I was in the tool business and I knew Irv Fisher and his sons who started Astro Pneumatic in Los Angeles in the mid 70’s. Great family who changed the market. They started with three products. A 1/2 inch impact. A 3/8th and a 3/8th air ratchet. They brought the first 2 Ton Floor Jacks from Japan for 129,95. Top quality products with a strong warranty. I don’t know if the Fisher family still owns Astro but they are a great success story. Good people! Who would possibly consider buying Snap on?
Steve (Irv's Son) and David (Steve's son) are still CEO and President. Coming up on 50 years since those first days, and you are exactly right about our beginnings. Glad to see it!
I got in the mechanic field a little late at 21. Now 5 years in, I got a used Snap On box off of Marketplace. And majority of my tools are Lisle, OTC, Gearwrench or Tekton. I try to stay away from the tool truck unless I absolutely have to or I use the tool enough to justify the price. I do love my snap on ratchets though. 😂
Thank you! I have snap on ratchets and theyvare the best! I don't wrench for a living but I want all the tools. I'll spend the big bucks on certain things but don't want to spend on things I know I won't use often. Hearing a real mechanic says their good stuff and affordable means the world to me. Love your videos brother
I always bought a cheap set then replaced them one at a time with tool truck as the broke. Then have two sets one at work one at home. Little easer to swallow.
Snap On so much reminds me how they brainwash inner city kids to buy $300 air Jordans, they make them feel they can run faster, jump higher and the CEO's are laughing at the customers behind close doors thinking, "Don't let our customers know these $300 sneakers costs us $15 dollars to make". Snap On does have great quality, but I see some of the arguments that the tool truck comes to you "weekly" to fix any issues. Ok, lets say you go buy 6 brand new pro ratchets at HF compared to just one Snap On, if the cheaper HF ratchet breaks, go grab the other 5 new ones you have in the box, you have NO down time. if your "one" Snap On breaks, you still have to call the truck to come rescue you. Be mindful, many great brands out there. I still work with many old USA Craftsman I got when I was 16, and I am in my 50's. I also go to the junkyard and have lost tools, I rather loose an old school Craftsman than a Snapon ratchet or any SnapOn tool.
I love this comparison. Astro Pneumatic is a deal deal.... Even if you lose the set 5 times you still can keep buying it and still be less than Snap On. I think Snap on's insurance for lifetime is getting overpriced. I have Snap On's impact swivel only bc I got them used and got a deal on them. I cant or wont buy those Snap On NEW. It is too outrageous
I just picked up over Black Friday (they are still on sale) the 1/4". 3/8", and 1/2" nano socket sets. Very good quality and I did not see the universal ones on sale but I ended up picking up the TEKTON swivel set from 10-19 and I bought 20mm and 21mm to complete the no-skip set. Astro Pneumatic is a very good company and I really like the stuff I have bought from them.
Thats a great video. I was wondering what you think of the gearwrench universal impact socket sets. I was also wondering what you would recommend for a 3/8 inch cordless impact gun that's not going to break the bank. Keep the great videos coming. I enjoy watching them.
Cordless impact is hands down the harbor Freight Hercules line. They have same 5 year tool warranty and 3 year battery warranty as the red brand (Milwaukee) and they are just as good. They are in fact the best deal going on cordless tools. I own them and love them. The ultra torque 1/2” is a beast and will run with any other brand on the planet. Plus you can buy tool, battery and charger for less than a Milwaukee battery.
I have had these since Astro came out with these. I beat the snot out of the metric set daily, and I have yet to have one break. They are stiff brand new out of the box, but once you start using them for a while they will loosen up. I personally like them a little loose, but everyone has their preference. No matter what brand you go with they will get sloppy overtime. These sockets are a good deal, and I couldn’t see a reason to spend tool truck prices for this. Astro has a great warranty program, and have never had any issues getting items warrantied. Taiwan tools have come a long way since the 90’s. Tools from Taiwan are now competing with high dollar tool truck brands at a much better price point. Chinese tools are still lacking and I would avoid them at all cost. There is tools that big tool truck brands are a must buy, but there is great options now a-days, and with the power of the internet, and great channels like this you can safely research what to buy, and what not to buy.
