Astro Pneumatic Tool Company

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

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.

Assuming that's not some lens effect, yeah that's wonky. PM me for a replacement.

 

[signcrafter]

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.

I just checked my 783105 and the head is perfect. Mine does have a little bend in it but not as pronounced as yours. I'll try to get some pics up later. Don't think it will affect performance at all in my case.

 

[ChevyEFI]

That's a shop press fix. Easy peasy.

 

[Etchase]

Does Astro have any incoming QC or do they do all QC at the foreign manufacturers location? Do you sample audit the manufacturers QC?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Does Astro have any incoming QC or do they do all QC at the foreign manufacturers location? Do you sample audit the manufacturers QC?

We QC all tools when they arrive, we also have factory side QC and employ 3rd party QC services in some cases on location.
We'll certainly catch a lot of stuff the customer never sees, and some "out of stock" can us just be holding an entire batch if we find issues as we check 100% for that issue.
But admittedly on some thing like the neck stiffness on the 78301 it's personal preference, and we've been working mostly in the other direction with QC, making sure the heads aren't too floppy which was been up until now the primary feedback like on the 78345 above - so on the design side we've mainly been rolling out changes to make them stay stiffer not looser.

 

[Outahere]

Anyone else that has the Astro 78345 1/4" flex head, do you have a slight bend in your handle as well?...

Mine has a tiny, tiny bend. Not a defect IMO.

 

[Cruzan80]

Astro does 350#

Chris, this came up in a different thread. I now see it in the catalog, but not as an individual listing (searched Torque). Is it new, and if so, any idea when in it will be for sale? Rough estimated price (I know you don't control pricing directly)?

Edit: link to quoted post and some comments if you scroll down (in case the quote link is broken).

Honda Odyssey Crankshaft Bolt Torque Help - Torque + Angle conversion to Torque

Hi, I'm trying to figure out what torque wrench I need for my Honda Odyssey. The procedure says to tighten to 48 ft lb then an additional 60 degrees. So I need a 1/2 " drive torque wrench I presume. But how do I convert 48 ft lbs + 60 degrees, to a final torque value? 48 ft lb + 60 degrees = X...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[four.cycle]

Astro Pneumatic Universal Joint Sockets (aka "flex sockets") overall height dimensions

7412

5mm 1.372"

5.5mm 1.395"

6mm 1.395"

7mm 1.398"

8mm 1.383"

9mm 1.383"

10mm 1.460"

11mm 1.440"

12mm 1.465"

13mm 1.515"

14mm 1.500"

15mm 1.468"

74310

10mm 1.784"

11mm 1.790"

12mm 1.804"

13mm 1.885"

14mm 1.860"

15mm 1.895"

16mm 1.895"

17mm 1.930"

18mm 1.970"

19mm 1.985"

 

[JDtime]

Assuming that's not some lens effect, yeah that's wonky. PM me for a replacement.

@Astro_Pneumatic_Tools Thank you again. I got the replacement and this one is straight and the flex head is much tighter and can be tightened more if need be.

 

[gloy]

I ordered the Astro 78345 nano 1/4 ratchet on Amazon during Prime days. The delivery was promised by Aug 14. THEY JUST CANCELLED MY ORDER! Bummer. Beware if you order from Amazon. Any suggestions for a different source that is affordable and reliable?

 

[signcrafter]

I ordered the Astro 78345 nano 1/4 ratchet on Amazon during Prime days. The delivery was promised by Aug 14. THEY JUST CANCELLED MY ORDER! Bummer. Beware if you order from Amazon. Any suggestions for a different source that is affordable and reliable?

I just googled it and summit lists them. Ot check jdtco if they have it.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I ordered the Astro 78345 nano 1/4 ratchet on Amazon during Prime days. The delivery was promised by Aug 14. THEY JUST CANCELLED MY ORDER! Bummer. Beware if you order from Amazon. Any suggestions for a different source that is affordable and reliable?

zoro, but they're currently out of stock. If you're not in a hurry, you can enter your email address and they'll let you know when they get them in.

