454ragtop
Well-known member
Have the digital 3018, feel the same way.
Astro Pneumatic Tool Company
- Thread starter Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
- Start date
what is the wall thickness this pipe stretcher can do?
what material it can do? Stainless 304 409, just mild steel?
I had the HF one tried it and it just stripped the thread of that expender, the second one cracked the casting... just couldn't do heavier gauged stainless...
Didn't see that in the amazon link for this product. about thickness of pipe/tube or material...
Can this be adapted to use hydraulic hand pump version or any plans for one??
aczr2k
Well-known member
Have you seen the Chinese copies of your 40sl lights on eBay? They even use Astro Pneumatics in the listing, surely that can’t be legit?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I think I seen Mild Steel in the below Product Information on the amazon page.
Formerjeeper
Well-known member
Chris and Astro - just wanted to share some feedback on Astro's visibility here and customer service approach. I have observed in this thread your great communication and responsiveness, warrantying (sometimes without being asked) things you had no obligation to warranty, your approach to quality and real-world use (of course crank on the wheel bearing kit with an impact!) and I was lucky enough to be part of the recent BOGO on the nano hex/torx sets, and this one on the pinless swivels. Have a transfer case replacement and some front wheel bearings to do shortly, so it should give me plenty of opportunity to use the nano hex, torx, and the swivel impacts.
As a result of everything I have seen of your and Astro's approach, I just bought your ball joint separator 78911 and I'm about to order the bearing adapter kit 78825 and the axle nut sockets 78868. Really impressed by your customer service and standing behind your products as observed here on Garage Journal so I'm becoming a big fan. Thanks again!
As a result of everything I have seen of your and Astro's approach, I just bought your ball joint separator 78911 and I'm about to order the bearing adapter kit 78825 and the axle nut sockets 78868. Really impressed by your customer service and standing behind your products as observed here on Garage Journal so I'm becoming a big fan. Thanks again!
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Astro is nice like that.
I have tons of their stuff, I use it hard to make a living. EVERYTHING is a consumable in my world, but thus far the numerous products I've purchased from them have done very well. I plan to beat on my pinless swivels as well.
OP
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
It works on up to 16ga 304 stainless. There's warnings about using it on stainless (which we're pushing to remove), but just don't tell us and it'll be fine.
The other import designs of these (with the 6-8 expanding blades, always have a long hex drive shank) are all less than impressive in my experience.
Yes, it can be adapted for the hydraulic hand pump style. And if you already have one, this will thread right on the same.
Yes, at this point for every real 40SL that gets sold we estimate 2 get sold of a fake/poorly made/potentially dangerous model often calling itself made by us. Anything shipping from out of the country is obviously fake because we're based here in the U.S. and the tool itself is not even made in China so "I think it comes from the same factory" logic doesn't apply.
Sort of comes with the territory when you come out with a tool that begins to define the category. Just wish it was on a less risky tool, like a socket.
Hey, we really appreciate you saying so. We're tool guys too so it's a real loop-hole we get to spend business time on here.
techieman33
Well-known member
signcrafter
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 9, 2012
- Messages
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Went on an astro shopping spree this morning. Had an exhaust to repair for a guy yesterday and was a pain on a Sunday in a small town to get parts needed. Napa was closed so only had an oreillys which is **** and a farm store. Exhaust was on a mustang and was 3" stainless so couldn't even weld **** together. Was able to cobble enough pieces together to make it work so they could drive it back home today.
Have had the astro pipe stretcher in my amazon wish list since they came out with it. Actually had been wanting the lisle version for many years but never took the money. Astro was down to 108 bucks so pulled the trigger. I have a lisle stretcher but it's just the main part I've had for many years, not all the collars and two size stretchers. I rigged up my green lee hydraulic knock out set to work with that and after speaking to astro it should work with their kit also. So will have a hydraulic pipe stretcher in a couple days. Will be nice for exhaust repair jobs, be able to make my own adapters. Be able to open pipes up to slide others into them. I'm also going to make up a plate to try and mount this setup too so you can just slide the pipe on with one hand and use the hydraulic pump with the other. Maybe mount it on the end of a work bench. Would be almost like a full hydraulic pipe stretcher then.
