New Astro Air Ratchet - 1130

[Hakeem]

Haven’t seen this mentioned. Astro Tools came out with a new air ratchet that works with their whole Nano socket line:




Beyond the super-slim profile and long reach, it offers 500rpm and 40ftlbs of torque. Very tempting. My only concern is the lack of a directional switch. You change direction by putting the socket in on other side. Not a big deal but if you’re not careful, you can get the tool stuck. Especially with the high rpm. A directional switch would likely add bulk/complexity and reduce reliability so I understand the decision.

I have plenty of air ratchets already so I can’t justify the purchase right now, but I’d like to pick one up in the future. Makes more sense than a Milwaukee Insider ratchet, given that Nano sockets can be used in an impact AND there are much Nano socket options available.

Cheers to Astro for another innovative air tool

 

[CGarage]

Haven’t seen this mentioned. Astro Tools came out with a new air ratchet that works with their whole Nano socket line:




Beyond the super-slim profile and long reach, it offers 500rpm and 40ftlbs of torque. Very tempting. My only concern is the lack of a directional switch. You change direction by putting the socket in on other side. Not a big deal but if you’re not careful, you can get the tool stuck. Especially with the high rpm. A directional switch would likely add bulk/complexity and reduce reliability so I understand the decision.

I have plenty of air ratchets already so I can’t justify the purchase right now, but I’d like to pick one up in the future. Makes more sense than a Milwaukee Insider ratchet, given that Nano sockets can be used in an impact AND there are much Nano socket options available.

Cheers to Astro for another innovative air tool

Great post, and information!

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm good friends with the people at ASTRO but the reality of the current world is that air tools are pretty much dead and it's only getting worse with the introduction of the Milwaukee Striker. I've long thought that the air hammer would be the last hold out and now that's facing the gallows too just like the air ratchet.

 

[CobraRed]

I'm good friends with the people at ASTRO but the reality of the current world is that air tools are pretty much dead and it's only getting worse with the introduction of the Milwaukee Striker. I've long thought that the air hammer would be the last hold out and now that's facing the gallows too just like the air ratchet.

The last hold out was always inflators. Cordless breakers have long existed, was a matter of time. Current cordless inflators are a joke and mainly for Mr. Joe rental property. Try and tell your boss you would go inflate the customers new tires but it's only 20 mins till lunch so you dont have enough time
That said the idea people dont use air tools just because cordless is now so popular, especially if the design is saving what looks like 25% in space, is hyperbole

 

[dnschmidt]

The last hold out was always inflators. Cordless breakers have long existed, was a matter of time. Current cordless inflators are a joke and mainly for Mr. Joe rental property. Try and tell your boss you would go inflate the customers new tires but it's only 20 mins till lunch so you dont have enough time
That said the idea people dont use air tools just because cordless is now so popular, especially if the design is saving what looks like 25% in space, is hyperbole

My M18 cordless inflator would disagree with you. I have an 80 gallon five HP Quincy compressor so I obviously like air tools, PARTICULARLY SPRAY GUNS, but at the same time I'll admit I haven't used one of my MANY air ratchets in the last ten years. The last hold out is my I-R hammerhead but if Milwaukee increases the power of it's presently pathetic M12 right angle impact to what they've achieved with the last generation of Stubby that will entire retirement as well.

 

[Buckgnarly]

That looks REALLY useful for a 2010ish RAV4 rear shocks job I have coming up....the upper bolt is a PITA. Have not searched yet, but anyone got a part #?

 

[CobraRed]

My M18 cordless inflator would disagree with you.

Mine wouldn't disagree with me. I can inflate 2 vehicles worth of tires in the 3-1/2 minutes it takes to do 1 tire. 15 mins per vehicle. You break out one of those in a professional shop and you're going to get laughed out of the place
Mine stays at home, the wife uses it because she says my compressor is loud

 

[Hakeem]

I'm good friends with the people at ASTRO but the reality of the current world is that air tools are pretty much dead and it's only getting worse with the introduction of the Milwaukee Striker. I've long thought that the air hammer would be the last hold out and now that's facing the gallows too just like the air ratchet.

No way, I love air tools and will never stop using them. Smaller, lighter, more durable, less expensive, and—in most cases—better performance. Not to mention, you’re not constrained by a battery platform.

Cordless tools have their advantages and lots of people love them, but I still prefer air whenever possible.

That looks REALLY useful for a 2010ish RAV4 rear shocks job I have coming up....the upper bolt is a PITA. Have not searched yet, but anyone got a part #?

#1130, looks like it’s available from a number of distributors for around $150

 

[Mr_B]

No way, I love air tools and will never stop using them. Smaller, lighter, more durable, less expensive, and—in most cases—better performance. Not to mention, you’re not constrained by a battery platform.

Cordless tools have their advantages and lots of people love them, but I still prefer air whenever possible.


#1130, looks like it’s available from a number of distributors for around $150

+1
In professional shop air tools still very useful in terms of performance to size and low cost .
They also incredibly durable and hold up well to being dropped hard and getting covered in fluids .
I not going use battery tools for every scenario and likewise I not using air all the time, I use both and certainly would find it a ****** day in the shop with no air tools running, nano impacts are amazing and the control of power from good air tools is not matched by battery .
The size factor to power along with durability is main factors for me, I gone through lot of battery tools as break easily, air tools still going good after serious use and cost fraction of the price for potential better real world use power/control to size .
When you in an environment with decent air supply suddenly a battery tool is not always the best tool for the job ...

 

[jsaw]

Not being reversible is not a good thing.

 

[swsman]

Mine wouldn't disagree with me. I can inflate 2 vehicles worth of tires in the 3-1/2 minutes it takes to do 1 tire. 15 mins per vehicle. You break out one of those in a professional shop and you're going to get laughed out of the place
Mine stays at home, the wife uses it because she says my compressor is loud

Whole point of cordless M18 Fuel tire inflator is portability.
Saves me pulling out my air compressor, attaching hose and such. Grab and go.

Like you I would never depend on it for serious inflation work, such as RV/Semi tire. For that I have my Viair 450P - also portable as long as there is a battery to hook onto for power.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Not being reversible is not a good thing.

Like I tell all the kids in my class....everyone makes that mistake once, the dumb ones keep doing it!