I really like your videos my fiance yells its friday everytime it comes on and the matco mac and snap on driver are confused when i know most of the tools and tool part number
Mr Clay, I’ve been beating on the Astro 3/8 SAE set for almost six months now and aside from the finish, I’ve got little to no wear. They hold up better than you’d expect at that price point
i have matco, snap on, sk, mac tools and craftsman in my tool cart, the usa craftsman professional wrenches i bought off OfferUp at a gas station, never had to warranty them yet. point is, yeah you get amazon tools for a fraction of the tool truck price and may have to send it in the mail for warranty but they work just as good lol. they say you pay for the warranty and service from the tool truck but damn, is it really needed. thanks for the content brotha
That was on us. Laser marked too many 17's then packed them that way. No excuses, but it did happen to the first batch only, about 5% of those sets. We're on our 4th batch.
@@AstroTools wow just the fact that you responded to a comment means you're actively paying attention to what customers are saying I'm sold that's it I'm grabbing a set in every size thanks.
I preach goin online instead of tool trucks all day looonggg .... These guys stuck on the tool truck convenience are lying to themselves....most of the tool trucks running around don't have shit on the truck anyway so why would I pay double for them to order something for me that I can get for half the price most of the time....and so much of it is rebranded!!! I'll buy 2 of those sets and still come out cheaper and better off.... And if you lose one it don't feel like you lost a 50 dollar bill.....
I can definitely agree about the price but my only issue is the snap on stuff is flank drive which costs more because of the design and the relatively new technology whereas the astro stuff is not.
I have been looking for swivel sockets Capri, GW, Sunex, and others. I have the GW painless adapters and really like the thin profile so I was going to get the GW set but I got both of these in metric, and a nano set for little less than one 1/2” set of GW pin-less.
I think young mechanics need to remember not EVERYTHING needs to be Snap On or any other “tool truck brand. And this is coming from a guy who owns a lot of Snap On & Koken tools. I hear the warranty argument often and while valid, it’s only truly applicable to some tools. Some of that is the operator (I don’t break a lot of tools myself). Showing the price difference should really send home the reality of why most mechanics aren’t making a great living because everything must be top of the line… great video
I bought a sunex set of 1/2" drive 6pt sae universal sockets years ago so i can't remember the price but i know it was under $200 and it goes from 7/16"-1 1/4" love it!
Are those the same as the gearwrench? As far as I know the only USA made pinless impacts are the matcos? The gearwrench USA old ones craftsman USA old ones and the Armstrong old one I think are the same as the matcos?
I know snapon makes quality stuff, but I think they’re trying to pay for all the tool trucks that go out of business cause their guys can’t sell toilet paper in our current situation. You have a great guy in Hamilton!
Clay, id go with the Astro All The Way! My snap on swivel impacts are always rusting up. My Capri and Sk dont. But Astro from what i understand-Matco rebrands them? Or am i wrong?
I’m not sure if they do or not? I went with them for the price standpoint and after the quality of the lights (i use them daily) i decided to try these. For the money you can’t beat em
@Blue gloves There is a night and day difference between Matcos pinless and gearwrench pinless. Have yet to break any of my Matcos. Gearwrench pinless are a very cheap imitation of Matcos and pure garbage.
Look for videos from independent tools trucks. They're not the franchise brands like Snap-On, Matco, Mac and Cornwell, so they sell Astro, Sunex, Ingersoll, Milwaukee, Lisle, Mayhew and other brands from manufacturers that many of the franchise companies buy from or get third-party branded from.
@@KoonTrucking 10-4 fixing to pull the trigger on the Astros got the Gearwrench X-core but like to upgrade ... if it is a upgrade what's your opinion ?
I have been in the trade for about 11 months, the first thing I bought off the Mac truck was a set of the 3/8 metric Astro pneumatic, so far no complaints, would highly recommend
Don't bother I have them and they mushroom out easy and they bind easy as the corners wallow out and they are not warrantied for wear as the matco usa are
Doctor Diesel those matcos cost I think 500+? Flat rate master loves them. One day id love to buy them if they are still the only USA pinless impacts out there. Matco v Astro v gear wrench who has the best pinless for the money?
I appreciate the ASTROS for swivel SAE. I bought 3/8ths Sunex that gives me 7mm-22mm shallow, deep, and swivel. No skips. $132. I'm starting to feel the 3/8 impacts as a great way to get around a car , especially with DeWalt dwmt923b doing 450lbs-ft. Yes, I have the 891 if I ever need 800ft lbs. Extensions are smart also on these sets because it'll absorb some of the impact blows. ✨️ thanks 👍
Thanks Clay! I just bought the S.A.E. 3/8 swivel set from Snap-on. I did get it for $180. I still need the 1/2 swivels and think I will go with these for both metric and standard.
