Astro Pneumatic Tool Company

[atlm]

Hi Chris. I just purchased an Astro 7412 swivel socket set from Tools Plus Outlet via eBay. I saw your note in the other thread about the 7407 and 7412 now being made with Loctite on every fastener standard. How do I know whether the set I received is one that has Loctite?

 

[Loscaldazar]

How's the forcing screw on the 78825 wheel bearing puller/installer kit? I know most cheap kits really cheap out on this part and it fails after a few uses. I'm a mod for a very large Subaru forum, so I often have to suggest kits like this. I've been suggesting the ATD kit (since they are the only brand I know of that uses an upgraded lead screw vs the the rest of the rebrands of the same kit), but your kit has more pieces and is cheaper. Anything you've done to ensure the forcing screw lasts longer than the other kits in this price range?

Also see you have a Subaru ball joint puller now- nice alternative to the $150 Snap On tool! Might have to pick one up soon.

 

[kythri]

How's the forcing screw on the 78825 wheel bearing puller/installer kit? I know most cheap kits really cheap out on this part and it fails after a few uses. I'm a mod for a very large Subaru forum, so I often have to suggest kits like this. I've been suggesting the ATD kit (since they are the only brand I know of that uses an upgraded lead screw vs the the rest of the rebrands of the same kit), but your kit has more pieces and is cheaper. Anything you've done to ensure the forcing screw lasts longer than the other kits in this price range?

Also see you have a Subaru ball joint puller now- nice alternative to the $150 Snap On tool! Might have to pick one up soon.

Here's a thread where the 78825 kit comes up:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=396027

Specifically, it's mentioned in there by those with experience with the kit that the screw is bigger than the competition, and Astro mentions that it's a Grade 8 screw instead of Grade 5, like a lot of the competition uses.

 

[ToolPolisher]

It's not to say "How did I live without the 1119A mini air ratchet, but rather WHY did I live without it?"

That mini-wobble air ratchet is worth more than every penny it costs. Great product, guys! I will soon be filling more of my tool box(es) with Astro tools.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Hi Chris. I just purchased an Astro 7412 swivel socket set from Tools Plus Outlet via eBay. I saw your note in the other thread about the 7407 and 7412 now being made with Loctite on every fastener standard. How do I know whether the set I received is one that has Loctite?

Put an L-key on there and see if it unscrews or resists movement. If you just bought yours, it has it. Been that way for a couple years and we sell a tremendous amount of these so stock is always turning.

Also see you have a Subaru ball joint puller now- nice alternative to the $150 Snap On tool! Might have to pick one up soon.

How do you know about that?

 

[Loscaldazar]

Here's a thread where the 78825 kit comes up:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=396027

Specifically, it's mentioned in there by those with experience with the kit that the screw is bigger than the competition, and Astro mentions that it's a Grade 8 screw instead of Grade 5, like a lot of the competition uses.

Those sound like some good improvements!

How do you know about that?

It's on your website already!

 

[tony48]

Good afternoon, I have a question about your pneumatic riveter offerings, PR14 & PR36. Are these riveters both hydraulic/pneumatic or is one pneumatic only (no hydraulic fluid necessary)?

Any differences other than rivet capacity (3/16 vs 1/4)?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Good afternoon, I have a question about your pneumatic riveter offerings, PR14 & PR36. Are these riveters both hydraulic/pneumatic or is one pneumatic only (no hydraulic fluid necessary)?

Any differences other than rivet capacity (3/16 vs 1/4)?

Hi Tony,

They are both air over hydraulic, so use hydraulic fluid.

The only difference is riveting capacity and power.

 

[GrantCee]

Hey Chris -

Just wanted to let you know that your presence here on GJ was a big factor in my recent purchase of a #7897 Ball Joint Service Tool. I've owned a "Brand HF" ball joint tool for a couple of years, but even in my sporadic use it was getting sloppy very quickly - and the adaptors and plates were of low quality.

When I decided to replace it, I checked here for recommendations and found that you were active and your products were well thought of. The decision was easy, the product matched the expectations, and I'll look to Astro first when I need specialty tools.

Now, if I could just convince you to make that new Nano Torx set in a long version...

 

[Mgnu]

Ok the Goliath looks beastly.....

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Hey Chris -

Just wanted to let you know that your presence here on GJ was a big factor in my recent purchase of a #7897 Ball Joint Service Tool. I've owned a "Brand HF" ball joint tool for a couple of years, but even in my sporadic use it was getting sloppy very quickly - and the adaptors and plates were of low quality.

When I decided to replace it, I checked here for recommendations and found that you were active and your products were well thought of. The decision was easy, the product matched the expectations, and I'll look to Astro first when I need specialty tools

Hey, we really appreciate it. Thanks for the kind words

Now, if I could just convince you to make that new Nano Torx set in a long version...

Just add an extension. Long bits work find on hand tools, once you start adding impacting forces a bunch of weird harmonics start happening and you start having to make compromises in material vs a stubby solid piece.