Then my brother needed some car repairs so I ordered parts for him yesterday. Called to tell him they were on the way and he says now there's another problem. Umm OK. Says he was moving cars around the driveway and had his ebrake on and backed up. Heard a "pop" like a tire blowing he says. Now rear drivers wheel is locked up. Car is 05 cobalt manual so has rear drum. Guessing he broke something in there to lock the brakes up so I ordered another astro tool that has been on my wish list since it came out, the hub puller. Figured I might be needing it to get the drum off depending so decided it was time to pull the trigger.
Not tools I will use often but will be glad to have them when I need them.
Have had the astro pipe stretcher in my amazon wish list since they came out with it. Actually had been wanting the lisle version for many years but never took the money. Astro was down to 108 bucks so pulled the trigger. I have a lisle stretcher but it's just the main part I've had for many years, not all the collars and two size stretchers. I rigged up my green lee hydraulic knock out set to work with that and after speaking to astro it should work with their kit also. So will have a hydraulic pipe stretcher in a couple days. Will be nice for exhaust repair jobs, be able to make my own adapters. Be able to open pipes up to slide others into them. I'm also going to make up a plate to try and mount this setup too so you can just slide the pipe on with one hand and use the hydraulic pump with the other. Maybe mount it on the end of a work bench. Would be almost like a full hydraulic pipe stretcher then.
Then my brother needed some car repairs so I ordered parts for him yesterday. Called to tell him they were on the way and he says now there's another problem. Umm OK. Says he was moving cars around the driveway and had his ebrake on and backed up. Heard a "pop" like a tire blowing he says. Now rear drivers wheel is locked up. Car is 05 cobalt manual so has rear drum. Guessing he broke something in there to lock the brakes up so I ordered another astro tool that has been on my wish list since it came out, the hub puller. Figured I might be needing it to get the drum off depending so decided it was time to pull the trigger.
Not tools I will use often but will be glad to have them when I need them.
Catch_22
Well-known member
I own both. The key difference I have noted was the LED color temp and the battery/charging.
The clone LED color is colder (blue) and the battery life was longer in the first few weeks than Astros and then tapered off sharply over time. I also noted it wont take a full charge from a lower amp USB plug. I have had both nearly the same amount of time and the clone lasts half the time over the Astro.
I love this style of light and the control wheel for the light. I saw the HF clone and its not my cup of tea. The Astro design is perfect simplicity. Really smart IMHO.
My only complaint is USB-C. I want to push every engineer out a window who is still putting MicroUSB on stuff.
3baygarage
Well-known member
Signcrafter, I'm in to hear your review of the hub puller when you use it.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I am old enough (and have enough nickels in my pocket) that I hope to never do another brake job, but damn, I want one of those Astro 78830 Heavy Duty Drum and Hub Pullers !
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
That trend is FINALLY starting. What you are really referring to is USB Power Deliver (USB PD) which I believe is part of the USB-C standard.
The reason for the slow roll out (I believe) is that not one like the 2012 Rev. 1 Spec, so it was not wide adopted. Rev. 2 came out in 2017(?) it was more to manufacturers liking.
Note that the maximum current at any voltage and power rating is 3A.
Rev. 3 of the spec is out. It does not change anytime about voltages and current, but changes how the "load" request the power be delivered from the "source".
Handyandy23
Well-known member
erik a
Well-known member
to be fair, the warning says not on stainless "Exhuast" piping (what ever that is...), so you should be fine.
WARNING: NOT FOR USE ON
STAINLESS EXHUAST PIPING
Erik A
WARNING: NOT FOR USE ON
STAINLESS EXHUAST PIPING
Erik A
OP
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
Agreed, luckily it's removed altogether now 
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
OE piping on any remotely modern car is a stainless alloy. It stretches poorly in general, even with a real hydraulic pipe expander. It can go out a little, then wants to crack.
I'm on the fence about the the pipe expander kit. Piecing stuff in, I just use the hydraulic expander. But between crappy inventory replacement, and rust, putting in a section of sleeve can be difficult. I'd still use the shops pipe bender to modify the replacement section, I'm on the fence as to whether or not the Astro kit could bump the factory piping up the way I need it to. It may be a "pipe" dream, just due to the material of the OE exhausts.
I'm on the fence about the the pipe expander kit. Piecing stuff in, I just use the hydraulic expander. But between crappy inventory replacement, and rust, putting in a section of sleeve can be difficult. I'd still use the shops pipe bender to modify the replacement section, I'm on the fence as to whether or not the Astro kit could bump the factory piping up the way I need it to. It may be a "pipe" dream, just due to the material of the OE exhausts.
