Astro Pneumatic Tool Company

[In My Garage]

Astro Pneumatic Tool 7858523 NO. 23 Radiator Test Cap (Late Model Audi, VW, Porsche)​

Looking at both the factory rad cap and the Astro Pneumatic Test Cap, the threads are different in shape. Just go and buy an Audi, VW or Porsche rad cap and then compare the threads.

Pitch is right as far as I can tell, but when the screw down the AP test cap, far more force is required when compared to the factory part. The one time I tried it and not all the way either, I thought I might do some damage to the threaded part in the coolant reservoir tank.

 

[Snapped-off]

Astro Pneumatic Tool 7858523 NO. 23 Radiator Test Cap (Late Model Audi, VW, Porsche)​

Looking at both the factory rad cap and the Astro Pneumatic Test Cap, the threads are different in shape. Just go and buy an Audi, VW or Porsche rad cap and then compare the threads.

Pitch is right as far as I can tell, but when the screw down the AP test cap, far more force is required when compared to the factory part. The one time I tried it and not all the way either, I thought I might do some damage to the threaded part in the coolant reservoir tank.

I'll have to check mine tomorrow and see if it fits.

 

[In My Garage]

I'll have to check mine tomorrow and see if it fits.

Well compare it to the stock cap that spins on with two fingers.

 

[Odd-job]

Street price on the new Thor G2 seems pretty reasonable. $190ish for a semi legit smaller package 3/4 gun.

For stuck fasteners does this destroy the square ends of 1/2 sockets? Thinking of running a 22mm socket on this paired with my 1/2 Astro Nano sets as sort of a poor man's 3/4 set. Figuring the 22mm end of the nano's will take the beating better than a 1/2 square end.

 

[Hohn]

Street price on the new Thor G2 seems pretty reasonable. $190ish for a semi legit smaller package 3/4 gun.

For stuck fasteners does this destroy the square ends of 1/2 sockets? Thinking of running a 22mm socket on this paired with my 1/2 Astro Nano sets as sort of a poor man's 3/4 set. Figuring the 22mm end of the nano's will take the beating better than a 1/2 square end.

Sending that much torque to a 1/2" square anvil does wear the drive-- if you actually achieve that high of a torque. But realistically, you will never send that much torque to it because impact guns don't put out full torque all the time-- their output is a reaction to the resistance of the fastener. So if the bolt is tightened to 200-lb ft, the gun will only put out 200lb-ft regardless of what impact is attached to it.

The idea of using the Nano as a buffer would reduce the wear and tear on the square drive if you used a Nano for mega-tight fasteners. But with 24mm max size, the largest fastener you're talking about realistically is an M16 with a nominal torque for a 10.9 of 230lb-ft. So you'd have to have a BADLY rusted/seized fastener to some close to doing appreciable wear on the 1/2" square drive. At those torque levels, you're going to fracture the bolt rather than hurt the square drive.

If you are going to hog on something for minutes of relentless ugga dugga, the 22mm hex will of course have less wear. But the torque loss of the adaptation is likely to keep you from achieving the desired break-loose anyway.

Seems to me like you're overthinking it a bit. Nano sockets aren't terribly expensive to replace in the unlikely event you wear a square drive.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Street price on the new Thor G2 seems pretty reasonable. $190ish for a semi legit smaller package 3/4 gun.

For stuck fasteners does this destroy the square ends of 1/2 sockets? Thinking of running a 22mm socket on this paired with my 1/2 Astro Nano sets as sort of a poor man's 3/4 set. Figuring the 22mm end of the nano's will take the beating better than a 1/2 square end.

All sockets eventually die with impacts that actually make power. Both ends will get wallowed out, although without daily use this will take years and years. If you're going to use a 3/4 to 1/2 adapter, that will typically act as the "fuse" in the system.


Below is a 17mm 3/8 astro nano with several years in service, as well as a 17mm 1/2 drive snap on swivel impact with 9ish months in service.

 

[Wrench97]

Sending that much torque to a 1/2" square anvil does wear the drive-- if you actually achieve that high of a torque. But realistically, you will never send that much torque to it because impact guns don't put out full torque all the time-- their output is a reaction to the resistance of the fastener. So if the bolt is tightened to 200-lb ft, the gun will only put out 200lb-ft regardless of what impact is attached to it.

