Astro Nano Sockets

[_brian_]

This question relates to both the Astro nano impact sockets in 3/8 and 1/2 drive, although I only have the 3/8 at this time, so that is what I will be referencing. I wonder what others use when using the sockets via the 17mm hex end vs the 3/8 drive opening? I have used mostly my Gearwrench straight long ratcheting double box end wrench, and while it works, the socket falls out easily. Obviously the wrench I am using is a standard wrench and does not have a retaining clip such as on the Gearwrench Vortex pass-thru system. I am also aware that Astro has a specialty wrench that is intended for use on one end with the 3/8 drive sockets and the other with the 1/2 drive sockets, but the wrench is quite expensive, short, non flex, etc.

I have discovered that they do somewhat fir into the Gearwrench Vortex pass-thru system, but it is a sloppy fit and does not provide me with any confidence when using it with any amount of torque basically negating it as an option for use. I am curious as to how others use these sockets for any variety of uses. Not only do I want to better utilize the sockets, but I am also looking at getting a low profile 1/2 set, and am looking for differences with the Astro nano set and the Capri low profile set. Obviously the Astro set offers the hex portion on the end, but in reality, how useful is it?

 

[WWheeler]

I use my Astro Nano sockets all the time on my impacts, especially the Nano impact for getting in tight places I can't get a normal impact into.

Have yet to ever try any of them in a ratchet wrench though. I probably will pick up Astro's flex wrench for Nano sockets when it becomes available (when?) even though I do already have a Craftsman pass-thru set that I picked up 4-5 years ago. I've only had a few occasions to put it to use largely because I've been keeping it in one of the truck's roadside kits since it covers a lot of bases for it's footprint.

 

[_brian_]

I use my Astro Nano sockets all the time on my impacts, especially the Nano impact for getting in tight places I can't get a normal impact into.

Have yet to ever try any of them in a ratchet wrench though. I probably will pick up Astro's flex wrench for Nano sockets when it becomes available (when?) even though I do already have a Craftsman pass-thru set that I picked up 4-5 years ago. I've only had a few occasions to put it to use largely because I've been keeping it in one of the truck's roadside kits since it covers a lot of bases for it's footprint.

You can get the Astro wrench on eBay for $55. I think this might have been the Astro wrench I was thinking of, in which case, I described it incorrectly in my post.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Trap a torn bit of glove between wrench and socket, also works to hold a bolt in the socket.

 

[Belanice]

 

[qqzj]

Just stick a piece of paper towel between wrench and socket, it will hold fine. You won't need that setup very often at all.

I compare all these types of things here

Flex head wrenches vs low profile socket/wrench vs pass thru tools

All of them are useful in scenarios where the space is deep and wide but narrow. And the tool can flex a bit. I have been thinking about making a comparison for myself for a while. Today is the day! Hopefully others find these measurements useful. And if you have similar setups, please do share...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[JWILL]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet. But the Husky brand from what I can tell is the same as Astro. I've got the 3/8 and 1/2 set from HD for... I think 145$?

Either way they have their be place and I nearly bought the Capri then Astro and settled at Husky due to having a gift card available.

 

[Tools4Me]

I made my own steel wrench socket holders out of ratchet drive adapters and/or the guts from unneeded round head ratchets I had lying around. I use them all the time and they work great.

low profile sockets to use with ratcheting wrench

I don't need a ratchet, extensions, etc, just looking for a socket set like this to use with ratcheting wrenches...

www.garagejournal.com

Looking to Add some Versatile Wrenches

TL;DR: Looking for recommendation on a versatile set of wrenches for a home gamer. Already have a set of regular metric combination wrenches 6mm-22mm. Under $150 if possible. Thank you! Background I'm a home gamer, working on mostly Japanese cars. Wife and I recently bought a new car, so I...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Belanice]

^^^ Actually I was inspired by you first and then made my own one. Many thanks.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have the Astro Nano Socket Wrench but, I didn't nearly as much for it as the Ebay Price.

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.

there's this: https://www.ktoolinternational.com/kti43517.html

Astro is coming out with a flex head handle later this year pictured in the foreground in the picture below.

 

[_brian_]

This is great! I was at a time looking for a "tool" that did exactly this, but it was for a K-Tool wrench extender, to keep a wrench on the extender portion. I would like one of these in 3/8 and 1/2 drive.

 

[_brian_]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet. But the Husky brand from what I can tell is the same as Astro. I've got the 3/8 and 1/2 set from HD for... I think 145$?

Either way they have their be place and I nearly bought the Capri then Astro and settled at Husky due to having a gift card available.

For the 1/2 drive nano sockets... The Husky cost is $46.97 (from Home Depot) and Astro is $50.31 (from Amazon). [as of the time I am typing this] They do in fact look the same, but there is no cost reason to get one over the other, unless as you state, you have a gift card balance from a certain supplier that has one over the other. I can easily dismiss the slight price difference given the difference in rail that comes with the sockets. For a few extra dollars, Astro does provide a better rail. If that matters or not is up to each, but for $4, I would take the better rail, aluminum vs plastic.

