Astro Nano Sockets

[dscheidt]

Yes, won't somebody please think about the feelings of the little guys like Home Depot
Sounded like a simple chuckle over shared features not being used to me

unused features that cost them money to put in. Maybe this is the difference between Chinese copiers and the taiwanese? China copies tend to remove features they can't figure out or don't understand, even if they're vital to how the device works.

 

[assassin10000]

And also a list of items that I believe no one else carries:
A larger 19pc set in 3/8" up to 24mm
We developed these same external hex sockets in female Torx, and 1/4" drive sizes
And a ratchet wrench for them

Can confirm. I have both 3/8" sets (one in each tool box).

Where can I get the 1/4" set?

We do carry replacements for individuals though, just give us a call.

I've lost one and ordered a replacement. If you just want the 21mm and not the set with the 22 & 24, I'd contact them.

Were these or will they be released?

I'd love some 1/4" drive nano sockets.

Me too.


With the lack of 1/4 ones... I was thinking about grabbing the O'Reilly power torque ones that are similar, but chrome.

 

[ike]

Yes, won't somebody please think about the feelings of the little guys like Home Depot
Sounded like a simple chuckle over shared features not being used to me

I'm not really sure why you quoted me to say this. if Home Depot orders a product from a supplier that had a deal with another entity regarding that product, how is Home Depot in the wrong? Seems like Home Depot should not be getting any **** in this to me, it should be the supplier or the lack of propitiatory contract that is to blame. Just because they are a large entity doesn't mean they are wrong by default.

 

[Pontiac787]

These look like a good start to making a set of retainers.

Replacement Socket Clips

 

[bigfunwmu]

I sure wish the allen nano sockets had the external hex like the hex ones do. I would buy if they did.

 

[_brian_]

I'm not really sure why you quoted me to say this. if Home Depot orders a product from a supplier that had a deal with another entity regarding that product, how is Home Depot in the wrong? Seems like Home Depot should not be getting any **** in this to me, it should be the supplier or the lack of propitiatory contract that is to blame. Just because they are a large entity doesn't mean they are wrong by default.

I dont think anyone said anyone is or was wrong. Simply stating that the changes that Astro put in place where copied for what is believed to be no known reason aside to just copy. The patent issue was addressed quite well already and really does not apply. The core design of these sockets is not an original design to any of the brands mentioned, so changes made are minor and without being an Astro employee I cannot for certain say this, but trying to patent the modifications made would provide no real value. Parents cost money are are designed to prevent others from copying. If this were an Astro designed socket it would make sense, but trying to patent minor things like added wall thickness or notches and marks on the exterior..... there is a lacking of general criteria for patents or any other sort of legal proprietary agreement.

These look like a good start to making a set of retainers.

Replacement Socket Clips

This for sure looks like a good start, or even a solution. If anyone has these, I Would be interested to see how well they work for this purpose. Meaning, is there too much slop or it is usable.

 

[Fly YX]

I wonder if this would work. I found something like it from Sunex but looks thicker. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B5YJ1NB4/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_3?smid=A2PALMKFQLWYK1&psc=1

 

[GeoBruin]

I wonder if this would work. I found something like it from Sunex but looks thicker. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B5YJ1NB4/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_3?smid=A2PALMKFQLWYK1&psc=1

I have a similar magnetic version (although mine only has 1 magnet instead if two). Honestly wouldn't trust it to hold the socket if I were sticking a wrench down into an engine bay or somewhere I didn't want to lose it. I think a ball lock would be much more secure.

 

[purplezr2]

How do Nano sockets compare to the short Snap On Sockets that are in kit 210RAFSMA

 

[WWheeler]

How do Nano sockets compare to the short Snap On Sockets that are in kit 210RAFSMA

I have zero experience with Snap-on's low profiles but they are a bit of a different animal than Astro's Nanos.

First off, the Astros are impact sockets, which is all I've ever used mine for, especially when combined with an Astro nano impact they get to places like crank bolts w/o having to remove a radiator or brake caliper brackets and such I never could get an impact to before.

The Nanos hex design also allows them to double as a pass-thru socket like Snap-on's low profiles. Their 17 x 22mm ratcheting wrench designed to work with them is a double flex head that looks to be larger/longer than the non-flex Snap-on, which might be a plus or minus depending on where you are trying to use it.

