.

Are you a specialty or niche market company?

Do you have a few specific tools or a broad range?

What is your price point?

Do you want to be a mass market seller?

Do you sell direct or through distributors and retailers?

Are you made in the US? Taiwan? PRC?

What direction is the company going?

The fact that I am asking all these questions means that you aren't well known. Your target audience should know the answers to these things and be familiar with you in all these respects.

 

[signcrafter]

I've never heard of your brand or company!

I don't think most people have.

Astro has been a GJ member for a while now and there have been a bunch of threads about them. I haven't seen their tools locally but all the major online tool sites sell them. Amazon and tooltopia both have lot of astro products on their sites. Astro has also done at least two give aways on GJ so far that I can remember.

 

[stratman977]

How about a really nice set of seal drivers that are meant for installing a seal with the shaft protruding. Kinda something like the aluminum flat plate ones but that have a cup shape.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

loving all the suggestions and recommendations thus far!
Thanks for everyone's participation!

 

[KingCobra98]

So:
What tools seem difficult for you to find?

What tool seems to never be offered at an affordable price?

Do you see a need for a certain tool to be offered at a higher quality or be made of a heavier duty construction than what’s currently on the market?

What kind of tool should be made (or made better), but it seems like no one is making? (i.e. specific jobs/tasks that there aren't really any specialty tools for)


I work for an Auto Parts Store and I do sell some astro tools to my accounts, I even own some of my own.

1.) What tools seem difficult for you to find?

Well with the internet you can find almost anything, but a underhood cart would be nice to have.

2.) What tool seems to never be offered at an affordable price?

Sunex Came out with a master impact socket set for 249.99 at are store.. wish they made this set cheaper without reducing the size of the set.

3.) Do you see a need for a certain tool to be offered at a higher quality or be made of a heavier duty construction than what’s currently on the market?

Yea, I bought your dead blow Hammers maybe 4 or 5 years ago and it didn't take long for them to cack and start to fall apart. I am not a every day user of these either. maybe a couple times a year. lol

4.) What kind of tool should be made (or made better), but it seems like no one is making? (i.e. specific jobs/tasks that there aren't really any specialty tools.

Self-contained vacuum dent puller Like this one but a little cheaper.. http://www.blendsupply.com/uni-vac-dent-puller/?gclid=CP_e8frz6r8CFQOHaQodzzAARA

 

[Conductor562]

Thanks for the thread Charles.

How about some Hanson style socket trays with realistic sizes?

The 1/2" Hanson metric tray starts at 10mm and only goes to 27mm. Who actually uses 10mm in 1/2" drive? A 15 or 16mm to 32 mm would be much more practical.

The 3/8" metric tray should go to 22mm, but it stops at 20.

My point is that all the Hanson trays are sized weird and could be much more practical if tweaked. Some of the size/drive combinations they call for are nearly impossible to find.

 

[jptbay]

Your cable operated hose clamps are popular for people working on European cars.

How about adding an affordable set of wiring terminal release tools for European cars.

Example: http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Jetta_IV--TDI/Tools/Electronic/ES11414/

 

[kythri]

Thanks for the thread Charles.

How about some Hanson style socket trays with realistic sizes?

The 1/2" Hanson metric tray starts at 10mm and only goes to 27mm. Who actually uses 10mm in 1/2" drive? A 15 or 16mm to 32 mm would be much more practical.

The 3/8" metric tray should go to 22mm, but it stops at 20.

My point is that all the Hanson trays are sized weird and could be much more practical if tweaked. Some of the size/drive combinations they call for are nearly impossible to find.

Also, trays for impact sockets - specifically, allowing some of the thicker-walled stuff.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Looking great so far folks!

Make sure to get your entries in before the 4th of August *monday* !

 

[GTA Matt]

2 things: On coolant hose tool #9481, put some kind of positive locking setup on the knob. The double nut deal on there now really doesn't hold when cranking down on stubborn hoses.

On harmonic balancer kit #7846 it would be awesome if it included the bolts for GM 3800 balancers.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

2 things: On coolant hose tool #9481, put some kind of positive locking setup on the knob. The double nut deal on there now really doesn't hold when cranking down on stubborn hoses.

On harmonic balancer kit #7846 it would be awesome if it included the bolts for GM 3800 balancers.

Thanks Matt!

 

[245classic.wgn]

A complete High quality 1/4 in drive set would be nice. I mean really complete. Fine toothed ratchets long, short, standard. One piece machined torx and Allen sockets. Extensions thee, six, nine, twelve, and twenty four inch. Deep, standard, and wobble six point sockets from five to fifteen. Make them magnetic while your at it. Oh, and Impact as well. I personally wouldn't bother with standard size.

It would be nice for my students to have an affordable one stop solution when they graduate.

Also, a quality set of 1/4 inch torque wrenches that cover a useful range of measurements.
Thanks for the opportunity.

 

[Ruger_556]

I want to edit my suggestion a bit... How about a fine tooth (60 maybe?) 3/4 drive long handle flex head ratchet.

Literally no one makes these and every heavy diesel mechanic could use one.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

An actual working/functioning/well built automatic inline oiler for air tools.

 

[92integra]

tool that i cannot find would have to be impact swivel e torx .... this would be very helpful for euro guy's doing transmission work and other various tasks. astro makes good stuff ive been very happy with their digital tire guage i bought recently and there plastic panel removal tools. impact swivel e torx is a totally untapped market as far as i know

 

[trackwelder]

Pinless impact swivel sockets

 

[michael murder]

Something I'd like to see is a more affordable set of torque adapters with a wider range of sizes.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Sorry about the inactivity today, it has been a busy one.

Loving all the suggestions and recommendations.

Only a few days left to enter the giveaway!