If all else equal, I Would prefer Astro over Husky. My reason is that Husky warranty is tied to Home Depot whereas Astro is tied to Astro. This makes it easier for me as it is not tied to a retail physical location. While this can be said of all companies, there is also a lot of variance from Home Depot location to another, in reference to how easily and sometimes even if they will warranty a tool. As I state that from experience, I must also state that the same can/could happen with Astro. There can be a difference from one employee to another, company policy changes, a staff change from a good to a bad person in charge of the warranty process, etc.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

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.

 

[qqzj]

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.

Wow, I thought both HD and Astro re-labelled the sockets from the same OEM supplier. So some Taiwan tool maker actually copied the tools that Astro designed and made by another Taiwan maker?

 

[Belanice]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076Y6PLPQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BTJHP]

I assumed both Husky and Astro were made by Tien-i.

I was just using my Astro Nano sockets yesterday. My only complaint is that I wish individuals were available for lost/broken sockets.

 

[Belanice]

This super short socket also has a chrome version. Here

Another design is to use an O-ring.

 

[toolenthusiast]

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.

Kinda like that time Harbor Freight copied the Pliers Wrench and it inexplicably had a diamond shape cast into the jaw

 

[DIYNY]

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.

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?

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

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.

Easy, because you failed to patent

 

[_brian_]

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.

Could you offer us some insight as to what the differences might be? I believe you are making it clear that it is not actually the same product with different brands, so the details would be interesting. My purchasing opinion is not based on the answer to this, no matter what it might be. My purchasing decision is based on my own experiences, and barring something like a tangible cost savings, a gift card as another here mentioned, or other, I opt for Astro given the service I have received.

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?

I also wonder... you imply that the design of these sockets is an Astro design. So given that, how are other companies reproducing them? Are the factories making them reusing what you have provided them, duplicating what you provided for others, or how does that work? It would make sense that they are possibly made in the same factory with slight differences, but generally there is a cost savings of a single factory producing a few varieties as tooling is reused, so they make similar products saving costs. How does that work? Again, if you are able to share such things.

EDIT: "Though if you were to ask them why it's there, they might not get back to you on that."
Could you explain this, so it is understood? My post here was with intent to better understand these sockets, how to better use them, etc. Maybe you can share some of the maybe hidden features?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

The design is in no way mine/ours, sorry if it read like I'm implying that. Not that it's easily patentable anyways, unless you want a trade dress/shape patent, but good luck enforcing it.
The factory gave us samples before they sold these and we did testing. Our feedback was the web thickness needed to be thicker between the socket base and the hex broach as we could break larger sizes, and that notches on the outside hex would allow it to work with a wrench, which we designed/paid for tooling on and for a serpentine belt tool kit we were pitching to another brand we also designed and made tooling for.

These showed up on the market 1st by a few months without the web thickness change (or at least while we were still awaiting revised thicker examples) under a different brand, but curiously with the notches still.

Then we sold ours.
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
Various tool kits that use these, sold under several brands domestically and internationally now
An extra-long flex head wrench for that up to 24mm set coming out in a few months

I believe everyone else just sells the same 1st 3/8" and 1/2" sets.

There IS more than one source making this design now, though. How do I know? Because even WE make these in two unrelated factories for different sets and brands.
But that wasn't what I found funny. It's that every one of them, all of em out there, have these notches. That work with nothing else they make or sell, just various tools we're making. There's never a guy at one of these brands asking a co-worker "Hey, what these notches for?" when they get a sample and place a PO.
That's what I mean by exact reproduction, you're already ordering MOQ private label, you can have them made any way you want. The notches are an extra step. And yet these still have all the same exact features as ours. We do carry replacements for individuals though, just give us a call.


They're sockets at the end of the day though. This isn't a turbine engine or closely guarded industry secrets

 

[_brian_]

serpentine belt tool kit we were pitching to another brand we also designed and made tooling for

Is there anything you can share on this? I just learned you have a ratchet coming that will hold these sockets, which was great to hear. I can now know and just wait for that vs continuing to find a solution that will sort of work to the best I can find.

One bit of feedback I want to provide is that I like the use of a standard size for working with them, such as the 17mm hex in addition to the 3/8 drive. We have products like the Gearwrench Vortex, which does not work with many other similar designs, making it hard to work with over time. While it night not be ideal, I like the fact that the "pass thru" portion of sorts is simply a 17mm, which I can always use on any 17mm wrench. Only complaint that does with that is the style of retention, in this case, where a special tool is required in order to gain the retention. However, I see in one of the examples provided above that I might insert an o-ring onto the socket to create the retention. Not so ideal again, but another option.