It would be interesting to see an actual measurement to see if there is a difference in depth between the two when used as a low profile ratchet. My assumption is that they will be pretty similar in that respect, and that the snap-on will be stronger and have a much smoother ratcheting mechanism but of course at a considerable price premium. And that extra cost won't include the sockets being impact rated.

 

[KnurledNut]

I dont have the Nanos but this option works with another similar style socket.
1/4 to 3/8 adaptor from O’Reilly Auto:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...l-1-4-inch-drive-socket-adapter/ust0/uc1202ta

 

[rcbk00]

I was lucky enough to win (here on the forum) one of Astro's nano ratcheting flex wrenches a few years back. Before that, however, I got by putting a small rubber band (like for teeth braces) around the nano sockets and using them with a box end wrench. The small rubber band is just thick enough to keep the nano sockets secure in a box end. I bought the Gearwrench 17mm and 22mm long flex box wrenches specifically to use with the nanos. The added benefit of the long Gearwrench box wrenches is being able to use the nanos in the non-ratcheting end when I have to break rusty stuff loose (I live in a salty area).

To that end, I think Astro should make their own breaker bars for the nano sockets- kind of like a combination of a standard breaker bar with a 17mm or 22mm torque adapter. This would be a great companion tool to the nano ratchet they're coming out with.

 

[Marvin Berry]

Some pics comparing the 3/8 Astros to standard Sockets. It's a 7/8" difference between the Koken ratchet with the Pittsburgh 10mm socket and a box end wrench with an Astro 10mm. Big difference.

 

[daithi]

I can't speak on other brands product nor give a yay or nay if someone posts an example asking, but I think to my knowledge, any specialty tool set from major brands you see using sockets like this we make in the U.S. and several examples internationally.

Any tool that's not repairable we accept pictures of to warranty, we actually prefer it. Less boxes for us to go through

@Astro_Pneumatic_Tools any more info on the ratchet handle in the photo posted by @Fedwrench (from SEMA?)
Also the Hex (94411M) and Torx (78313) sets don't have the outside hex. What's the reason for that, and is there any chance of an updated model?

I wish Lang would expand their current offerings and sell them as a stand-alone set. I love the ball retention.
Shown here is my USA-made Bluepoint 14mm flavor:

@KnurledNut what is this socket set?

 

[KnurledNut]

@KnurledNut what is this socket set?

Older belt tensioning wrench set.
They still sell them as a set or individually.
Important to note: they have a very shallow broach.
https://shop.snapon.com/product-mem...Ratcheting-Belt-Tensioning-Wrench-Set/YA9350B
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Bel...Ratcheting-Belt-Tensioning-Wrench-Set/YA9350B

 

[ChevyEFI]

I also have a USAG & OEM Tools ratcheting wrench sets that have the spring wire retainer on the ratcheting boxed end. They use the wire as a capstop system to prevent the wrench from moving past the fastener's head.

The wire spring looks heavily offset to the selector side in the 467B USAG. Does it functionally retain the Nano sockets via their grooved outer hex?

 

[Fedwrench]

The wire spring looks heavily offset to the selector side in the 467B USAG. Does it functionally retain the Nano sockets via their grooved outer hex?

I've never really noticed if the capstop wire in the wrench actually locks into the grooves on the nano socket or not. I know the friction of the wire keeps the socket from just falling out of the boxed end like the sockets do in a regular boxed end. Mine are at work so, I see when I return. Sorry, I can't give you a better answer right now.

 

[NFH2740]

What brands market this set? Nothing directly Ayrton Tools is available.

 

[bryant 24]

Gotta say, we do appreciate the Husky ones being such an exact reproduction that they included the little relief cuts in the outside hex to fit into our wrenches and other tools sets we use it for. Though if you were to ask them why it's there, they might not get back to you on that.

So who owns the invention patent for this kind of socket?Astro or Husky

 

[KnurledNut]

So who owns the invention patent for this kind of socket?Astro or Husky

I’m going with Tein-I.

 

[tak1313]

They are NOT exact reproduction. They are coming from the same taiwan factory. Like these ones too. sunex or grey pneumatic also had them i think?

Yes - I bought the Sunex branded socket sets (both 3/8 and 1/2) a year or two before Astro started selling theirs. They are of Taiwan origin.