The idea of using the Nano as a buffer would reduce the wear and tear on the square drive if you used a Nano for mega-tight fasteners. But with 24mm max size, the largest fastener you're talking about realistically is an M16 with a nominal torque for a 10.9 of 230lb-ft. So you'd have to have a BADLY rusted/seized fastener to some close to doing appreciable wear on the 1/2" square drive. At those torque levels, you're going to fracture the bolt rather than hurt the square drive.

If you are going to hog on something for minutes of relentless ugga dugga, the 22mm hex will of course have less wear. But the torque loss of the adaptation is likely to keep you from achieving the desired break-loose anyway.

Seems to me like you're overthinking it a bit. Nano sockets aren't terribly expensive to replace in the unlikely event you wear a square drive.

I always broke the 1/2" end of the 3/4 to 1/2 adapter.

 

[Odd-job]

Sending that much torque to a 1/2" square anvil does wear the drive-- if you actually achieve that high of a torque. But realistically, you will never send that much torque to it because impact guns don't put out full torque all the time-- their output is a reaction to the resistance of the fastener. So if the bolt is tightened to 200-lb ft, the gun will only put out 200lb-ft regardless of what impact is attached to it.

The idea of using the Nano as a buffer would reduce the wear and tear on the square drive if you used a Nano for mega-tight fasteners. But with 24mm max size, the largest fastener you're talking about realistically is an M16 with a nominal torque for a 10.9 of 230lb-ft. So you'd have to have a BADLY rusted/seized fastener to some close to doing appreciable wear on the 1/2" square drive. At those torque levels, you're going to fracture the bolt rather than hurt the square drive.

If you are going to hog on something for minutes of relentless ugga dugga, the 22mm hex will of course have less wear. But the torque loss of the adaptation is likely to keep you from achieving the desired break-loose anyway.

Seems to me like you're overthinking it a bit. Nano sockets aren't terribly expensive to replace in the unlikely event you wear a square drive.

Definitely overthinking here which is leading to more overthinking...

Contemplating a Thor G2 or Milwaukee G3 High Torque for 24mm and up stuff or when running torque robbing extensions. The Nano's are more for occasional use when either my m18 mid torque or Aircat 1150 do not have enough balls for limited rusty fasteners we see here in CA. My 3/4 drive sets currently stop at 26mm and 1 inch.

This is the video is that got me thinking... pretty extreme use scenario where they are trying loosen nuts torqued to 2500 ft lbs. Guess using 1/2 is probably tool abuse here

 

[CobraRed]

Cordless definitely kills sockets faster, I've stopped using high torques on the old Snap-On set I have an only use them on my capri. Even the new Matco air gun is less abusive to the drive end it seems like

 

[daithi]

We're also increasing the thickness of the retaining ring on the current and future models by about 15% for a more secure retention in case people want to know the details we'd be talking about at SEMA

Awesome. Thank you for the reply. They do get a little loose sometimes especially at odd angles with the original double flex wrench with 17mm on one end and 22mm on the other.

Something I have ran into twice in the last two weeks that would have been super useful is Nano hex sockets and Nano Torx sockets with the 17mm drive option. I have both of those in the standard Nano set up but they were just too tall once put on a ratchet.

I am a Caterpillar dealer tech. I am always looking for an angle advantage to get around and under things. I have all of the Nano sockets and ratchets and use them everyday. That 17mm hex drive just makes tons of options to get to stuff. Tear a little piece of shop towel and put it over the hex drive and stuff it into an offset box wrench. That makes a mid depth 75 degree offset box wrench that can get into some odd places.

I have a lot of the Onyx air tools. Those small impact wrenches 1828, 1832 and 1838 some kind of handy. The 1833 and 1834 are next on the list. I'll probably end up with the ones with hose between the impact and trigger also.

All of it has been good stuff and it stands up to daily use. I look forward to getting a set of the extension sockets when available.

Keep this kind of stuff coming and I will be a customer.

I appreciate your presence here and your customer service .

@Astro_Pneumatic_Tools I dropped into this thread to ask if you had any idea when we'd see more 78319 and 78318 in Canada. I haven't seen the no skip socket set in stock on Amazon in forever. But now I'm wondering if I should hold off a few more weeks/months and be sure I'm getting the improved retaining ring!?