 

[WWheeler]

I ordered the Astro 78345 nano 1/4 ratchet on Amazon during Prime days. The delivery was promised by Aug 14. THEY JUST CANCELLED MY ORDER! Bummer. Beware if you order from Amazon. Any suggestions for a different source that is affordable and reliable?

zoro, but they're currently out of stock. If you're not in a hurry, you can enter your email address and they'll let you know when they get them in.

Same with JBTools, currently out of stock, can sign up for email alert:

Long Flex Head Ratchet Wrench For 1/4” Nano Sockets (78345)

BUY Long Flex Head Ratchet Wrench For 1/4” Nano Sockets (78345) with an everyday low price and fast shipping! JB Tools

www.jbtools.com

What makes amazon listings seem appealing in the free shipping. I got my Astro 78345 from Amazon without any problems.
At JB Tools free shipping starts on orders over $99. If you get looking around that site that $99 sure aint hard to hit. BTDT

 

[pfbz]

Recently received and reviewed the new Astro 78320 Nano Impact Torx, Metric Hex & Triple Square Bit Socket Set... I love the rest of the Nano impact product line and this one rounds out the offering nicely!

I did a short youtube review of the set, along with some comparisons to to other bit sets on my ToolsAndTwisties YouTube channel if anyone is interested.
Here:

Also, Nano impact tools mentioned/compared in this earlier video...

Hopefully of interest to the GJ community?

 

[L.Cheapo]

Same with JBTools, currently out of stock, can sign up for email alert:

Long Flex Head Ratchet Wrench For 1/4” Nano Sockets (78345)

BUY Long Flex Head Ratchet Wrench For 1/4” Nano Sockets (78345) with an everyday low price and fast shipping! JB Tools

www.jbtools.com

What makes amazon listings seem appealing in the free shipping. I got my Astro 78345 from Amazon without any problems.
At JB Tools free shipping starts on orders over $99. If you get looking around that site that $99 sure aint hard to hit. BTDT

Zoro is free shipping on $50+ if you have an account. Talk about easy to hit!

 

[nicks78camaro]

I ordered the Astro 78345 nano 1/4 ratchet on Amazon during Prime days. The delivery was promised by Aug 14. THEY JUST CANCELLED MY ORDER! Bummer. Beware if you order from Amazon. Any suggestions for a different source that is affordable and reliable?

Summitracing had the best price by far on three Astro items I ordered a week or two ago

 

[theamcguy]

Ref Astro 78345 ya gotta get in line to get them. I waited over 6 months before I received mine. Order from someone that accepts BOs, when a new shipment comes in the vendor then fulfills the BOs in the order they were received. It may take a few cycles until your order comes to the top. That's the way it is.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I called Astro up the other day looking for a forcing screw that comes in yheir power steering pulley remover and installer set. I had forgotten to grease the original forcing screw and damaged it. I wasn't looking for a freebie, I wanted to buy the replacement since it was my fault. But the CSR fellow on the line refused to let me pay and said he'd send out a replacement for free...

...so, in order to "repay" Astro for their generosity at my screwup, I figured I would buy some more Astro tools to offset the cost of the part.

I wound up buying their 78914 A-Arm tool to pry down on A-Arms with.

Thanks again to Chris and everyone there at Astro. You've got a great brand and I'm happy to keep buying from you guys.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Astro has a sale on the 3/8" (17mm) Nano ratchet:

Astro Tools 783105 10.5" Long Flex Head Nano Socket Ratchet Wrench - Amazon.com

Astro Tools 783105 10.5" Long Flex Head Nano Socket Ratchet Wrench - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

We dont actually set pricing or initiate sales anywhere, retailers can list pricing and quantities available of our product as they please. But it does make for some peaks and valleys sometimes that's for sure!

 

[JWC86]

With 3/8 stubby impacts becoming more powerful (think m12 gen 2) are there any plans to make a set of 3/8 wheel nut sockets?