I have often asked about warranty on tools, but the best warranty is the one that never gets used. It is my belief that when a company offers a hassle free warranty, does not require the tool returned but just a picture, does not require proof of purchase or purchase only through certain distributors, etc... that said company believes in their product. Another brand here, Genius Tools, I have a few of. They offer a lifetime warranty, but they require the tool to be returned to them. In many cases, the warranty becomes useless. The cost for me to pay the shipping and such to get a replacement makes it cheaper to just buy a replacement for the broken piece. This is the same reason I will never buy a Grey Pneumatic tool, they do not care about me as a non professional user, they only care about their approved distributors and pass on all service to them.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

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

 

[1320]

...We developed these same external hex sockets in female Torx, and 1/4" drive sizes...

Were these or will they be released?

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

 

[_brian_]

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

@Astro_Pneumatic_Tools I have the 3/8 set that stops at 19mm. I thought at one time you offered an expansion set to fill in the gaps as the full set was not available in the beginning... however, the one I really have interest in is the 21mm (and an extra clip for the rail to hold it. Is this something that can be purchased direct from you?

 

[Rabid Badger]

I made my own steel wrench socket holders out of ratchet drive adapters and/or the guts from unneeded round head ratchets I had lying around. I use them all the time and they work great.

The cheap "impact" u-joints from Harbor Freight are good for making these.

Universal Impact Joint Set, 3-Piece

Amazing deals on this 3Pc Universal Impact Joint Socket Adapter Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[_brian_]

The cheap "impact" u-joints from Harbor Freight are good for making these.

Universal Impact Joint Set, 3-Piece

Amazing deals on this 3Pc Universal Impact Joint Socket Adapter Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

That tool you made looks near perfect. I bet I have an old universal adapter set in the garage from a generic brand I can chop up, they would be chrome ones though.

I believe this greatly shifts my choice of 1/2 drive low profiles to Astro vs the Capri version, as it solidifies the alternate use with a regular wrench retaining solution.

EDIT: I checked my universal joints with my ratcheting wrenches and Astro sockets. There is a lot of slop, it does not seem to hold tight like your pictures provide. Oh well. I see it might be due to the design of the 3/8 potion as it mates with the joint itself. Your picture seems to show it being really flat, where the joint has a curved portion. Might require some grinding/cutting on the top side as well.

 

[KnurledNut]

I wish Lang would expand their current offerings and sell them as a stand-alone set. I love the ball retention.

 

[Rabid Badger]

EDIT: I checked my universal joints with my ratcheting wrenches and Astro sockets. There is a lot of slop, it does not seem to hold tight like your pictures provide.

My apologies, I should have mentioned that I use an o-ring to take up the slack. I left it out because I wasn't sure if the spacing of others' tools would be the same as my own. I keep the o-ring on my 19mm socket so I don't have to hunt for it when I need it.

The nice thing about the impact adapters is not having to deal with chrome slivers and being able to match the finish with a little cold blue after you're done grinding it flat.

 

[_brian_]

My apologies, I should have mentioned that I use an o-ring to take up the slack. I left it out because I wasn't sure if the spacing of others' tools would be the same as my own. I keep the o-ring on my 19mm socket so I don't have to hunt for it when I need it.

The nice thing about the impact adapters is not having to deal with chrome slivers and being able to match the finish with a little cold blue after you're done grinding it flat.

Ahh, ok. I see. Yes, I agree with the chrome. I made a few shorty spark plug sockets, so I know exactly what you mean.

 

[anndel]

Love the Astro Nano Sockets. These are my first go to ever since they were released and my Snap-ons and S-Ks just sit in the drawer until needed.

 

[DIYNY]

The cheap "impact" u-joints from Harbor Freight are good for making these.

Universal Impact Joint Set, 3-Piece

Amazing deals on this 3Pc Universal Impact Joint Socket Adapter Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

it's all good but far from perfect solution. it's PIA to remove sockets.

 

[_brian_]

it's all good but far from perfect solution. it's PIA to remove sockets.

Is it any different than pulling the sockets off of a non quick release ratchet?

 

[Handyandy23]

@Astro_Pneumatic_Tools I have the 3/8 set that stops at 19mm. I thought at one time you offered an expansion set to fill in the gaps as the full set was not available in the beginning... however, the one I really have interest in is the 21mm (and an extra clip for the rail to hold it. Is this something that can be purchased direct from you?

I'm interested to know this too

 

[milkovich]

I'm going to try to draw and 3d print this bad boy.

 

[_brian_]

I'm interested to know this too

The 21mm is for me the most skipped size, as most 3/8 sets stop at 19mm. I wish that would be 21mm.

 

[DIYNY]

Is it any different than pulling the sockets off of a non quick release ratchet?

yes, it's much harder, i use pocket screwdriver to pry it out

 

[ike]

I have the Husky version of these. I certainly don't know (or care) about the history of these sockets, but it seems like everything that is China or Taiwan made now you can buy 25 different versions of for a wide spectrum of prices. It seems like if you are the originator/designer and in a contract that allows this to happen, that is on you, not the other people ordering/selling the product. It seems disingenuous to **** on the other brands selling the product if proper protections were not in place.

 

[Benito]

It seems disingenuous to **** on the other brands selling the product if proper protections were not in place.

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