I love the content and film quality. Overall I think what your doing is awesome and please keep doing it!! You seem like a great guy with great taste in all type and brands of tools.
Thanks for the vids! I just sold my 20 year old Matco universal 10-19mm metric set and bought these Astros along with a set of Astro low profile Nano impacts, and their Long Flex Head Nano Socket Ratchet Wrench. Money well spent!😂
I bought the Sunnex universal sockets in 1/2" and 3/8" drive. We all know some brands are priced very high But Snap on's universal's are a whole new high that's all I'm going to say since I do have a set of their 1/4" universals in sae. I do have some Astro Pneumatic tool's I wanted to get that out there because the Astro man is in the comments. Did I just say that? Videos like this from someone people feel they can trust (that would be you)can be a great help when looking to get a good bang for their buck.
Thank you for showing the alternatives out there. These would be nice to have in the toolbox at home. Also being in the trade I have a lot of tools at the shop bur it is about a 20 minute drive one way if I need something. I really respect your unbiased opinion. Also, yes the Astro's would be nice for in the service truck seeing that if you lose one out on the road they are alot more inexpensive to replace over the Snap on ones. Thank you for another great video.
Shucks I am not sure any tools are made in the USA unless it says it on the tool or set. Those Astro tools should be fantastic for the service truck. After all more tools probably would be lost from the service truck than the shop. Good honest review. Thanks for sharing.
Keep the high quality low price tools coming! Tool truck prices are rediculous..... There are some exceptions for specialty tools that Noone else makes.
I like the way you share your ideas how quality of the set are available an easy and cheaper can be comparing to snap on but I prefer snap on I have all those sets expensive I love it tanks boss
As much as I love sunnex impact sockets, their impact swivels are junk. I bought the matco adv ones which are rebrands and I broke about 2-4 sockets a week doing lots of suspension and engine work. After having sockets explode and and the matco guy constantly at the shop, I gave them back and got the snap on sockets which I've never broken one yet. I've tried the matco pinless and they are damn fine just stay away from adv swivels if you use them a lot. The other adv line impact sockets are great though
I like to own my tools, don't like my tools to own me. Just took a chance on a $21.00 set if Rigor pinless swivel adaptors that seem to be clones of the Tekton set. $21 Rigor or $200 Snap-on? I lost, or let someone borrow, my 3/8 drive Snap-on swivel and it went MIA. Been needing to replace it for my set for years. I just ordered a 3/8 Sunex to replace it and the Rigor set as a back up set. If anyone has any info about Rigor let me know what you think. They had good reviews on their torque wrench so I got my hopes up for these pinless swivels when they come in.
I'm in the market to pick some of these up. Would you go for the Astro, Gray Pneumatic, or Gearwrench? (when comparing similar models). Any input would be appreciated. I want something quality without spending $1000 on just two sets.
I recently got a Milwaukee 3/8 impact and I love Tekton tools but I am considering getting gray pneumatic impact sockets instead of Tekton because they are chromoly instead of chrome vanadium. What do you think?
Grey pneumatic non Universal's are great they wear better than snap on ones but the Universal's after hard use get loose and floppy. The snap on stay tight in the universal joint but the socket itself will wear sooner than the Grey's will. Snap on if you have a good dealer will replace without a question for worn sockets. I use 3/8" Universal's everyday and those are snapon my not everyday but use once in a while Universal's are grey pneumatic. All my non Universal's especially 1/2" are greys. Honestly the price difference is Soo much you can't afford not to try cheaper brands. Just look at the price per socket or set size it's sickening. With chrome sockets no on in my opinion can beat snap on 1/4" Universal's.
High Mr. Clay, Comparing them two brands what is the difference in tolerances, what is the difference in metal used and what is the difference in heat treat (Rockwell hardness)?
I have no clue it would take someone much smarter than me with some equipment to figure out the hardness of the metal. But just feeling by hand it would say it is “really hard” haha I have no clue seriously. I got them and so far I have been pleased with them and especially for the money I would say they are hard to beat.
Well this video was shot about two months ago in fact I post a pic on my IG when I shot them but unfortunately I don’t watch CP’s channel so I wouldn’t know what he talks about
I was just looking at these last night I wish I got them lol now they're going to be sold out but that's ok there will be more and there is probably plenty stock
When I choose between tool truck tools and shop tools, I think about convenience. For example my 1/2 inch snap on ratchet broke called my dealer and by the end of the day he was at the shop and repaired it
Great video. Do you ever use gear wrench? I’ve heard they are a good high quality tool, with a cheaper than tool truck price. I know they have both store sets with skips and I’ve seen amazon sets that are no skips. So they are all over the board with their offerings. So just curious.
