Astro Pneumatic Tool Company

[Outahere]

@Outahere, how does your new Astro stubby feel?

Mine hasn't arrived yet.

 

[signcrafter]

Mine hasn't arrived yet.

Mine is supposed to be here any minute now according to amazon. Will have to see how mine feels.

 

[signcrafter]

I am a HUGE fan of the Astro nano low profile sockets/wrenches system, have 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" sets, and all the wrenches. The latest stubby flex IMHO is not at the quality level, however of the other handled wrench/ratchets. The first one I got was ridiculously stiff in the flex. They did send me a replacement that is much better, but nowhere near as nice as the regular flexhead wrenches they offer with the system... IMHO, YMMV, etc.

I didn't buy mine through Amazon, but I did notice that on Amazon, this particular Astro tool I states "this item is non-returnable". Haven't seen that on any other Amazon/Astro tool, which makes me wonder if Astro realizes this particular product might not be quite as good as their other stuff? Its only a $30-35 too, not a huge deal, just making folks aware of my opinion.

@Outahere, how does your new Astro stubby feel?

Mine just came. The bigger side feels good, not to stiff but stiff enough not to be floppy. The small side is really stiff. But there is a screw so I'll try backing that off and see if that helps.

The machining and finish on mine isn't the greatest. The corners where the side meets the top/bottom flats have a lot of imperfections, as in not smooth. Like it was used as a hammer or something. Also has a divit for lack of better word on the face of the small end. I don't know much about how these tools are produced so not sure if it was the machining process or the chrome plating. One of them is like a burr that you can feel when you run your finger over it. It's a tool and I'm a tool user and not a polisher and looks like a handy tool overall. Will have to see if it's the chrome plating and how it will hold up over time.

Not sure how good it will show in the pictures.

 

[Hakeem]

I’ve been enjoying my 3083 tire inflator:


Dial is nice and large for easy reading and precise volume measurement. Aggressive rubber overmold makes it easy to hold and protects the gauge. Great value for the money.

I did have a problem with the inflator head a few weeks after I bought it and I contacted their service line hoping to receive a replacement inflator head. Instead, the good folks at Astro sent me a whole new inflator! Totally unnecessary but highly appreciated. Many thanks to Ms Gloria in customer service !

 

[signcrafter]

I’ve been enjoying my 3083 tire inflator:


Dial is nice and large for easy reading and precise volume measurement. Aggressive rubber overmold makes it easy to hold and protects the gauge. Great value for the money.

I did have a problem with the inflator head a few weeks after I bought it and I contacted their service line hoping to receive a replacement inflator head. Instead, the good folks at Astro sent me a whole new inflator! Totally unnecessary but highly appreciated. Many thanks to Ms Gloria in customer service !

I love my 3018 tire inflator I've had for guessing 7-8 years now. I was just searching amazon to see how much they are now to think about getting a second one to keep by the tire machine. It has it's own inflator built in but sometimes it's nice to have one for when the tire isn't on the machine. Was going to put a few coil air lines by tire machine for astro low speed buffer, blow gun, and tire inflator so they are always hooked up and ready to go. I keep my current astro inflator over by the front garage door, usually hooked up on the hose reel ready to air up tires in the shop or out in driveway. Nice when you can pull the hose out and air up trailer and truck tires. Came across this new(?) astro inflator, https://www.amazon.com/Astro-3019B-...-Inflator/dp/B01JBI26SA/?tag=atomicindus08-20. Looks interesting. Not sure how I feel about the trigger handle in the front like that though. Seems like having the trigger in the back would be more user friendly.

Anyone have this 3019b inflator? If so how do you like it?

Have also been thinking about getting a digital auto inflator for by the tire machine. Could set the bead on a tire and take off machine and let the auto inflate fill the tire automatically while I start the next tire. Don't really need something like that but it would be a nice luxury. You coming out with anything like this in the near future astro? Just have to add an auto shut off and put it all in a box and probably get a lot of business from shops. https://www.amazon.com/Astro-3019B-...-Inflator/dp/B01JBI26SA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[pfbz]

Mine just came. The bigger side feels good, not to stiff but stiff enough not to be floppy. The small side is really stiff. But there is a screw so I'll try backing that off and see if that helps.