 

[Ign]

I can't stand it! I'm ordering the Goliath BJ press from Amazon today. And the adjustable angle oil filter pliers are going on my wish list

 

[The Cobbler]

I have a 4550 paint shaker that's not working as it should, (it's well used)
Just got off the phone with Marcy @ Astro tools. What a pleasure dealing with her & the parts are very reasonable . bought enough wear parts to rebuild it 2 times for $16 shipped
Thanks Marcy. cheers to Astro!!

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Glad to hear, Cobbler. Thanks for saying so

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Since this thread was bumped. Here are some recent product introductions

78935
Universal Fuel Tank Lock Wrench

For the 2004+ 7" style metal fuel sender lock rings on many vehicles.
These things are a pain to take off without the right tool, a 1/2" breaker bar and some penetrating oil. Some brands make this tool with the wrong foot thickness dimension and they often don't fit. Ours actually fit.

Retails for $34
Selling now


Some new riveting tools, Astro does a tremendous amount of business in riveters and people seem to like them. So we'll continue to make more.

1422
Professional Micro Hand Riveter - 3/16" Capacity

We don't have any good one-handed pistol pop riveters at the moment, so we worked on making this.
$26 retail
Available in the next month

1450
13" Plusnut and Extra-Long Rivet Nut Setter Kit Metric & SAE

Created by popular demand. Many people buy our 1442 Rivet Nut tool wanting to set PlusNuts (pre-bulbed riv nuts, slotted rivet nuts), but the 1442 does work on these. The 1450 does, and has the extra long threaded mandrels to do so. Some with a lot of sizes: 10-32, 10-24, 1/4-20,
5/16-18, 3/8-16, M5, M6, M8 & M10

$106 retail
Selling this month

1451
10" Micro Hand Rivet Nut Setter Kit - Metric & SAE

Astro 1442 is the U.S's most popular rivet nut tool. This does the same task and same sizes, but is 30% shorter.

Retail should be around the 1442 or eventually lower
Available in the next 2 months

 

[The Cobbler]

I have a 4550 paint shaker that's not working as it should, (it's well used)
Just got off the phone with Marcy @ Astro tools. What a pleasure dealing with her & the parts are very reasonable . bought enough wear parts to rebuild it 2 times for $16 shipped
Thanks Marcy. cheers to Astro!!

and it's working like a charm again.

Thanks Astro!

 

[Flat-rate]

Just a shout out!

Just picked up the 40slmax light. Very nice, it's bright, seams well made, and compact.

Very happy!

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Just a shout out!

Just picked up the 40slmax light. Very nice, it's bright, seams well made, and compact.

Very happy!

Glad to hear

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Introducing Astro 78835 Pipe Stretcher Kit

You should see it available from retailers by the end of the month

 

[Brian Puccio]

Introducing Astro 78835 Pipe Stretcher Kit

Any plans on a board stretcher for those of us too hasty with a saw?

Seriously though, love your ADR14!

 

[LXCam]

Chris how come you don't offer the grip style hex drives in SAE. I'm such a major fan boy of these I've got two sets on the T handle style and have bought five of the socket sets. I've given away two of those to buddies who deal with show motors with stainless machine screws and like myself it only took one stripped screw to sell them on those for life. The only reason I have the two additional kits is for spares just in case you guys stopped making them.

So what gives, how bout some luving for the SAE crowd

Btw, nice job on the new expander. What size mandrels come with the kit?

 

[signcrafter]

Introducing Astro 78835 Pipe Stretcher Kit

You should see it available from retailers by the end of the month

Man that's nice. Been wanting to get the lisle version for some time now but just don't have the use for it too often. What kind of price point is it going to go for?

And do you know the thread pitch of the screw? I'll PM you the reason why I ask.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Any plans on a board stretcher for those of us too hasty with a saw?

Boss, I've cut it 3 times and it's still too short!

Chris how come you don't offer the grip style hex drives in SAE. I'm such a major fan boy of these I've got two sets on the T handle style and have bought five of the socket sets. I've given away two of those to buddies who deal with show motors with stainless machine screws and like myself it only took one stripped screw to sell them on those for life. The only reason I have the two additional kits is for spares just in case you guys stopped making them.

So what gives, how bout some luving for the SAE crowd

Btw, nice job on the new expander. What size mandrels come with the kit?

What model number tools are you referencing?

It comes with:

Steel expander 1 5/8" - 2" Collet
Steel expander 2" - 2 1/2" Collet
2 3/8"- 2 3/4" Collet
2 3/4" - 3 1/8" Collet
3 1/8" - 3 1/2" Collet
3 1/2" - 3 7/8" Collet
3 7/8" - 4 1/4" Collet

Man that's nice. Been wanting to get the lisle version for some time now but just don't have the use for it too often. What kind of price point is it going to go for?

And do you know the thread pitch of the screw? I'll PM you the reason why I ask.

Not certain on the price point retailers will be selling it at yet, but should be about 20-25% less expensive than the current option in the market.

The thread size is 3/4-16

 

[LXCam]

These sets. Personally I'd prefer if you were to only offer one type, it'd be the socket set since that's what I reach for 98% of the time.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

These sets. Personally I'd prefer if you were to only offer one type, it'd be the socket set since that's what I reach for 98% of the time.