I have some Gearwrench stuff. In fact just posted today on Instagram where I’m using the Gearwrench new locking flex head ratchets for an entire week to give a fair review of them
Thanks for showing this, Astros has some really good stuff. Even south main auto up in New York uses these tools and impacts. I see some tools in the future. Hello Amazon !!
I Never Forget About Checking Out The Pawn Shops For The Top Brands Of Tools And Of Course Online But The Tool Truck Guys Have To Make A Living As Well And We Buy From Them Also
Yeah I love my Snap On tools but.. I have one set of 1/4 Snappy metric impact swivels I bought used a while back. But I just can’t justify the impact swivels In other sizes. I went with the Tektons which are priced like the Astros.
I went the Matco pinless swivel adapter route (1/4" 3/8 and 1/2"). They are narrower due to not having that collar. They cost me $150 for all 3 and they are life time warranty. I can put any sockets I have already invested in (deep, mid or shallow of every drive size impact and chrome) on one adapter vs investing thousands more in shallow and deep in every drive size swivel sockets all over again. Ive never needed actual swivel socket in all my years. To everyone who wants to argue about the torque loss difference between swivel sockets vs swivel adapter to socket combo obviously needs to invest in some better impacts.
I have the adapters also and I’m with you on the torque loss theory. Granted there had to be some but even with new ones that are tight there’s wiggle there that allows them to flex..... I just use a stronger impact to compensate for that. I agree I used the 3 pack of impact adapters for years with no issues other than sometimes they would fling the sockets off.
@@KoonTrucking That is their Achilles heel for sure. I haven't been smack by one....yet. Bolts on the other hand have caught me once or twice but thankfully I still have all my teeth.
@@KoonTrucking yeah I see that but I work on diesels like DD13,15,16 and series 60s. I use swivels a lot and want to get decent sets. Is Astro the same quality as Sunex and GP?
@@rudydaberry122 probably made in the same factory but to answer your question yes they are good and the warranty is easy too. You can even warranty them with a pic on IG even. Just send em a message and a pic of the broken tool. Can’t get easier than that
Another alternative is SK Tools. They offer some great financing. Something else to think about. I bought several sets of GP from amazon. When I broke the 10mm (of coarse) Amazon said they will not replace the one socket or the set. According to the convo I had with GP they said I have to have the socket replaced by the dealer from which I purchased in which amazon said, nope. Being that I was hanging out in LALA Land I decided to just buy another set. Whatever you buy from amazon that has a lifetime wrty check with the manufacture to be sure you can send the tool to them for replacement. Dont learn the hard way like I did.
Not to say that it makes them cheap, but I have learned to wait for Snap-On sockets to go on sale. Full MSRP normally ends up being like twice what you actually end up paying for them. Or maybe I just have a good dealer. I know last time it was, get the deep well chrome 1/4 drive set for 300 now or wait 2 weeks and get both the shallow and the deep set for the same price.
I like the fact your not a tool truck fan boy and just a conasuer of GOOD QUALITY tools in general. Thank you clay very informative
Exactllyyyy
I was in the tool business and I knew Irv Fisher and his sons who started Astro Pneumatic in Los Angeles in the mid 70’s. Great family who changed the market. They started with three products. A 1/2 inch impact. A 3/8th and a 3/8th air ratchet. They brought the first 2 Ton Floor Jacks from Japan for 129,95. Top quality products with a strong warranty. I don’t know if the Fisher family still owns Astro but they are a great success story. Good people! Who would possibly consider buying Snap on?
Steve (Irv's Son) and David (Steve's son) are still CEO and President. Coming up on 50 years since those first days, and you are exactly right about our beginnings. Glad to see it!
That’s a really cool story. Thanks for sharing that !! It’s super cool that you know them personally.
So cool!
@@AstroToolsTell Steve I said hello! Happy to hear they are still at the helm. We go back to the old CTS days....Steve will
know!
@@KoonTrucking oh, the stories I could tell!
I like how you paused after showing the first Snap-on set so we could have that nose-bleed inducing price sink in.