I'll also echo @mixerfixer when it comes to dreaming of the hex, torx and etorx sets with an outside 17mm hex. There's a final drive oil change procedure at work I have nightmares about... And we have 6 of those machines with 2 drain plugs, 2 fill plugs and 2 level plugs (one per side) each and a 250hr service interval!

But I feel like I've read earlier in this thread that you have no plans for the S2 sets with ouside hexes, or a square driver for belt tensioners?

 

[bigworm85]

Wanted to make a post thanking Chris and Astro Tools for their continued impeccable customer support here. Reached out to Chris and he went above and beyond to resolve the issue. Will continue to buy from and support this company.

 

[tak1313]

All sockets eventually die with impacts that actually make power. Both ends will get wallowed out, although without daily use this will take years and years. If you're going to use a 3/4 to 1/2 adapter, that will typically act as the "fuse" in the system.


Below is a 17mm 3/8 astro nano with several years in service, as well as a 17mm 1/2 drive snap on swivel impact with 9ish months in service.

Just curious - what impact have you been using it with. My PERSONAL theory is that all the mega torque impacts over the last few years are beginning to push the limits of currnt socket metallurgy/forging.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Just curious - what impact have you been using it with. My PERSONAL theory is that all the mega torque impacts over the last few years are beginning to push the limits of currnt socket metallurgy/forging.

Which one? The astro is mainly on an M12 stubby, or my 3/8 long neck snap on ratchet. Chrome sockets don't do it as bad, but even with only hand tools you'll wallow the drive and working ends out. The snap on is mainly on my 1/2 mini astro impact, the short stubby one. It also sees use on my Thor impact as well. I had a IR2235 prior, it did similar things, as did my IR 3/8 gun.

Part of it is certainly climbing outputs of tools. For something as dainty as the astro nano sockets it's a wonder they even stay in one piece. There really isn't a lot of metal.

 

[Lt CHEG]

I want to buy a 3/4” impact. Doesn’t matter if it’s pneumatic or cordless, but it needs to have some power. I would be perfectly happy to get something like the current 3rd generation Milwaukee impact, or the new Matco pneumatic that are identical to the 1/2” drive but with a 3/4” anvil. I don’t want to lose the power that comes with a drive adapter, and 3/4” impacts in some of the sizes I use are much less than their 1/2” drive brethren if you can even find them. The newest Thor looks promising, but it seems like the 3/4” gun is built slightly different in order to take advantage f the larger compressors present at heavy duty shops. I’ve got a 7.5 HP, 80 gallon Bendpak compressor that’s been great, but according to what TTC is saying, it seems like the 3/4” gun may have less power for my setup than the 1/2” drive version. Is there any way to order a newest generation 1/2” drive impact, but with a 3/4” anvil and everything else identical to the 1/2” version?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I want to buy a 3/4” impact. Doesn’t matter if it’s pneumatic or cordless, but it needs to have some power. I would be perfectly happy to get something like the current 3rd generation Milwaukee impact, or the new Matco pneumatic that are identical to the 1/2” drive but with a 3/4” anvil. I don’t want to lose the power that comes with a drive adapter, and 3/4” impacts in some of the sizes I use are much less than their 1/2” drive brethren if you can even find them. The newest Thor looks promising, but it seems like the 3/4” gun is built slightly different in order to take advantage f the larger compressors present at heavy duty shops. I’ve got a 7.5 HP, 80 gallon Bendpak compressor that’s been great, but according to what TTC is saying, it seems like the 3/4” gun may have less power for my setup than the 1/2” drive version. Is there any way to order a newest generation 1/2” drive impact, but with a 3/4” anvil and everything else identical to the 1/2” version?

I think you got it backwards, that's what the new 3/4" thor sort of is. A 3/4" gun for people that dont work in heavy equipment shop with 3/4" hoses. MOST 3/4" guns use a whole new gun body, which also explains some of their price point, but in general uses a lot more air than a 1/2" impact. The 3/4" Thor is designed to be run off or 1/2" and 3/8" lines and can do so maxed out. You're not going to run most 3/4" gun to their advertised potential without much more.

 

[Lt CHEG]

I think you got it backwards, that's what the new 3/4" thor sort of is. A 3/4" gun for people that dont work in heavy equipment shop with 3/4" hoses. MOST 3/4" guns use a whole new gun body, which also explains some of their price point, but in general uses a lot more air than a 1/2" impact. The 3/4" Thor is designed to be run off or 1/2" and 3/8" lines and can do so maxed out. You're not going to run most 3/4" gun to their advertised potential without much more.

