Astro 1/2" Nano sockets

[AJHD]

Recently picked up a set of Astro 3/8" Nano sockets and an Astro Nano ratchet. They will be useful for upcoming repairs.

I've been thinking of getting a set of the 1/2" sizes, but unsure if they would actually be useful given their design, physical size and needed torque of 1/2" fasteners.

Does anyone own a set of the Astro 1/2" Nano sockets?

What do you use them for/on?

Do you use them with Astro Nano ratchets and/or a normal hand ratchet?

Do you use them with impacts?

Are they worth buying or should I spend money elsewhere?

 

[nicks78camaro]

Had some. Sold them before the compatible ratchet was available because I never used them.

If they ever release a reversible ratchet (I know I know) I'd buy them again for the heck of it.

 

[ChevyEFI]

With an impact. And hand ratchet.

Have you found a need for shallow 1/2" 6pt. impact sockets with a low profile of access? Then you need them.

Yesterday was oil change on one dirt bike and new exhaust on another. I needed 1/4 and 3/8 and long internal hex, not 1/2.

If I were doing the suspension on my truck, I would have used them for sure.

 

[lund]

Had some. Sold them before the compatible ratchet was available because I never used them.

If they ever release a reversible ratchet (I know I know) I'd buy them again for the heck of it.

I agree the lack of reversible ratchets is not good in the Astro Nano line. Matco makes some that are reversible and compatible. But they are pricey. I wonder is Astro agreed not to make their own brand reversible when they supplied Matco.

 

[dnschmidt]

I agree the lack of reversible ratchets is not good in the Astro Nano line. Matco makes some that are reversible and compatible. But they are pricey. I wonder is Astro agreed not to make their own brand reversible when they supplied Matco.

Winner, winner chicken dinner.

 

[charbar]

I have the Astro branded ones in 1/4 and 3/8" and the HF Quinn branded ones in 1/2" drive. I use my 1/2" drive ones more than the 1/4 and 3/8 combined.

My business is mostly automotive but quite a bit of ag related diesel also.

For the price it doesn't make sense not to have them

They get used on anything from my 1200 ft lb or whatever it is rated 1/2 gun to stubby ratcheting wrenches.

I have long flex head ratcheting wrenches so I've seen no need in buying the special nano ratchet for the sockets.

 

[AJHD]

I will be buying the 1/2" Nano 17mm-30mm set. Probably the ratchet too. Just need to wait a few days.

 

[roofdweller49]

Are these a good substitute for ratcheting wrenches when combined with a 22mm ratcheting wrench? I'm going to pick up the astro tools ratchet wrench for my set, is there a good short wrench to combine it with?

 

[winlinmac]

I purchased a 1/2" 24 Piece Metric set to go along with my 3/8" and 1/4" drive set - it still has it uses, especially for stubborn fasteners on the subframe and suspension components, 1/2" gives me better and tighter control, and still good for tight spaces

 

[nicks78camaro]

Are these a good substitute for ratcheting wrenches when combined with a 22mm ratcheting wrench? I'm going to pick up the astro tools ratchet wrench for my set, is there a good short wrench to combine it with?

Another of the same wrench cut shorter

 

[mikey03]

I bought them, don’t need them, never used them, but at least I have them, right

should of just done 3/8 drive tbh

already got plenty of stuff in the 1/4 range anyway

 

[WhataTool]

The 3/8" range are the most useful across everything, but the 1/2" are simply useful if nothing else but to shave down the length of your impact. And for their price, it's not an expensive benefit to have

 

[ChevyEFI]

For the price it doesn't make sense not to have them

So true.

I will be buying the 1/2" Nano 17mm-30mm set. Probably the ratchet too. Just need to wait a few days.

I have my eye on these, but since I bought a set of axle nut sockets long ago, I have the sizes covered, and haven't needed the shallow / low profile. 27 or 30 needing clearance is a rare need.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I like them for caliper bolts on my trucks.

 

[AJHD]

So true.

I have my eye on these, but since I bought a set of axle nut sockets long ago, I have the sizes covered, and haven't needed the shallow / low profile. 27 or 30 needing clearance is a rare need.

I already have shallow and deep 1/2" sockets up to 39mm and wrenches up to 32mm.

I've come across 2 or 3 videos recently showing a specific use case for these 1/2" Nano sockets that doesn't apply to me, but I also frequently buy tools for future repairs and possibilities.

 

[ecotec]

I have not used mine yet. I have used the 1/4” and 3/8”, though.

 

[snickers muncher]

The half inch have been handy in tight spots with a stubby impact. However, I have found that they sometimes lack the mass to break loose some fasteners that a standard or deep well will take right off. For me their large diameter has gotten in the way more than their short size has helped.

I have the ratchet but have not used it. I think it and a set of sae nano sockets might be handy for work.

 

[WhataTool]

For me their large diameter has gotten in the way more than their short size has helped.

Are their diameter different than a non nano socket you'd end up using anyways if not using them?

 

[snickers muncher]

Are their diameter different than a non nano socket you'd end up using anyways if not using them?

It’s not so much the actual diameter, but the more sudden change to the larger diameter. If the fastener is near an obstruction. The nano socket might not fit where a regular one would. The shoulder would get in the way where a more slight taper would fit.