Astro Pneumatic Tool Company

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Not sure if it would be cost effective, but I would want 3 per set.

We'll pencil it out and take a look at it.

 

[toddmorr]

I said it before but I'll say it again, Astro is on the top of my list of tool choices.

indeed, i like that their stuff is almost always differentiated in some way, and fair priced. the cust service is a bonus.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

We just have drawings, but it's as good a time as any to to get it into production. Works with a simple ball bearing to be able to rotate freely and not damage the knuckle. A couple sizes, a couple pieces per size. Should be pretty affordable, take a few months for manufacturing and testing though.

Interested in this product.

 

[nmantas]

Is there a reason not to use the Astro rotor/hub puller here (notoriously frozen, you'd basically have to get the spindle off to get the drive shaft out, or other)?

 

[Ign]

Is there a reason not to use the Astro rotor/hub puller here (notoriously frozen, you'd basically have to get the spindle off to get the drive shaft out, or other)?

I used it to pull a unit bearing recently from an '02 Ram 2500, but you need something for the forcing screw to push on. In this instance it forced the axleshaft against the carrier center pin, which actually doesn't hurt anything but the u-joint makes it hard to get a "direct pull" as the knuckle wants to flop left or right.

With a CV I don't think you'd ever get it to work unless you could "plug" the hole where the stub shaft would normally reside.

STILL WISHING FOR A BJP1-FIGHTER, ASTRO!

 

[nmantas]

I used it to pull a unit bearing recently from an '02 Ram 2500, but you need something for the forcing screw to push on. In this instance it forced the axleshaft against the carrier center pin, which actually doesn't hurt anything but the u-joint makes it hard to get a "direct pull" as the knuckle wants to flop left or right.

With a CV I don't think you'd ever get it to work unless you could "plug" the hole where the stub shaft would normally reside.

STILL WISHING FOR A BJP1-FIGHTER, ASTRO!

The best way to pull hubs with it is to not push against the shaft but to take the CV shaft out (by disconnecting some of the suspension/steering components and pulling the spindle away from the shaft) then the puller nut goes behind the bearing and the arms push against the face of the spindle. I know that Eric has both the Hub Grappler and the Astro 78830 but am just wondering why he didn't go that route....either this type of hub laughs those tools off, it is too much work to disconnect the suspension bits, or he just wanted to show another technique.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Hub Shocker/Hub Buster

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I used it to pull a unit bearing recently from an '02 Ram 2500, but you need something for the forcing screw to push on. In this instance it forced the axleshaft against the carrier center pin, which actually doesn't hurt anything but the u-joint makes it hard to get a "direct pull" as the knuckle wants to flop left or right.

With a CV I don't think you'd ever get it to work unless you could "plug" the hole where the stub shaft would normally reside.

Normally the bolt goes through the bearing and hub and pulls from the backside.

The best way to pull hubs with it is to not push against the shaft but to take the CV shaft out (by disconnecting some of the suspension/steering components and pulling the spindle away from the shaft) then the puller nut goes behind the bearing and the arms push against the face of the spindle. I know that Eric has both the Hub Grappler and the Astro 78830 but am just wondering why he didn't go that route....either this type of hub laughs those tools off, it is too much work to disconnect the suspension bits, or he just wanted to show another technique.

Removing the axle was not an option in this case. Tone of work, rusted components that may not have gone back together and would require an alignment after. So basically $$$

 

[leadfoot415]

Now I know where you get your ideas from ! (Watch the video, read the comments !)

Wheel Bearing Removal Trick

Those two guys deserve to be in the "anti-safety" hall of shame. Running 2 air hammers opposing each other, with the bits directly in line with their bodies/faces. Stupid.

The rest of the video shows pretty much exactly how I get stuck hub/bearings out though.

 

[NFH2740]

STILL WISHING FOR A BJP1-FIGHTER, ASTRO!

It is unlikely to be offered in the US.

I have not been able to find the internatiinal offering, either.

Unfortunately, while we're making it for international customers and a modified version that performs a different function for a private label in the US - this item as it stands is *******. Too many toes being stepped on and out of my hands, no forecast on this one anymore.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

It is unlikely to be offered in the US.

I have not been able to find the internatiinal offering, either.

This is the tool I was most looking forward to from Astro as well. I'm really disappointed they aren't offering it here.

 

[Ign]

This is the tool I was most looking forward to from Astro as well. I'm really disappointed they aren't offering it here.

This

 

[chevy302dz]

This is the tool I was most looking forward to from Astro as well. I'm really disappointed they aren't offering it here.