 

[Benito]

Yes - I bought the Sunex branded socket sets (both 3/8 and 1/2) a year or two before Astro started selling theirs. They are of Taiwan origin.

They came out within months of each other

 

[HoneyBadger]

So Husky now only has the 15pc 1/2" Metric Set (Same as HF Quinn set but more expensive and on a rail instead of foam)
Home Depot no longer carries any 3/8" sets or the 1/2" SAE set.

Astro we know discontinued their double wrench years ago.
Sold nothing to drive these for a time.
Eventually started selling a couple 17mm wrenches w/ the retaining clips to hold 3/8" Nano sockets.
And very recently finally started selling a 22mm wrench w/ the retaining clip to hold 1/2" Nano sockets.

 

[KnurledNut]

So Husky now only has the 15pc 1/2" Metric Set (Same as HF Quinn set but more expensive and on a rail instead of foam)
Home Depot no longer carries any 3/8" sets or the 1/2" SAE set.

Astro we know discontinued their double wrench years ago.
Sold nothing to drive these for a time.
Eventually started selling a couple 17mm wrenches w/ the retaining clips to hold 3/8" Nano sockets.
And very recently finally started selling a 22mm wrench w/ the retaining clip to hold 1/2" Nano sockets.

Olsa added them this year:
https://olsatools.com/products/stubby-impact-sockets?variant=41929929359411

 

[mike93lx]

So who owns the invention patent for this kind of socket?Astro or Husky

Is there a patent on it?

 

[ChevyEFI]

So Husky now only has the 15pc 1/2" Metric Set (Same as HF Quinn set but more expensive and on a rail instead of foam)
Home Depot no longer carries any 3/8" sets or the 1/2" SAE set.

Astro we know discontinued their double wrench years ago.
Sold nothing to drive these for a time.
Eventually started selling a couple 17mm wrenches w/ the retaining clips to hold 3/8" Nano sockets.
And very recently finally started selling a 22mm wrench w/ the retaining clip to hold 1/2" Nano sockets.

Thanks. I was previously unaware of the new wrench and the 78214 17-30mm 1/2 set.

 

[mikey03]

I would also have interest in some details, if you can share them, such as the torque the sockets have been tested at in determining failure points, etc. For example, I assume that a 250 ftlb 3/8 impact will work with these just fine. But now say my 3/8 is 400, 500, 600? In modern times it seems that tools are going for the highest possible torque, so let's argue that a company produces an impact in 3/8 that truly produces say 500 ftlb and they used a super metal so all of the tool and anvil has no problem with this. How would these sockets hold up?

a year later and we got the m12 stubby 3/8 doing 550

 

[HoneyBadger]

Thanks. I was previously unaware of the new wrench and the 78214 17-30mm 1/2 set.

Yeah ordered them both and promptly made an account here so I could share the good word.
I've never been clear on Astro's warranty but will baby them just assuming they might be out of production if I ever break one.

Does anyone know how the 1/4" Nano impacts compare in length to the various chrome ones?
VIMtools.com/product/ddm400/
OreillyAuto.com/detail/c/power-torque-tools/power-torque-9-piece-1-4-inch-drive-standard-6-point-sae-socket-set/ptt0/gm4233
Facom.com/product/rxpicopb/14-pico-hx-ratchet-socket-set-11-pc
ToneTool.co.jp/product/detail.php?no=MIX21620P

 

[bigredcornhead]

I am finally seeing the 78214 out on Amazon but will it get any cheaper?

 

[ChevyEFI]

I am finally seeing the 78214 out on Amazon but will it get any cheaper?

You could analyze other sets' price histories using . Amazon pricing is dynamic and other vendors may list it, so there's a chance.

 

[m6z]

Is there a ratchet available for the 1/4 nano drive sockets?

 

[Fedwrench]

Is there a ratchet available for the 1/4 nano drive sockets?

yes.

Long Flex Head Ratchet Wrench For 1/4" Nano Sockets | Astro Pneumatic Tools

• Designed to work with and retain Astro Nano style stubby impact sockets for a full working height of just 0.88” • Long 10” length for accessing tough to r ...

www.astrotools.com

FRW11 - VIM Tools

11 X 11MM DD FLEX RATCHETING WRENCH

vimtools.com