Astro Pneumatic Nano Impact Sockets
As technology advances and product lines mature, it’s typical for manufacturers in any industry to find ways to reduce cost. This can be through process changes, or design changes. Typically we see both: manufacturing moving overseas or cars being packaged in more compact assemblies. Thankfully, we have companies like Astro Pneumatic who are typically first to the market with innovative tools that help technicians overcome the lack of room we find ourselves with on late model cars. Their nano sockets are something I think every mechanic needs to seriously consider: incredibly compact tools, lifetime warranty, competitive price points, and great quality. This product line is fairly new, and I’m sure we’ll see it re-branded on a tool truck in no time.
Pictured is an 8mm nano hex impact socket. Paired with a Milwaukee 3/8” Stubby Impact, you can see that the tip of the socket only extends past the flat of the nose cone roughly 1-5/32”.
One complaint I often see is that we’re seeing a lot of tool manufactures cut costs by laser etching sockets. Astro Pneumatic offers the best of both worlds: laser etched marks for ease of identification, and stamped markings in case that laser etching ever becomes illegible.
For the money, I don’t think you’ll be able to find a better socket set. The fact that Astro sends their tools to South Main Auto to be tested prior to launching a tool is a testament to their confidence in what they’re selling. It’s also worth noting that Astro Pneumatic is rebranded by several tool trucks, so while you may not have ever head of them, you may unknowingly already own some of their designs. This is my very first tool feature post, so if you guys have any comments, criticisms, or ideas, feel free to send me a message on the How To Help page! I also want to mention that this is not a sponsored post; all of the tools pictured above were purchased at full MSRP.
18 pc metric & sae 3/8” drive low profile nano hex driver sockets
$41
Includes metric: 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19mm and SAE: 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16" and 3/4"
Lifetime Warranty
Superior resistance to twisting or chipping compared to other CR-V, cro-mo and even S2 sets
Low profile design for more direct transfer of impacts, tighter spaces and increased durability, or add an extension for longer reach
10 Pc Torx 3/8” drive low profile nano hex driver sockets
$45
Includes sizes ranging from small brake disc locating screws to large truck bed bolts: T25, T27, T30, T40, T45, T47, T50, T55, T60 and T70
Lifetime Warranty
S2 alloy uniquely treated to provide superior resistance to twisting and chipping compared to other CR-V, cro-mo and even S2 sets
Low profile design is 26% shorter allowing for more direct transfer of impacts and increased durability, or add an extension for longer reach
14 Pc Metric 3/8” Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets
$26
Set includes 6 mm thru 19 mm, no skips
Lifetime Warranty
At 0.88" (22.5mm) long, sockets are 35% shorter than Shallow impact sockets and 15% shorter than other stubby impact sockets
All sockets feature a 17mm outside hex for increased access when used with a wrench
Forged CR-MO with superior material thickness between socket body and drive compared to other sets
10 pc SAE 3/8" Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets
$25
Set includes 1/4” thru 3/4”, no skips
Lifetime Warranty
At 0.88" (22.5mm) long, sockets are 35% shorter than Shallow impact sockets and 15% shorter than other stubby impact sockets
All sockets feature a 17mm outside hex for increased access when used with a wrench
Forged CR-MO with superior material thickness between socket body and drive compared to other sets
15 Pc Metric 1/2” Drive Low Profile Nano Impact sockets
$37
Set includes 10 mm thru 24 mm, no skips.
At 1.10" (28mm) long, sockets are 37% shorter than Shallow impact sockets and 15% shorter than other stubby impact sockets
All sockets feature a 22mm (7/8") outside hex for increased access when used with a wrench
Forged CR-MO with superior material thickness between socket body and drive compared to other sets
11 Pc SAE 1/2” Drive Low Profile nano impact sockets
$31
Set includes 3/8” thru 1”, no skips
Lifetime Warranty
At 1.10" (28mm) long, sockets are 37% shorter than Shallow impact sockets and 15% shorter than other stubby impact sockets
All sockets feature a 22mm (7/8") outside hex for increased access when used with a wrench
Forged CR-MO with superior material thickness between socket body and drive compared to other sets