Astro ONYX short vs long recommendation

[RickyLahey]

Hello,

I would like to purchase the astro ONYX, not sure if I should get the short or long version and interested if anyone can share their experiences and what are the advantages of the long version?

 

[vwpieces]

Short is the newer version, higher torque rating.
I recently bought the 3/8dr short but no real use of it to mention or make a recommendation.

BTW the 3/8 is the same, same, just smaller anvil compared to 1/2in.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I have the long version in 3/8" and am very happy with it. It allows an easier reach into confined spaces sometimes. Never used the short version for comparison though. I loaned mine to a guy that works for a buddy of mine that owns an auto repair shop. He liked it so much he bought one and it has become his go to gun. But to be fair we are down in the south and don't know what rust is.

 

[Odd-job]

What are you working on? What other tools do you use? If you already have an M12 stubby would get the extended version to compliment that by way of example.

 

[dnschmidt]

They are in fact complimentary tools. Sort of like the Milwaukee stubby impact and the Milwaukee right angle impact. One will be better for some jobs, for example the long model is really nice for brake and suspension work and the short version (stubby) is better for top end or engine work. I solved this problem by buying the Milwaukee Stubby and right angle but if you're an air kind of guy these two would be equivalent.

 

[RickyLahey]

What are you working on? What other tools do you use? If you already have an M12 stubby would get the extended version to compliment that by way of example.

I'm a car mechanic but I'm starting from scratch with impact tools, I was going to get the astro thor and milwaukee m12 stubby. Wanted the oynx in order to not be hard on the milwaukee.

 

[Mr_B]

get the long version to compliment your thor m12 and give you best ability with least number tools .
the stubby nano impact was easy find at under 100 bucks so not a big spend if decide want/need both .
Be sure look at reactionless nano air ratchet and the good oil air hammers as these big must haves for efficient repair working methods .
The modern air tools will be smallest power to size option and fraction of cost of battery plus they far more durable .
Hopefully your shop have good air supply as then you can really enjoy what air tools can bring to a professional work environment .

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have the short, version 1.0 with the slightly lower power rating. Shop runs 120psi static,but everything runs off retracting hose reels and a subpar system to feed them that chokes flow.

It is my goto impact. Wheels, caliper brackets (always with universal sockets), etc. Yes, my astro thor is required sometimes. But the stubby is typically what I'm using for anything south of 34mm+ axle nuts. Most of the time I will use thor for ball joint presses and similar, but the stubby can do the job usually. I just don't like to wait and deal with the rattling.

FWIW my 1/2 stubby stomps on my buddies m18 mid torque. Just stomps on it. Way lighter and more compact, but hey the m18 is WAY nicer to use in a parking lot with no air.

I'll echo the value of impacting air ratchets. I also have the astro swivel/flex/pivoting "bendy-boy" in 3/8 drive. As a 1/2 tool I think it would be subpar. But as a 3/8 tool it's fantastic. Swaybar links, caliper pins, etc.

 

[RickyLahey]

get the long version to compliment your thor m12 and give you best ability with least number tools .
the stubby nano impact was easy find at under 100 bucks so not a big spend if decide want/need both .
Be sure look at reactionless nano air ratchet and the good oil air hammers as these big must haves for efficient repair working methods .
The modern air tools will be smallest power to size option and fraction of cost of battery plus they far more durable .
Hopefully your shop have good air supply as then you can really enjoy what air tools can bring to a professional work environment .

Thank you for replying, I remember you recommend Kuani reactionless air ratchet.

The main reason for the m12 stubby was under trays, air boxes and small fasteners.

I'm in between jobs, not sure about the air compressor situation, what psi do you run your compressor at?

 

[dchawk81]

I have both. And that swivel one. They each have their place and use but if I had to choose one, I'd get the short one.

 

[Mr_B]

I'm in between jobs, not sure about the air compressor situation, what psi do you run your compressor at?

to get good usable results out these tools you need 100 to 120psi dynamic at the tool .
Tools like the reactionless air ratchets best kept to around 100-110 max .
My compressor kicks out 155psi to the hardlines, I got short line runs to the 2 bays in my shop and use rubber hose of minimal lengths reach around bay and minimal amount of fittings keep pressure drop minimal, problems minimal and work area tidy.
I don't use hose reels, they expensive and problematic and pretty big system performance restriction . 3/8 rubber hose does good in sensible lengths and some 1/2" when need every bean you can muster .