 

[NYBODYMAN]

@Astro_Pneumatic_Tools ....Any sales coming up any time soon? I'm looking at a few things.

Also, any updates on the 658 Stubby Air Slide Hammer? I believe last you spoke of it, you guys were developing a new improved/stronger version. Thank you.

 

[JWC86]

Maybe it’s just me but I think a set of these in 1/4” would be really handy


Or do they already exist?

 

[pfbz]

Maybe it’s just me but I think a set of these in 1/4” would be really handy


Or do they already exist?

I'm pretty sure currently they are in 3/8" and 1/2" only.

I actually just did a quick review on them just this past week, link below.

Since one of the key advantages of those tools is transferring maximum torque to the bolt rather than having torque losses in the extension and universal, it makes a bit less sense for a 1/4". But yes, just as a convenience tool of having a socket, universal joint, and extension integrated together it would I suppose also be cool in 1/4".

 

[mikey03]

I'm pretty sure currently they are in 3/8" and 1/2" only.

Since one of the key advantages of those tools is transferring maximum torque to the bolt rather than having torque losses in the extension and universal, it makes a bit less sense for a 1/4". But yes, just as a convenience tool of having a socket, universal joint, and extension integrated together it would I suppose also be cool in 1/4".

wouldn’t it make more sense with 1/4 because your going to need all the torque you can get with 1/4 impact wrenches at least the battery ones are pretty weak torque tbh

 

[nicks78camaro]

I think there'd be a market for a 1/4" drive version.

 

[KnurledNut]

I use 1/4 impact swivels with a 6” square to hex extension on my impact driver. I’d find a dedicated set of those more useful than 1/4 square drive.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

wouldn’t it make more sense with 1/4 because your going to need all the torque you can get with 1/4 impact wrenches at least the battery ones are pretty weak torque tbh

the larger the individual impact forces, the more the loss down any extension. The smaller and more often the impact forces, the less you see losses as a %

I think there'd be a market for a 1/4" drive version.

I use 1/4 impact swivels with a 6” square to hex extension on my impact driver. I’d find a dedicated set of those more useful than 1/4 square drive.

This is why I came up with 78111, some people want to use a 1/4" some people want to use 1/4" hex for an impact driver. Small repetitive bolts, useful to have a magnet, and locking extension so that magnet doesnt pull the socket off the extension.

12pc 1/4" Square & Hex Drive Magnetic Universal 6pt Impact Socket Set for Impact Wrenches & Drivers | Astro Pneumatic Tools

• No skip 5-15mm set of 6-point magnetic hardware retaining universal impact sockets • Drive with your preferred 1/4" impact wrench or impact driver fo ...

www.astrotools.com

 

[JWC86]

the larger the individual impact forces, the more the loss down any extension. The smaller and more often the impact forces, the less you see losses as a %



This is why I came up with 78111, some people want to use a 1/4" some people want to use 1/4" hex for an impact driver. Small repetitive bolts, useful to have a magnet, and locking extension so that magnet doesnt pull the socket off the extension.

12pc 1/4" Square & Hex Drive Magnetic Universal 6pt Impact Socket Set for Impact Wrenches & Drivers | Astro Pneumatic Tools

• No skip 5-15mm set of 6-point magnetic hardware retaining universal impact sockets • Drive with your preferred 1/4" impact wrench or impact driver fo ...

www.astrotools.com

Just ordered a set. Good call on the magnets, I have a set of non-swivel 1/4 impacts with magnets and they are my most used sockets by far. I primarily work on motorcycles so 1/4" drive is 90% of what I use.

 

[dnschmidt]

The world changes. In the 50's 1/2" drive was king. By the 1990's 3/8" had replaced it for 90% of the work. Now with 8mm, 10mm and 12mm headed bolts ruling the world 1/4" drive is where it's at. Evolution happens. Darwin was right.

Trying not to pat myself on the back too hard Chris but I think it was me that convinced you to put a lot of effort into 1/4" drive stuff. Just sayin'.