The machining and finish on mine isn't the greatest. The corners where the side meets the top/bottom flats have a lot of imperfections, as in not smooth. Like it was used as a hammer or something. Also has a divit for lack of better word on the face of the small end. I don't know much about how these tools are produced so not sure if it was the machining process or the chrome plating. One of them is like a burr that you can feel when you run your finger over it. It's a tool and I'm a tool user and not a polisher and looks like a handy tool overall. Will have to see if it's the chrome plating and how it will hold up over time.

Not sure how good it will show in the pictures.

Yup. As i mentioned before, the quality on these little flexy Nano's IMHO isn't up to the quality level of the other Nano wrenches. Still, will likely be a useful tool, and it's only $30-$35, but it's the first Astro tool I've bought that I was a bit disappointed in, and that is largely because I find their other stuff to be really top notch!

I think you will find adjusting the hinge screw makes no difference at all. At least it had no effect on mine. If you remove the head completely, you'll see there is a wave/spring washer that provides the tension, as common on most flex heads. But on mine, there were two tiny ones jammed in there. Leaving only one in there was floppy as hell, two was stiff as hell. And also nearly freaking impossible to reassemble with the two washers. I've never seen two spring washers in one joint before. It's almost like they tried to band-aid a loose fit by jamming another washer in there with somewhat predictable results.

Maybe Astro can chime in on this... Again I'm a HUGE fan of Astro tools and find their quality levels to be predictably excellent, but this particular tool seems to be a bit different.

----

Wow, just checked out your pictures... That is a bit rough! I don't think it's coincidence that this particular and ONLY this particular Astro wrench is sold as non-returnable, even though it is Sold by Amazon/Shipped by Amazon.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Mine just came. The bigger side feels good, not to stiff but stiff enough not to be floppy. The small side is really stiff. But there is a screw so I'll try backing that off and see if that helps.

The machining and finish on mine isn't the greatest. The corners where the side meets the top/bottom flats have a lot of imperfections, as in not smooth. Like it was used as a hammer or something. Also has a divit for lack of better word on the face of the small end. I don't know much about how these tools are produced so not sure if it was the machining process or the chrome plating. One of them is like a burr that you can feel when you run your finger over it. It's a tool and I'm a tool user and not a polisher and looks like a handy tool overall. Will have to see if it's the chrome plating and how it will hold up over time.

Not sure how good it will show in the pictures.

I had the same first impression

Yup. As i mentioned before, the quality on these little flexy Nano's IMHO isn't up to the quality level of the other Nano wrenches. Still, will likely be a useful tool, and it's only $30-$35, but it's the first Astro tool I've bought that I was a bit disappointed in, and that is largely because I find their other stuff to be really top notch!

I think you will find adjusting the hinge screw makes no difference at all. At least it had no effect on mine. If you remove the head completely, you'll see there is a wave/spring washer that provides the tension, as common on most flex heads. But on mine, there were two tiny ones jammed in there. Leaving only one in there was floppy as hell, two was stiff as hell. And also nearly freaking impossible to reassemble with the two washers. I've never seen two spring washers in one joint before. It's almost like they tried to band-aid a loose fit by jamming another washer in there with somewhat predictable results.

Maybe Astro can chime in on this... Again I'm a HUGE fan of Astro tools and find their quality levels to be predictably excellent, but this particular tool seems to be a bit different.

----

Wow, just checked out your pictures... That is a bit rough! I don't think it's coincidence that this particular and ONLY this particular Astro wrench is sold as non-returnable, even though it is Sold by Amazon/Shipped by Amazon.

Guys, shoot me a PM and we'll get this taken care of on your ends as well as address on the manufacturing side.
Amazon or any retailers' own return policy is not ours, we have our own warranty that applies to tools that we handle directly with any tool user of ours. Apologies for the trouble

 

[AndreaW]

I see that one of the high vis socket sets (#4143) is discontinued. Will there be a new version?

 

[SouthernIllinois]

I have a few Astro tools - all ordered off Amazon.

No complaints.

I really like the inflator - I assume Astro AI is still "Astro" . It seems my friends and neighbors like it as well seeing as they all seem to come to my place to get air...lol

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I see that one of the high vis socket sets (#4143) is discontinued. Will there be a new version?