 

[Odd-job]

I'm a car mechanic but I'm starting from scratch with impact tools, I was going to get the astro thor and milwaukee m12 stubby. Wanted the oynx in order to not be hard on the milwaukee.

Thanks for clarifying. Some quality responses from some real mechanics up above.

Only would add a true compliment to the regular and long reach Onyxs might be a battery 1/4 M12 hex impact (maybe even the Surge because its quieter). Can sometimes get in tighter places with its narrower profile, great for 10mm and below fasteners, and good for interior work. The m12 stubby is nice when air isn't available, but it doesn't hit as hard as the Astro stubbies and is a bit bulky and overkill for small fasteners. If you can only have one impact it might be the m12 stubby, but it is sort of a jack of all trades master of none in terms of packaging and power in my mind.

 

[Jswain]

Don't forget to add a swivel on the airline. Awesome for the compact fit in a tight area tool. Sure you lose a little power, but it will fit in a lot tighter areas easier.

 

[ex-x-fire]

I'd get the short one, the long one needs a flex head like the Astro one, makes it much more usable.

 

[RickyLahey]

Thanks for clarifying. Some quality responses from some real mechanics up above.

Only would add a true compliment to the regular and long reach Onyxs might be a battery 1/4 M12 hex impact (maybe even the Surge because its quieter). Can sometimes get in tighter places with its narrower profile, great for 10mm and below fasteners, and good for interior work. The m12 stubby is nice when air isn't available, but it doesn't hit as hard as the Astro stubbies and is a bit bulky and overkill for small fasteners. If you can only have one impact it might be the m12 stubby, but it is sort of a jack of all trades master of none in terms of packaging and power in my mind.

Thank you, I didn't realise the m12 stubby was so powerful, there is an M12 stubby with 1/4 drive anvil.

Is it best to get the ONYX in 3/8 or 1/2 inch?

 

[bwringer]

I don't see the point of the longer handle one. It's just going to get in the way a little more.

I have the shortie, and if I'm using it, it's often because there's a situation with restricted access. So it's also wearing a good swivel so I have maximum flexibility to squeeze it into tight spaces.

Then again, the shortie is also rapidly becoming my go-to for everything because it's so small and light. I often only bust out the big gun if the shortie doesn't have the poop.

 

[Odd-job]

Thank you, I didn't realise the m12 stubby was so powerful, there is an M12 stubby with 1/4 drive anvil.

Is it best to get the ONYX in 3/8 or 1/2 inch?

The Onyx's were built around 3/8 and really get in tight spaces with stubby sockets.

m12 3/8 stubby can be powered down for really small fasteners, but again not the first choice for interior type work since it has some girth. The 1/4 hex with a 1/4 locking socket adapter is pretty versatile. I think the street price on those is $70 vs $130 for the 1/4 version with less versatility.

2ndGear has a good comment with the flex, bendy version of the long version. I have my eyes on that myself to compliment all my pistol style impacts.

 

[dchawk81]

I don't see the point of the longer handle one. It's just going to get in the way a little more.

I have the shortie, and if I'm using it, it's often because there's a situation with restricted access. So it's also wearing a good swivel so I have maximum flexibility to squeeze it into tight spaces.

Then again, the shortie is also rapidly becoming my go-to for everything because it's so small and light. I often only bust out the big gun if the shortie doesn't have the poop.

It's kind of an up and in sort of tool but I agree the benefits are limited. I used it once or twice. Same goes with the flex head one. It saved me from removing a shock absorber once.

They're both more "neat" than "essential."

 

[anndel]

The short one is more useful to me IMHO. I have both and use the short one more. I used to use the long handled version for caliper bolts but since the flex head was releases, I use that.

 

[demarpaint]

The short one and their flex-head imo is a good combo. I have both and they came in very handy doing a recent clutch job.

 

[bwringer]

The short one and their flex-head imo is a good combo. I have both and they came in very handy doing a recent clutch job.

Once again, the correct GJ answer to "which tool" is "all the above".