 

[signcrafter]

Hey Chris I just had another tool idea you may be interested in, or at least I would like if you came out with one. I was recommending your digital tire gauge in another thread and got to thinking. I've looked into the wall mount digital inflators that shut off at whatever PSI you set it to. Like what a lot of gas stations have now but the ones I'm interested in are just a small wall mount box you run air to and then it has a hose to go to the tire. I've looked into setting one of these up by my tire changer and also thought about one by the garage door with a hose reel hooked up to it. Although I'm not sure if a 50' hose would affect the PSI reading to shut off at the correct pressure or not. But they are pretty expensive and I didn't know if you would be able to come up with something like that since you are already in the digital inflator/gauge game?

Branick Blockhead Blockhead - Automatic Tire Inflation System

JMC Equipment has the best prices when it comes to the Branick Blockhead Blockhead - Automatic Tire Inflation System. Please call us at 800-562-4791 for prices and discounts.

jmcautomotiveequipment.com

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

We've made/sold those before under other brands, as well as the handheld type with auto shut off linked in that thread. They end up being about that price yeah, havent been able to make them that much cheaper.

 

[Wrench97]

Hey Chris I just had another tool idea you may be interested in, or at least I would like if you came out with one. I was recommending your digital tire gauge in another thread and got to thinking. I've looked into the wall mount digital inflators that shut off at whatever PSI you set it to. Like what a lot of gas stations have now but the ones I'm interested in are just a small wall mount box you run air to and then it has a hose to go to the tire. I've looked into setting one of these up by my tire changer and also thought about one by the garage door with a hose reel hooked up to it. Although I'm not sure if a 50' hose would affect the PSI reading to shut off at the correct pressure or not. But they are pretty expensive and I didn't know if you would be able to come up with something like that since you are already in the digital inflator/gauge game?

Branick Blockhead Blockhead - Automatic Tire Inflation System

JMC Equipment has the best prices when it comes to the Branick Blockhead Blockhead - Automatic Tire Inflation System. Please call us at 800-562-4791 for prices and discounts.

jmcautomotiveequipment.com

Through a hose reel with 90 degree elbows and quick connects on 50' of 3/8 rubber air hose you'll lose around 20-25 psi to the end of the hose @100 psi setting if I remember correctly from when we set up the truck/trailer tire inflaters in the shop.

 

[signcrafter]

We've made/sold those before under other brands, as well as the handheld type with auto shut off linked in that thread. They end up being about that price yeah, havent been able to make them that much cheaper.

Just out of curiosity is it just the auto shut off that is the main cost? To an uneducated guy like myself I see your digital inflator that I have that fills and reads PSI. Would think all that would be needed is a solenoid and then the stuff to make PSI selectable and send a signal to the solenoid. But that stuff is over my pay grade.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

your digital inflator I have that fills and reads PSI

The trick is when is it reading PSI? Will it read the PSI while inflating?

 

[signcrafter]

The trick is when is it reading PSI? Will it read the PSI while inflating?

I see. Think the ones at gas stations pump for a bit and then pause to check psi. And then repeat until it gets close. Think the time it pumps before pausing to check also changes based on how close it gets to the desired psi shut off. Thanks for explaining.

 

[SteadyC]

Extensions arrived today.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Came in today - very happy with them.
With these three, it brings my total to seven of them.
Will be ordering more soon.

 

[Hannahranga]

We've made/sold those before under other brands, as well as the handheld type with auto shut off linked in that thread. They end up being about that price yeah, havent been able to make them that much cheaper.

Out of curiosity is there much to them past a pair of solenoids and a pressure sensor (plus display, interface and a microcontroller)? Realised I've got most of the bits to attempt to make one.

 

[NYBODYMAN]

@Astro_Pneumatic_Tools ....Any sales coming up any time soon? I'm looking at a few things.

Also, any updates on the 658 Stubby Air Slide Hammer? I believe last you spoke of it, you guys were developing a new improved/stronger version. Thank you.