I got in the mechanic field a little late at 21. Now 5 years in, I got a used Snap On box off of Marketplace. And majority of my tools are Lisle, OTC, Gearwrench or Tekton. I try to stay away from the tool truck unless I absolutely have to or I use the tool enough to justify the price. I do love my snap on ratchets though. 😂
Thank you! I have snap on ratchets and theyvare the best! I don't wrench for a living but I want all the tools. I'll spend the big bucks on certain things but don't want to spend on things I know I won't use often. Hearing a real mechanic says their good stuff and affordable means the world to me. Love your videos brother
Those look good too me. Astro makes a nice variety of tools for the mechanic. 🍻🤙
I always bought a cheap set then replaced them one at a time with tool truck as the broke. Then have two sets one at work one at home. Little easer to swallow.
That's smart
Thank you for all the work you and your. Team do to put these educational shows on.. your self ,Cp and Tony the technician have taught me a lot .
Snap On so much reminds me how they brainwash inner city kids to buy $300 air Jordans, they make them feel they can run faster, jump higher and the CEO's are laughing at the customers behind close doors thinking, "Don't let our customers know these $300 sneakers costs us $15 dollars to make". Snap On does have great quality, but I see some of the arguments that the tool truck comes to you "weekly" to fix any issues. Ok, lets say you go buy 6 brand new pro ratchets at HF compared to just one Snap On, if the cheaper HF ratchet breaks, go grab the other 5 new ones you have in the box, you have NO down time. if your "one" Snap On breaks, you still have to call the truck to come rescue you. Be mindful, many great brands out there. I still work with many old USA Craftsman I got when I was 16, and I am in my 50's. I also go to the junkyard and have lost tools, I rather loose an old school Craftsman than a Snapon ratchet or any SnapOn tool.
I love this comparison. Astro Pneumatic is a deal deal.... Even if you lose the set 5 times you still can keep buying it and still be less than Snap On. I think Snap on's insurance for lifetime is getting overpriced. I have Snap On's impact swivel only bc I got them used and got a deal on them. I cant or wont buy those Snap On NEW. It is too outrageous
I just picked up over Black Friday (they are still on sale) the 1/4". 3/8", and 1/2" nano socket sets. Very good quality and I did not see the universal ones on sale but I ended up picking up the TEKTON swivel set from 10-19 and I bought 20mm and 21mm to complete the no-skip set. Astro Pneumatic is a very good company and I really like the stuff I have bought from them.
These videos are way better than the videos in the trucks imo I love these
Thats a great video. I was wondering what you think of the gearwrench universal impact socket sets. I was also wondering what you would recommend for a 3/8 inch cordless impact gun that's not going to break the bank. Keep the great videos coming. I enjoy watching them.
Cordless impact is hands down the harbor Freight Hercules line. They have same 5 year tool warranty and 3 year battery warranty as the red brand (Milwaukee) and they are just as good. They are in fact the best deal going on cordless tools. I own them and love them. The ultra torque 1/2” is a beast and will run with any other brand on the planet. Plus you can buy tool, battery and charger for less than a Milwaukee battery.
I have had these since Astro came out with these. I beat the snot out of the metric set daily, and I have yet to have one break. They are stiff brand new out of the box, but once you start using them for a while they will loosen up. I personally like them a little loose, but everyone has their preference. No matter what brand you go with they will get sloppy overtime. These sockets are a good deal, and I couldn’t see a reason to spend tool truck prices for this. Astro has a great warranty program, and have never had any issues getting items warrantied.
Taiwan tools have come a long way since the 90’s. Tools from Taiwan are now competing with high dollar tool truck brands at a much better price point. Chinese tools are still lacking and I would avoid them at all cost. There is tools that big tool truck brands are a must buy, but there is great options now a-days, and with the power of the internet, and great channels like this you can safely research what to buy, and what not to buy.
I really like your videos my fiance yells its friday everytime it comes on and the matco mac and snap on driver are confused when i know most of the tools and tool part number
Thank you clay for making videos like this. As much as I love snap on the prices are out of hand.
Mr Clay, I’ve been beating on the Astro 3/8 SAE set for almost six months now and aside from the finish, I’ve got little to no wear. They hold up better than you’d expect at that price point
Just got my set today! Looking forward to using it soon
i have matco, snap on, sk, mac tools and craftsman in my tool cart, the usa craftsman professional wrenches i bought off OfferUp at a gas station, never had to warranty them yet. point is, yeah you get amazon tools for a fraction of the tool truck price and may have to send it in the mail for warranty but they work just as good lol. they say you pay for the warranty and service from the tool truck but damn, is it really needed. thanks for the content brotha
I almost got these but there was a lot of complaints that the 17mm was a 16mm labeled 17mm. And I use 17 a lot on brakes motor mounts drain plugs ....