Outstanding! Sign me up! Seriously, what’s the model number for the newest hotness 3/4” Thor? My wife was asking what to buy me for my birthday next month, so you have now helped me decide! Thanks!

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Outstanding! Sign me up! Seriously, what’s the model number for the newest hotness 3/4” Thor? My wife was asking what to buy me for my birthday next month, so you have now helped me decide! Thanks!

1896 is your guy

 

[Lt CHEG]

1896 is your guy

Thank you!!!

 

[bubinga]

Got mine today! It's made nice!

Now, I think this may have been asked, but I can't seem to find it, Does Astro have a 3/8" drive anvil with 17mm OD drive, so I can use my 73818 as a Serpentine release tool for cars that use a 3/8" drive breaker bar for the tensioner?

 

[daithi]

Now, I think this may have been asked, but I can't seem to find it, Does Astro have a 3/8" drive anvil with 17mm OD drive, so I can use my 73818 as a Serpentine release tool for cars that use a 3/8" drive breaker bar for the tensioner?

Apex make one (have not tried it, just found on google) but Astro currently do not.

I'm curious how to tell if a 78318 is the original model or the new updated one?

 

[bubinga]

Apex make one (have not tried it, just found on google) but Astro currently do not.

I'm curious how to tell if a 78318 is the original model or the new updated one?

Do you still happen to have the page link? I can't seem to find it.
Never Mind, I found it, Thanks!

A-3-17MM Apex 17mm Socket And Ratchet Wrench Adapter, Metric

A-3-17MM Apex® 17mm Socket And Ratchet Wrench Adapter, Metric. Male Square: 3/8'' Male Hex: 17mm Overall Length: 15/16''

apexbits.com

 

[bubinga]

Do you still happen to have the page link? I can't seem to find it.
Never Mind, I found it, Thanks!

A-3-17MM Apex 17mm Socket And Ratchet Wrench Adapter, Metric

A-3-17MM Apex® 17mm Socket And Ratchet Wrench Adapter, Metric. Male Square: 3/8'' Male Hex: 17mm Overall Length: 15/16''

apexbits.com

A little too rich for me for using it one or two times. Thinking about making one.
Have some 3/8" square key stock coming.

 

[daithi]

A little too rich for me for using it one or two times. Thinking about making one.
Have some 3/8" square key stock coming.

Would not be hard to do at all, I've done it for 1/2" before just weld a nut to the square stock.

 

[mixerfixer]

The Astro Tool booth at SEMA with some cool new stuff. .

Chris even mentions Garage Journal.

I see a bunch of stuff I want. Where do I send my money?

 

[Steve_P]

I don't have a lot of stuff by Astro, but the stuff I do have is very good. They clearly innovate, and not just copy; and there are obviously people there that know tools; unlike at HF. To me, HF is more of a sales and marketing company that happens to sell tools; but there doesn't seem to be a single person there that actually knows anything about tools. I know this is splitting hairs, and I'm sure HF dwarfs Astro in sales, but tell me one item that HF has actually introduced that wasn't a copy of something else. And that is fine, that's their business model and it works for them. But if nobody innovated, we'd still be riding horses.

As a side note, I've wanted a shorter 5/8-18 slide hammer shaft attachment for a while, so I like that air powered unit. I understand that F=MA, but sometimes a 24"? rod won't fit and maybe a 12" would actually fit and do the job

 

[Odd-job]

The Astro Tool booth at SEMA with some cool new stuff. .

Chris even mentions Garage Journal.

I see a bunch of stuff I want. Where do I send my money?

Am starting to save money and hoping that some serial rebranding company doesn't snap these up like the top secret ball joint press...

For the old school anti youtube folks:

• Pneumatic slide hammer
• Test Light to locking pliers (thought these have been out a while?)
• Mid depth pinless universal swivels (as discussed here)
• Extra deep 3/8 sockets for ~$80
• New Thor gold color air hammer bits
• Weighted sockets
• Pinless extended universal swivels (again discussed here)

 

[CobraRed]

• Test Light to locking pliers (thought these have been out a while?)