They were promotional sets we were doing, so they were made only once.

I have a few Astro tools - all ordered off Amazon.

No complaints.

I really like the inflator - I assume Astro AI is still "Astro" . It seems my friends and neighbors like it as well seeing as they all seem to come to

AstroAI uses a very similar name and font as us - something we were not able to do anything about from a trademark side of things unfortunately.

 

[Snip's]

I don't think AstroAI and Astro Tools are the same company...
I believe one of them is sneakily trying to pretend they are another company, fishing for unsuspecting customers...

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

We also get a fair amount of their customer service calls as a result

 

[SouthernIllinois]

They were promotional sets we were doing, so they were made only once.



AstroAI uses a very similar name and font as us - something we were not able to do anything about from a trademark side of things unfortunately.

Gotcha - I wasn't sure.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

I don't think AstroAI and Astro Tools are the same company...
I believe one of them is sneakily trying to pretend they are another company, fishing for unsuspecting customers...

It worked - I had already ordered it and it was delivered before I noticed the sneaky "AI" at the end of the name.

 

[L.Cheapo]

AstroAI uses a very similar name and font as us - something we were not able to do anything about from a trademark side of things unfortunately.

They almost got me once when I added to cart in a hurry. Luckily I figured it out before checking out!

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Fixed it! Just ordered a "real" Astro inflator!!!
Hate copies and counterfeit stuff.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

AstroAI seems to put out some other popular decent stuff, I'm sure much of it is good. They have some high sales.
But appreciate the patronage!

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Any idea when this will become available again?

 

[Steve_P]

AstroAI seems to put out some other popular decent stuff, I'm sure much of it is good. They have some high sales.
But appreciate the patronage!

I knew it was a separate company from Astro, but I do have one of their DMMs; for the $, it's fantastic.

 

[Outahere]

Yup. As i mentioned before, the quality on these little flexy Nano's IMHO isn't up to the quality level of the other Nano wrenches. Still, will likely be a useful tool, and it's only $30-$35, but it's the first Astro tool I've bought that I was a bit disappointed in, and that is largely because I find their other stuff to be really top notch!

I think you will find adjusting the hinge screw makes no difference at all. At least it had no effect on mine.....

Mine arrived today. The flex joint on the small end was too tight, so I put a little bit of light machine oil on it, and exercised the joint for 2 minutes to loosen it up a bit. It is acceptable now. The chrome plating is good, not at Nepros level of course, but still good. My favorite feature is the low backdrag on both ratcheting ends.

 

[daithi]

Guys, shoot me a PM and we'll get this taken care of on your ends as well as address on the manufacturing side.
Amazon or any retailers' own return policy is not ours, we have our own warranty that applies to tools that we handle directly with any tool user of ours. Apologies for the trouble

Chris I broke one of my 401k6 bits the other day are they covered by Astro warranty? Would it be easier to go through you on this forum or through your website/email?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Chris I broke one of my 401k6 bits the other day are they covered by Astro warranty? Would it be easier to go through you on this forum or through your website/email?

Sure you can send me a pm

 

[L.Cheapo]

Guys, shoot me a PM and we'll get this taken care of on your ends as well as address on the manufacturing side.
Amazon or any retailers' own return policy is not ours, we have our own warranty that applies to tools that we handle directly with any tool user of ours. Apologies for the trouble

Just got mine today. It's pretty stiff, especially the small end. Not unusably stiff, but way stiffer than my flex head 3/8" ratchets. It might actually be a benefit when trying to use it with bits, if you need to maintain a consistent angle on the flex. If you need to pivot to make the stroke, probably not going to happen.

How stiff are they supposed to be? I realize that's somewhat subjective and likely difficult to describe.

 

[assassin10000]

Can confirm the power torque sockets fit (and retain).

 

[dnschmidt]

I find this argument amusing. My ASTRO flex head is stiff, AND I LIKE IT THAT WAY. Every manufacturer seems to be condemned either by people saying the swivel is too loose or too tight. This is particularly true of flex head ratchets. I love the classic Williams B54 which is quite lose whereas others ***** about it. Can't keep all the people happy all of the time.