That was on us. Laser marked too many 17's then packed them that way. No excuses, but it did happen to the first batch only, about 5% of those sets. We're on our 4th batch.
Look at you Astro admitting the mistake and correcting it ! You can’t ask for anything more from a company than that !
@@AstroTools wow just the fact that you responded to a comment means you're actively paying attention to what customers are saying I'm sold that's it I'm grabbing a set in every size thanks.
@@AstroTools i just bought your 1/2 metric set today. last week i bought your 1834 flex head impact. love it. thanks
I preach goin online instead of tool trucks all day looonggg .... These guys stuck on the tool truck convenience are lying to themselves....most of the tool trucks running around don't have shit on the truck anyway so why would I pay double for them to order something for me that I can get for half the price most of the time....and so much of it is rebranded!!! I'll buy 2 of those sets and still come out cheaper and better off.... And if you lose one it don't feel like you lost a 50 dollar bill.....
Agree with you bro
Agree with you man
Can you please make video about service truck
Going to look into the 1/2 metric for my home box
Can you do an update video on these!
They work great and hold up fine. No issues at all.
@@KoonTrucking thank you a lot for the update saved me a lot of money love the vids no better tool youtuber 👍🤝
I can definitely agree about the price but my only issue is the snap on stuff is flank drive which costs more because of the design and the relatively new technology whereas the astro stuff is not.
I have been looking for swivel sockets Capri, GW, Sunex, and others. I have the GW painless adapters and really like the thin profile so I was going to get the GW set but I got both of these in metric, and a nano set for little less than one 1/2” set of GW pin-less.
I think young mechanics need to remember not EVERYTHING needs to be Snap On or any other “tool truck brand. And this is coming from a guy who owns a lot of Snap On & Koken tools. I hear the warranty argument often and while valid, it’s only truly applicable to some tools. Some of that is the operator (I don’t break a lot of tools myself). Showing the price difference should really send home the reality of why most mechanics aren’t making a great living because everything must be top of the line… great video
I bought a sunex set of 1/2" drive 6pt sae universal sockets years ago so i can't remember the price but i know it was under $200 and it goes from 7/16"-1 1/4" love it!
Are those the same as the gearwrench? As far as I know the only USA made pinless impacts are the matcos? The gearwrench USA old ones craftsman USA old ones and the Armstrong old one I think are the same as the matcos?
I know snapon makes quality stuff, but I think they’re trying to pay for all the tool trucks that go out of business cause their guys can’t sell toilet paper in our current situation. You have a great guy in Hamilton!
Clay, id go with the Astro All The Way! My snap on swivel impacts are always rusting up.
My Capri and Sk dont. But Astro from what i understand-Matco rebrands them? Or am i wrong?
That's what I thought.
I’m not sure if they do or not? I went with them for the price standpoint and after the quality of the lights (i use them daily) i decided to try these. For the money you can’t beat em
@Blue gloves I said rebranded.
Matco doesn't rebrand these.
@Blue gloves There is a night and day difference between Matcos pinless and gearwrench pinless. Have yet to break any of my Matcos. Gearwrench pinless are a very cheap imitation of Matcos and pure garbage.
Awesome vid thanks Clay keeping us DIY guys in mind.
Would love to see this become a series with you showing us quality tools you trust that are alternatives to the tool trucks. Thanks
Look for videos from independent tools trucks. They're not the franchise brands like Snap-On, Matco, Mac and Cornwell, so they sell Astro, Sunex, Ingersoll, Milwaukee, Lisle, Mayhew and other brands from manufacturers that many of the franchise companies buy from or get third-party branded from.
Cool. Just picked up the Astro set based on your excellent review.
You will be happy
Hey Clay how are the Astros swivel sockets holding up for you ? Have you used them much ? And how's the wear on them ?
They are good. Can’t tell any difference in them that tool truck brands.
@@KoonTrucking 10-4 fixing to pull the trigger on the Astros got the Gearwrench X-core but like to upgrade ... if it is a upgrade what's your opinion ?
How are those Chinese sockets doing on backorder for the next 2 years?
I have the astro set both 3/8s and 1/2 and all I can say is They are worth the price. Highly recommended.
Astro if your out their I want a 8mm-24mm 3/8 set. My blue power set is getting old.
I have been in the trade for about 11 months, the first thing I bought off the Mac truck was a set of the 3/8 metric Astro pneumatic, so far no complaints, would highly recommend
i just bought the 1/2 metric. i really look forward to getting them I have the astro pneumatic 1834 nano flex head impact and love it.