I have to agree, after the introduction of the rotor puller which has been a wonderful addition to my toolbox, the balljoint press was to be my next no questions asked Astro purchase. While I'm sure there are compelling corporate reasons to not bring this tool to market, I also believe it was a lost opportunity for Astro to increase its presence a as a serious competitor to OTC and others in the puller\press area and grab a good piece of the market as well. Regardless, the disappointment displayed in this thread alone shows this tool would have been a home run for the company.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Wasn't a business strategy in this case, we're literally not allowed to sell it in the U.S.
That's as much as I can go into it

 

[Pontiac787]

Is there any plan to add XL ratcheting wrenches to the Astro line up? Similar to the Mountain/EZ Red.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Is there any plan to add XL ratcheting wrenches to the Astro line up? Similar to the Mountain/EZ Red.

There's a patent on the FWD/REV action and the extended black part of those ratchets. I had prototyped some great non-slip style 6-point 100 tooth XL ratcheting wrenches. But they were a bit costly and just barely penciled out, then materials in Taiwan went up 15% and now they would just cost more than we think the tools should to you guys.

 

[Pontiac787]

Darn. Thanks.

 

[anndel]

There's a patent on the FWD/REV action and the extended black part of those ratchets. I had prototyped some great non-slip style 6-point 100 tooth XL ratcheting wrenches. But they were a bit costly and just barely penciled out, then materials in Taiwan went up 15% and now they would just cost more than we think the tools should to you guys.

Just out of curiosity, who patented the FWD/REV action?

 

[dnschmidt]

KABO. In Taiwan.

 

[anndel]

Nevermind, I found it. Ratchet wrench with sealed reversing lever:

Application filed by Snap On Inc
1999-03-18
Priority to US09/271,968
1999-03-18
Assigned to SNAP-ON TOOLS COMPANY
2000-10-03
Application granted
2000-10-03
Publication of US6125722A
2019-03-18
Anticipated expiration
Status
Expired - Lifetime

or
Reversible ratchet mechanism
Application US85862A events
1961-01-30
Application filed by George C Jenkins
1961-01-30
Priority to US85862A
1963-07-09
Application granted
1963-07-09
Publication of US3096659A
1980-07-09
Anticipated expiration
Status
Expired - Lifetime

There are many others though and most with no expiration dates.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

That is definitely not it.
Denny is right

Nevermind, I found it. Ratchet wrench with sealed reversing lever:

Application filed by Snap On Inc
1999-03-18
Priority to US09/271,968
1999-03-18
Assigned to SNAP-ON TOOLS COMPANY
2000-10-03
Application granted
2000-10-03
Publication of US6125722A
2019-03-18
Anticipated expiration
Status
Expired - Lifetime

or
Reversible ratchet mechanism
Application US85862A events
1961-01-30
Application filed by George C Jenkins
1961-01-30
Priority to US85862A
1963-07-09
Application granted
1963-07-09
Publication of US3096659A
1980-07-09
Anticipated expiration
Status
Expired - Lifetime

There are many others though and most with no expiration dates.

 

[Fedwrench]

There's a patent on the FWD/REV action and the extended black part of those ratchets. I had prototyped some great non-slip style 6-point 100 tooth XL ratcheting wrenches. But they were a bit costly and just barely penciled out, then materials in Taiwan went up 15% and now they would just cost more than we think the tools should to you guys.

What I long for, is a standard length wrench with a ratcheting flex head boxed end on one side and a fixed boxed end on the other side. now, there are several examples of these in extra long lengths but, they are often long to be used in many applications. I only know of one manufacturer (SP Tools) that makes the wrench that I desire in standard length but, their version has a locking flex head and they don't make an 18mm. I'd prefer a non locking flex head but, that's just me.

 

[Zewnten]

Made my own version of Fedwrench's plan from Ez Red locking reversible flex and dewalt long pattern wrench, matco/armstrong version was too long. Cut them where I wanted it and welded the ratcheting part to the deqalt beam. Ugly but functional. Also no I dont use the ratchet for breaking things loose

 

[Ign]

Wasn't a business strategy in this case, we're literally not allowed to sell it in the U.S.
That's as much as I can go into it

So, hypothetically, where is it sold?

 

[zmotorsports]

Any information on availability of an APT-321 ONYX micro orbital DA sander?

I've had one on order since January and was told 2/17, then 3/4, then 3/12, then a couple of days ago 3/29 and now I get a 4/1 as possible shipping dates.

Any update on when it will actually be shipping would be helpful.

Thank you.

 

[nix377]

Has anyone opened up the nano ratchets to lube them?