Those have both been discontinued for some time

 

[signcrafter]

Those have both been discontinued for some time

That *****. I have the T handle ones and love them. As far as I know astro was the only one to make something like this right? Why does something like this get discontinued? Just didn't sell good?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

That *****. I have the T handle ones and love them. As far as I know astro was the only one to make something like this right? Why does something like this get discontinued? Just didn't sell good?

Sometimes it's the right tool, wrong brand. People may not look to Astro when looking for hand tools, which i understand. Then there's the what we call "show me" aspect of tools like these. You want to hold, feel, use or see demonstrated before you would consider buying.

Or need that in person demo to even learn they exist, because if you didn't know they existed, it's hard to search for and find our tools.

You may see them under a different brand, but I don't have any confirmation.

 

[LXCam]

Those have both been discontinued for some time

Damn happy I bought the extra sets. It's both comical and sad that the reason I did came to fruition. I think the major hurdle was they looked to be a gimmick tool, I know that was my first impression. But after only one use on a damaged fastener and I was hooked. The 4&5mm have seen more stainless socket head and button head machine screws then I care to remember and are still in great shape. Quite impressive

 

[DerekV]

Hey Chris, I was browsing the Astro site the other day and saw the pinless universal impact sockets, but only in 3/8" drive. Any plans on releasing 1/2" drive variants? All of my impact stuff is 1/2" drive, so...yes, right?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Yes, 1/2" is towards the end of its testing. The 3/8' is just coming out first as it had a head start and to get market feedback.

 

[Tallpilot]

Yes, 1/2" is towards the end of its testing. The 3/8' is just coming out first as it had a head start and to get market feedback.

Looking forward to it!

Now that you've fixed brake drum pullers could you look into this? It's either $500 or cheap Chinese copies with nothing in-between.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LRJ4XAU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Looking forward to it!

Now that you've fixed brake drum pullers could you look into this? It's either $500 or cheap Chinese copies with nothing in-between.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LRJ4XAU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

We've looked at these before, PM'd for your opinion

 

[DerekV]

Yes, 1/2" is towards the end of its testing. The 3/8' is just coming out first as it had a head start and to get market feedback.

Sweet

 

[garthg]

I've got an Astro 1828 Nano 3/8" impact wrench. I'm not getting the use out of it I expected. It doesn't seem to have enough power to remove 21mm bolts (motor mounts) or brake caliper mounting bolts. I end up having to reach for my old Craftsman Professional (Ingersoll Rand) wrench which has no difficulty with the same bolts. Is there something possibly wrong with my tool? It's hardly used so far. I have lubed it.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I've got an Astro 1828 Nano 3/8" impact wrench. I'm not getting the use out of it I expected. It doesn't seem to have enough power to remove 21mm bolts (motor mounts) or brake caliper mounting bolts. I end up having to reach for my old Craftsman Professional (Ingersoll Rand) wrench which has no difficulty with the same bolts. Is there something possibly wrong with my tool? It's hardly used so far. I have lubed it.

It's a possibility, we can take a look at it.
PM me

 

[anndel]

I've got an Astro 1828 Nano 3/8" impact wrench. I'm not getting the use out of it I expected. It doesn't seem to have enough power to remove 21mm bolts (motor mounts) or brake caliper mounting bolts. I end up having to reach for my old Craftsman Professional (Ingersoll Rand) wrench which has no difficulty with the same bolts. Is there something possibly wrong with my tool? It's hardly used so far. I have lubed it.

Same here, I don't reach for it any more because it's weak sauce from day one and only used it once or twice. I have to use my 1822 or 1823 even for caliper mounting brackets and it rips those bolts like nothing.

 

[RKA]

I took advantage of the Astro BOGO deal on the nano sockets a few weeks ago. Since then I've been looking at their other offerings and combing through the archives and threads like this seeing examples of exemplary support offered by Chris to members on GJ. Somehow the brand has escaped my attention over the years, but I've put an order in for an 1822, metric nano socket set and I'm waiting for the 1/2" pinless metric sockets Chris mentioned somewhere. Great job Chris and thank you!

 

[dagofast]

Due to all of the positive mentions I've seen here on GJ about the Astro 3018 digital tire inflator, I ignored my inner Scrouge and bought one online. I was suffering buyers remorse after paying $62 for a tire inflator/gauge since I'm retired now and can no longer treat money like Dorito's. (crunch all you want, I'll make more) That is until it arrived yesterday and I must say it was kinda impressive before even opening the box as after checking out the cheapy versions at HF and HD this box seemed too heavy for a tire gauge. It was even more impressive after opening the box and handling it. It is extremely well made, quite substantial in its quality and materials and just feels great in your hand. I used it today and was not disappointed. Easy one handed operation and it makes the job go twice as fast. Which is very welcome since I only move half as fast as I used too.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Great to hear, dago. The 3018 is used everywhere from race teams, to service shops and home garages. They are hard to kill, but if you do manage it shoot me a PM anytime and we'll get her going again.

 

[PelicanPines]

I have the 3082 TPMS stainless hose... dial tire inflator... you will have to pry it from my cold dead retired hands.