VERY USEFUL INFO Clay, thanks as usual!
I want to see them compared to the matco USA pinless impacts
Does sunnex not make matco impact sockets?
Don't bother I have them and they mushroom out easy and they bind easy as the corners wallow out and they are not warrantied for wear as the matco usa are
@@ericpatton7767 they make the adv ones
Doctor Diesel those matcos cost I think 500+? Flat rate master loves them. One day id love to buy them if they are still the only USA pinless impacts out there. Matco v Astro v gear wrench who has the best pinless for the money?
I appreciate the ASTROS for swivel SAE. I bought 3/8ths Sunex that gives me 7mm-22mm shallow, deep, and swivel. No skips. $132. I'm starting to feel the 3/8 impacts as a great way to get around a car , especially with DeWalt dwmt923b doing 450lbs-ft. Yes, I have the 891 if I ever need 800ft lbs. Extensions are smart also on these sets because it'll absorb some of the impact blows. ✨️ thanks 👍
I hope they make these in deep down the road or if they have I haven't seen them
What are the tools you do recommend getting off the truck
Thanks Clay! I just bought the S.A.E. 3/8 swivel set from Snap-on. I did get it for $180. I still need the 1/2 swivels and think I will go with these for both metric and standard.
Grey pneumatic makes some nice sockets plus they come in nice blow molded cases
The pause at 2:45 is hilarious. 🤣
Haha I think you are the only one that caught that. Most people don’t see or get my humor
The snap on 1/2 inch metric no skips from 10 to 24 are 900 dollars
Hamilton's flipping you off right now! Lol 😁
I love the content and film quality. Overall I think what your doing is awesome and please keep doing it!! You seem like a great guy with great taste in all type and brands of tools.
Thank you
Thanks Clay didn't know astro made sockets
Great video Clay, ill run with the astro's all day long!!!
Thanks for the vids! I just sold my 20 year old Matco universal 10-19mm metric set and bought these Astros along with a set of Astro low profile Nano impacts, and their Long Flex Head Nano Socket Ratchet Wrench. Money well spent!😂
How is the warranty process? Does anyone have first hand experience? Thats a big factor in what tools I buy
Easy take a pic and send it to them. FB, IG, email and let them know your address and get a replacement sent out. Super easy
@@KoonTrucking thanks for the reply. If I have an issue I’ll try that
I bought the Sunnex universal sockets in 1/2" and 3/8" drive. We all know some brands are priced very high But Snap on's universal's are a whole new high that's all I'm going to say since I do have a set of their 1/4" universals in sae. I do have some Astro Pneumatic tool's I wanted to get that out there because the Astro man is in the comments. Did I just say that? Videos like this from someone people feel they can trust (that would be you)can be a great help when looking to get a good bang for their buck.
Just ordered both the 3/8 and 1/2 metric sets myself. To bad they don't have 1/4 universals and I had to go sunex for them.
how good is sunex tools
I don’t know. I don’t have any
Thank you for showing the alternatives out there. These would be nice to have in the toolbox at home. Also being in the trade I have a lot of tools at the shop bur it is about a 20 minute drive one way if I need something. I really respect your unbiased opinion. Also, yes the Astro's would be nice for in the service truck seeing that if you lose one out on the road they are alot more inexpensive to replace over the Snap on ones. Thank you for another great video.
How can i get a 3/8 head on a 1/4" ratchet? I dont work in a shop but I'm a DIY. Love the comfort handle.
Are the sizes stamped?
How are the Astro's holding up? I tried the Gearwrench X core and blew them apart in no time
They are tough I actually adapted one up to use on a 3/4 impact because my 1/2” wouldn’t do the job. They are well worth the money !
@@KoonTrucking have you tried the Gearwrench for comparison? Or even compared to Snap On? I know SO is 6-7 times the price just interested to know
Yes I have a set of Gearwrench also and they are so floppy now I never use them
@@KoonTrucking Thanks for the reply
Shucks I am not sure any tools are made in the USA unless it says it on the tool or set. Those Astro tools should be fantastic for the service truck. After all more tools probably would be lost from the service truck than the shop. Good honest review. Thanks for sharing.
How are these sockets holding up after almost a year? Would you recommend them?
Well worth the money
Are the sizes stamped as well or just laser etched?
Keep the high quality low price tools coming! Tool truck prices are rediculous..... There are some exceptions for specialty tools that Noone else makes.