3baygarage
Well-known member
Cool Andy. I hear you on the rust. There's a Proto 2 jaw puller I've used many times on rotors and also drums, and it's a life saver. It's good for smaller dia. stuff, though sometimes the jaws were spread to the max. The Astro is probably wider for this purpose.
I'll never forget long before I had the puller, a neighbor in his driveway chiseling a rotor all day and night. Chiseling by hand.
I'll never forget long before I had the puller, a neighbor in his driveway chiseling a rotor all day and night. Chiseling by hand.
crucible
Well-known member
I just got the 1/2" shallow impact socket set (metric) after being stymied on a caliper bolt that only normal hand wrenches could get at as my standard impact sockets were too long.
Very nice quality, nicely and easily seen labeling, and they work well!
Very nice quality, nicely and easily seen labeling, and they work well!
1foxracing
Well-known member
Chris I used the "contact us" link on the Astro tools website but never got a reply.
I own the 1828 Onyx 3/8 impact and would like to convert it to the 1822 1/2 model. Is it possible to just change the anvil out and can it be purchased direct from Astro?
I own the 1828 Onyx 3/8 impact and would like to convert it to the 1822 1/2 model. Is it possible to just change the anvil out and can it be purchased direct from Astro?
OP
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
Nikki in Customer Service sent you an email 8/6 @ 7:03 am
Yes it shouldn't be a problem.
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Hey Chris,
Just an FYI, the orange One-Year-Warranty cards were still put in the boxes of the 7180XL and 7181XL flank bite wrenches that I just bought.
The outer box with the product picture and label and info doesn't even mention anything about any warranty at all. So the orange One-Year card threw me off a little bit until I remembered something about warranty in this thread and double-checked on the Astro website (where it certainly DOES say "Limited Lifetime Warranty" for both of these wrench sets).
Hope to never actually NEED the warranty ...
First impressions (hey, they only showed up yesterday
):
- nice looking full-polish long-handle wrenches
- nice carry/storage case that seems to hold the wrenches nicely
But there were no instructions included. (I'm KIDDING there, it's a wrench FerChristSakes 
)
I anticipate not having to use them often, because now that I DO have them, all of the nuts and bolts will just give up and come out peacefully with minimal drama now. (wishful thinking, I know.)
Oh, and somebody has some dead links to the PDF files for the 7181XL under the "Parts Breakdown" PDF and also under the "Product Info" PDF. Same for the 7180XL PDFs too. The 7181XL "Marketing Flyer" PDF link works though.
Just an FYI, the orange One-Year-Warranty cards were still put in the boxes of the 7180XL and 7181XL flank bite wrenches that I just bought.
The outer box with the product picture and label and info doesn't even mention anything about any warranty at all. So the orange One-Year card threw me off a little bit until I remembered something about warranty in this thread and double-checked on the Astro website (where it certainly DOES say "Limited Lifetime Warranty" for both of these wrench sets).
Hope to never actually NEED the warranty ...
First impressions (hey, they only showed up yesterday
):- nice looking full-polish long-handle wrenches
- nice carry/storage case that seems to hold the wrenches nicely
But there were no instructions included.
(I'm KIDDING there, it's a wrench FerChristSakes )I anticipate not having to use them often, because now that I DO have them, all of the nuts and bolts will just give up and come out peacefully with minimal drama now. (wishful thinking, I know.)
Oh, and somebody has some dead links to the PDF files for the 7181XL under the "Parts Breakdown" PDF and also under the "Product Info" PDF. Same for the 7180XL PDFs too. The 7181XL "Marketing Flyer" PDF link works though.
OP
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
Thanks, I'll let them know not to pack the orange cards with these.
As for the links, those links populate on the page automatically for every item but not actually not exist for every item. I'll have to check.
As for the links, those links populate on the page automatically for every item but not actually not exist for every item. I'll have to check.
Hey Chris,
Just an FYI, the orange One-Year-Warranty cards were still put in the boxes of the 7180XL and 7181XL flank bite wrenches that I just bought.
The outer box with the product picture and label and info doesn't even mention anything about any warranty at all. So the orange One-Year card threw me off a little bit until I remembered something about warranty in this thread and double-checked on the Astro website (where it certainly DOES say "Limited Lifetime Warranty" for both of these wrench sets).
Hope to never actually NEED the warranty ...
First impressions (hey, they only showed up yesterday
- nice looking full-polish long-handle wrenches
- nice carry/storage case that seems to hold the wrenches nicely
But there were no instructions included.