 

[WWheeler]

Got my Astro 78301 stubby flex DBE and an Astro 783105 10.5" flex nano ratchets in yesterday and the flex ends seem fine. Pretty much the same as my other Astro nano wrenches. They are stiff enough not to get all floppy on me when they have a socket on them. I'm sure with time they might start to get a little floppy, like every other flex head tends to, but they have a torx headed bolt/pin that allows the head to be adjusted as loose or floppy as one would like. Looks like a T15 on the 17mm end and a T8 on the 11mm.

 

[nicks78camaro]

I had the same first impression

Astro sent out a replacement 78301 and it's much improved!

 

[KnurledNut]

@Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
If you offered them, I would buy torque adaptors with ring retention for use with the Nanos.
11mm x 1/4
11mm x 3/8
17mm x 3/8
17mm x 1/2
22mm x 1/2

 

[dnschmidt]

@Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
If you offered them, I would buy torque adaptors with ring retention for use with the Nanos.
11mm x 1/4
11mm x 3/8
17mm x 3/8
17mm x 1/2
22mm x 1/2

I don't understand what you're asking for a torque adapter is used with a torque wrench. How does this fit into the Nano world? I'm confused. Here is a picture of TOPTUL'S torque adapters:

https://www.toptul.com/en/product-725746/10PCS-3-8-DR-Box-End-Torque-Adapter-Set.html

 

[KnurledNut]

I don't understand what you're asking for a torque adapter is used with a torque wrench. How does this fit into the Nano world? I'm confused. Here is a picture of TOPTUL'S torque adapters:

https://www.toptul.com/en/product-725746/10PCS-3-8-DR-Box-End-Torque-Adapter-Set.html

Yep exactly those, but in the sizes I listed. Add a ring to retain Nanos. For use with torque wrenches in limited access situations.

 

[ChevyEFI]

It's not a case of five adapters vs. ten 10-19. adapters.

The Astro range is 6-30mm under 17 and 22mm drive alone. Plus the 4-? mm under the 11mm drive.

Plus etorx, allen, xzn, and torx.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Anyone have any experience with theses Astro Nano sockets?

Amazon.com: Astro Tools 78310 10-Piece 3/8" Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets - SAE : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Astro Tools 78310 10-Piece 3/8" Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets - SAE : Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

 

[General Geoff]

Anyone have any experience with theses Astro Nano sockets?

Just used the 16mm the other day. They're great

 

[KnurledNut]

It's not a case of five adapters vs. ten 10-19. adapters.

The Astro range is 6-30mm under 17 and 22mm drive alone. Plus the 4-? mm under the 11mm drive.

Plus etorx, allen, xzn, and torx.

And the socket offset would go places flat torque adaptors won’t.
Doesn’t necessarily have to be used with a torque wrench.

Like this:

 

[WWheeler]

gawdammit now you guys already have me talked into buying a set of nano torque adapters that don't even exist yet.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

And the socket offset would go places flat torque adaptors won’t.
Doesn’t necessarily have to be used with a torque wrench.

Like this:

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Buy one of these from snap-on and stick your nano sockets on it. Works excellent. Used that setup 2 weeks ago in place of a "special service tool" from toyota.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Anyone have any experience with theses Astro Nano sockets?

Amazon.com: Astro Tools 78310 10-Piece 3/8" Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets - SAE : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: Astro Tools 78310 10-Piece 3/8" Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets - SAE : Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

I beat on the metric set daily, works well. My nano sockets have had no issues.

 

[mikey03]

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Buy one of these from snap-on and stick your nano sockets on it. Works excellent. Used that setup 2 weeks ago in place of a "special service tool" from toyota.

GJ honestly got to be the most expensive free website on the internet

 

[ChevyEFI]

GJ honestly got to be the most expensive free website on the internet

That's why we have you creating new threads.

 

[JDtime]

Anyone else that has the Astro 78345 1/4" flex head, do you have a slight bend in your handle as well? Mine bows on a downward curve a bit. That and I cant get the head any tighter and flops around. @Astro_Pneumatic_Tools Love the low profile though compared to a 1/4 gearwrench with a 10mm armstrong socket.