I got the 91210 and 93808 as birthday presents. They both need some lube (the back drag on both is really strong). I tried to pop the circlip out with no luck. Any ideas?

I love the size of both of them

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Any information on availability of an APT-321 ONYX micro orbital DA sander?

I've had one on order since January and was told 2/17, then 3/4, then 3/12, then a couple of days ago 3/29 and now I get a 4/1 as possible shipping dates.

Any update on when it will actually be shipping would be helpful.

Thank you.

Been sold out for about 6 weeks. Our next shipment comes in last week of this month. So a couple weeks. How that works out for retailer timeline i'm unsure, but i assume shortly after that time.

Has anyone opened up the nano ratchets to lube them?

I got the 91210 and 93808 as birthday presents. They both need some lube (the back drag on both is really strong). I tried to pop the circlip out with no luck. Any ideas?

I love the size of both of them

You'd need to pop out that flat circlip, then it all comes out quite easily as long as you keep track of the pawl spring. Outside of soaking it in oil, can't think of another way. If the backdrag really is high, which they aren't in my experience, we can just swap your out for new if you have no luck. Let me know.

 

[zmotorsports]

Been sold out for about 6 weeks. Our next shipment comes in last week of this month. So a couple weeks. How that works out for retailer timeline i'm unsure, but i assume shortly after that time.

Thank you.

 

[dnschmidt]

Chris, rather than oil the best lube I've found for ratchets that are a ***** to open up is ATF. Slippery **** that can creep into anything.

 

[nix377]

You'd need to pop out that flat circlip, then it all comes out quite easily as long as you keep track of the pawl spring. Outside of soaking it in oil, can't think of another way. If the backdrag really is high, which they aren't in my experience, we can just swap your out for new if you have no luck. Let me know.

Chris, rather than oil the best lube I've found for ratchets that are a ***** to open up is ATF. Slippery **** that can creep into anything.

My daughter bought them from Amazon and we are outside the return window so exchanging them isn't an option.

I'll try the ATF this weekend, hopefully that will resolve it.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

You don't need to worry about Amazon, we're right here. We could take care of it

My daughter bought them from Amazon and we are outside the return window so exchanging them isn't an option.

I'll try the ATF this weekend, hopefully that will resolve it.

 

[nix377]

You don't need to worry about Amazon, we're right here. We could take care of it

Thanks Chris!

I'll let you know how the ATF works out

 

[raffaelli]

I have about 200 rivnuts to install. I have the Astro 1427 and it is taking too long.

Which air tool do I want?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I have about 200 rivnuts to install. I have the Astro 1427 and it is taking too long.

Which air tool do I want?

Depends on size, probably PRN1 or something like PRN516

 

[raffaelli]

Depends on size, probably PRN1 or something like PRN516

Right now I am working with M5 but I use up to M8.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Right now I am working with M5 but I use up to M8.

PRN1 for sure

 

[raffaelli]

PRN1 for sure

Thanks!

 

[zmotorsports]

Any information on availability of an APT-321 ONYX micro orbital DA sander?

I've had one on order since January and was told 2/17, then 3/4, then 3/12, then a couple of days ago 3/29 and now I get a 4/1 as possible shipping dates.

Any update on when it will actually be shipping would be helpful.

Thank you.

Been sold out for about 6 weeks. Our next shipment comes in last week of this month. So a couple weeks. How that works out for retailer timeline i'm unsure, but i assume shortly after that time.

Any more information on the availability of this ATP-321 DA Sander? I kept getting pushed back dates on when it would be available and then yesterday I was refunded my money from the vendor and cannot get any response as to why after a couple of emails? Is it no longer available?

I've had it ordered since mid-February. Should I just find something else that will work for my application?

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Any more information on the availability of this ATP-321 DA Sander? I kept getting pushed back dates on when it would be available and then yesterday I was refunded my money from the vendor and cannot get any response as to why after a couple of emails? Is it no longer available?

I've had it ordered since mid-February. Should I just find something else that will work for my application?

We've had inventory for about a week. Maybe they cancelled on you just due to it being open the max the retailer allows it to be back ordered.

PM me your address, we'll ship you one free of charge for the hassle and to make sure you get one.

 

[zmotorsports]

We've had inventory for about a week. Maybe they cancelled on you just due to it being open the max the retailer allows it to be back ordered.

PM me your address, we'll ship you one free of charge for the hassle and to make sure you get one.

PM sent.

Thank you very much for the kind offer. I appreciate that, I'm not expecting something for nothing I just liked the design when I was researching and wanted to try one out.