I anticipate not having to use them often, because now that I DO have them, all of the nuts and bolts will just give up and come out peacefully with minimal drama now. (wishful thinking, I know.)
Oh, and somebody has some dead links to the PDF files for the 7181XL under the "Parts Breakdown" PDF and also under the "Product Info" PDF. Same for the 7180XL PDFs too. The 7181XL "Marketing Flyer" PDF link works though.
signcrafter
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 9, 2012
- Messages
- 12,357
Hub puller worked great on some rear drum brakes on a cobalt yesterday. I didn't try any other methods so don't know if it worked any better then just a hammer or air hammer but it did work great and is welcome addition in the tool box.
Decided this morning to order the 78825 master bearing kit to have to go with the hub puller. For just over 60 bucks shipped it just seemed stupid to not have one sitting next to the hub puller.
Thanks astro for all the good tools, haven't found one that isn't up to the job. And most of the astro tools I have are ones that take a pretty good beating. Love having astro as an option between harbor freight and snap on. The quality and value are great. Hopefully with all the astro stuff I've bought in the last month or two you can get a few beers!
OP
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
We've gotten a lot of great response from everywhere from the recent additions to the undercar/chassis category. Many people in our industry thought this category was dead as far as adding more options or improvements, but these recent tools have gotten my department working on even more.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I saw that Subaru ball joint puller on the SMA YouTube Channel. You may not sell a lot of them, but the mechanics that buy one will be singing your praises !
Love the video Astro 78620 Subaru Ball Joint Extractor ! Must have got that hub out of a junk yard !
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OP
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
We actually sell a ton of those I'm happy to say.
Yup, bought it from an east coast junk yard, had it shipped here, sprayed it with salt water every few days and left it outside in the rain for a couple months.
It aint easy replicating the rust belt.
Yup, bought it from an east coast junk yard, had it shipped here, sprayed it with salt water every few days and left it outside in the rain for a couple months.
It aint easy replicating the rust belt.
signcrafter
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- Joined
- May 9, 2012
- Messages
- 12,357
We've gotten a lot of great response from everywhere from the recent additions to the undercar/chassis category. Many people in our industry thought this category was dead as far as adding more options or improvements, but these recent tools have gotten my department working on even more.
My 78825 master bearing kit just showed up and wow is that one heavy box. Just like every astro tool I own, which is a bunch now, it is very well built. How can you go wrong for 65 bucks shipped to your door?
How about a front end service kit like OTC makes? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRH7O/?tag=atomicindus08-20. If you could do that for less I think that would be a HUGE seller. I have one or two of the pieces in the kit but have been wanting to order the whole kit for a while now.
Another tool that would be AMAZING and I'll order one today would be a strut compressor like the branick, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MMLG9ZU/?tag=atomicindus08-20. If you could do one of those for 4-500 bucks I think you would sell the **** out of them. There's only the branick and the otc for options out there so another quality option for a decent price and I think they would sell like crazy. A pro tool at a decent price for the home mechanic and smaller shops.
OP
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
We've sold the front end service kit before years ago, we have established forge works in TW for these pieces. We wouldn't be able to offer it much less. Most everything out of CN for these tools bend and spread, and I 'm not sure I want reinvent the wheel on them from scratch.
The strut compressor is a high liability category we just avoid in general.
The strut compressor is a high liability category we just avoid in general.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Yes Chris, what a thankless job you have. Living in LA and being forced to intentionally rust **** for the sake of science. The things we engineers have to do to earn a living. Brutal.
signcrafter
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Well that's a bummer. What tools are you working on then?
OP
Astro_Pneumatic_Tools
Well-known member
My sales dept. would kill me.
These things actually take quite some time from 3D model to finished tool available for sale online. I generally can't tease what we're up to until they are at least out in the field as testing samples. Even then people rarely have the patience for the 4-6 months after that time until the item can be added to their cart, which I understand.
Not looking for a front end kit but wanted to comment that it's nice to have a rep from a large company give straight forward and honest answers about future product development.
techieman33
Well-known member
Understandable, people get all excited for Milwaukee to make their big announcements and then complain they have to wait 3-6 months to get the tools.
garthg
Well-known member
I've since used it some more, and it seems to be functioning normally. I have enough air pressure (120psi+). I just think it's less suitable for stuck fasteners bigger than 19mm. My old Craftsman Professional (Ingersoll Rand) seems to have a much easier time with the big, rusty ones.
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