Digital would be new

 

[daithi]

Nice haul from the mailman today. I already have the nano torx set.
Now if the 78318 would just show up in stock anywhere in Canada...

 

[theoldwizard1]

For the old school anti youtube folks:

• Test Light to locking pliers

Please, PLEASE, PLEASE !

Someone make a test light that has the following features

• Voltage readout
• Adjustable load (250ma, 1A, 3A and 5A)

I understand there are potential issues with the adjustable load, but the benefits out way those issues !

Lisle 28800 is close, but needs more choices of loads !

 

[theoldwizard1]

Jul 10, 2020

We worked on one a couple years ago, but it never really got off the ground for some reason. Maybe i'll dig it up

Start digging, AGAIN !

 

[JDtime]

Apex make one (have not tried it, just found on google) but Astro currently do not.

I'm curious how to tell if a 78318 is the original model or the new updated one?

Idk like to know that as well @Astro_Pneumatic_Tools that and when we might see the shorter one hit the market. I have ben trying for months to get the 78318 but would like the updated version.

 

[Steve_P]

Definitely overthinking here which is leading to more overthinking...

Contemplating a Thor G2 or Milwaukee G3 High Torque for 24mm and up stuff or when running torque robbing extensions.

So, I've been wondering why no one makes a set of longer 1/2" extensions with a larger, or full diameter. If you used round 3/4" bar (whatever) I wouldn't think you'd need much tooling- just broach one end square, machine the other square, and then clean up the scale on the OD. Obviously, these would be a limited sales item, heavy, wouldn't fit everywhere.... but I think we've all had cases where we need to drag out the air impact to loosen a drain plug that we know we could loosen with a mid-torque cordless impact if there wasn't an 18" extension on it.
With all else constant, torsional deflection varies by the fourth power of the diameter; so even a small increase in diameter would be a huge decrease in deflection:
.6^4 = .130
.7^4 = .240
Obviously, I could use 3/4 extensions and adapters, buy a high torque cordless.... But I'm surprised this doesn't exist since there are long 1/2 female extensions with a 3/8 male end that recognize this issue exists.

 

[WWheeler]

• Test Light to locking pliers (thought these have been out a while?)

Astro is the only company that's had them out yet that I know of. I've never seen anything like it at HF. They came out with a set after Eric O. asked in a few of his vids why no one sold ones like that and a fan made a set out of an OTC test light and sent them to him that he still uses pretty often.

I do like the ones Eric got more than Astro's or HF's prototype though as the wire comes straight out the end of the grip/handle where the adjustment bolt is instead of where Astro (and HF) have the wire riveted to the pliers.

 

[daithi]

@Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
I got the first opportunity to use my 78319 3/8" Nano sockets working on my truck's front end this weekend... And I immediately lost the 13mm.
13mm is like the 10mm of my world, probably my most used socket.

Can I buy an individual replacement 13mm off you? I'm really bummed out, not only did the job go sideways (took me 12 hours!) but I probably used that socket on ONE bolt before it went walkies... My best guess is that it went down the floor drain

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

@Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
I got the first opportunity to use my 78319 3/8" Nano sockets working on my truck's front end this weekend... And I immediately lost the 13mm.
13mm is like the 10mm of my world, probably my most used socket.

Can I buy an individual replacement 13mm off you? I'm really bummed out, not only did the job go sideways (took me 12 hours!) but I probably used that socket on ONE bolt before it went walkies... My best guess is that it went down the floor drain

Just pm me an address, i'll have it walk on over

 

[KnurledNut]

Hi-viz Nanos.
Safety yellow or lime green.
And why don’t these exist?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Hi-viz Nanos.
Safety yellow or lime green.
And why don’t these exist?

The nano impacts or the impact sockets?

 

[KnurledNut]

The nano impacts or the impact sockets?

I was thinking Nano impacts. Yeah they would be subject to wear but just an idea to toss around. Been around lots of industry where tools are rattle canned.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I was thinking Nano impacts. Yeah they would be subject to wear but just an idea to toss around. Been around lots of industry where tools are rattle canned.

It's mostly because it's made under our ONYX line, a line of air tools we mostly make in factory we've been making tools in for 30+ years. And ONYX tools are all black

 

[Cruzan80]

Didn't Astro make a high-vis and/or Glow in the dark sockets? I am guessing these were under a different "product line"?