I like the way you share your ideas how quality of the set are available an easy and cheaper can be comparing to snap on but I prefer snap on I have all those sets expensive I love it tanks boss
Love your tool box, looks like mine.
Astro sells top quality tools and they always have!
Keep making more of these videos Please...
Do you like them more than the gearwrench x force
Great video, what's your thoughts on sunex impact sockets. They seem very reasonably priced but I don't own any
I’ve never used them
As much as I love sunnex impact sockets, their impact swivels are junk. I bought the matco adv ones which are rebrands and I broke about 2-4 sockets a week doing lots of suspension and engine work. After having sockets explode and and the matco guy constantly at the shop, I gave them back and got the snap on sockets which I've never broken one yet. I've tried the matco pinless and they are damn fine just stay away from adv swivels if you use them a lot. The other adv line impact sockets are great though
I like to own my tools, don't like my tools to own me. Just took a chance on a $21.00 set if Rigor pinless swivel adaptors that seem to be clones of the Tekton set. $21 Rigor or $200 Snap-on? I lost, or let someone borrow, my 3/8 drive Snap-on swivel and it went MIA. Been needing to replace it for my set for years. I just ordered a 3/8 Sunex to replace it and the Rigor set as a back up set. If anyone has any info about Rigor let me know what you think. They had good reviews on their torque wrench so I got my hopes up for these pinless swivels when they come in.
I'm in the market to pick some of these up. Would you go for the Astro, Gray Pneumatic, or Gearwrench? (when comparing similar models). Any input would be appreciated. I want something quality without spending $1000 on just two sets.
Astro are really good and cheap
And HOW would you exercise your warranty on the Amazon tools?, and how long would it take?
Sure it will be through Astro
Send us a picture of a broken or worn-out socket, we ship you a new one that day.
I bought that snap on set, had it for like a month, never used them and gave them back
let’s see your ratchet collection!
I recently got a Milwaukee 3/8 impact and I love Tekton tools but I am considering getting gray pneumatic impact sockets instead of Tekton because they are chromoly instead of chrome vanadium. What do you think?
I hardly ever use any chrome sockets at all. I use impact sockets 99% of the time
Dude, I'd Only Use ChromeMolly for Impact. And impact sockets should Only be made from ChromeMolly.
Grey pneumatic non Universal's are great they wear better than snap on ones but the Universal's after hard use get loose and floppy. The snap on stay tight in the universal joint but the socket itself will wear sooner than the Grey's will. Snap on if you have a good dealer will replace without a question for worn sockets. I use 3/8" Universal's everyday and those are snapon my not everyday but use once in a while Universal's are grey pneumatic. All my non Universal's especially 1/2" are greys. Honestly the price difference is Soo much you can't afford not to try cheaper brands. Just look at the price per socket or set size it's sickening. With chrome sockets no on in my opinion can beat snap on 1/4" Universal's.
What show did u talk about snap on plastic tool cases are warranted?
Several of them. All of the cases even blue point have a lifetime warranty
The truck price is about half than SO online price if paid in cash. So a $10K tool box online is half price cash from tool truck.
Thanks for sharing Clay....awesome video and price comparison....
High Mr. Clay,
Comparing them two brands what is the difference in tolerances, what is the difference in metal used and what is the difference in heat treat (Rockwell hardness)?
I have no clue it would take someone much smarter than me with some equipment to figure out the hardness of the metal. But just feeling by hand it would say it is “really hard” haha I have no clue seriously. I got them and so far I have been pleased with them and especially for the money I would say they are hard to beat.
I remember this being brought up in CP the tool addicts livestreams a few times recently
Well this video was shot about two months ago in fact I post a pic on my IG when I shot them but unfortunately I don’t watch CP’s channel so I wouldn’t know what he talks about
Koon Trucking
I like your channel better clay
Is clean and you respect everyone opinion
Keep it up
I was just looking at these last night I wish I got them lol now they're going to be sold out but that's ok there will be more and there is probably plenty stock
Thanks for all the great information
Great video have a great one and stay safe 👍
Great video Clay! Great value for a good tool.
When I choose between tool truck tools and shop tools, I think about convenience. For example my 1/2 inch snap on ratchet broke called my dealer and by the end of the day he was at the shop and repaired it
Great video. Do you ever use gear wrench? I’ve heard they are a good high quality tool, with a cheaper than tool truck price. I know they have both store sets with skips and I’ve seen amazon sets that are no skips. So they are all over the board with their offerings. So just curious.
I have some Gearwrench stuff. In fact just posted today on Instagram where I’m using the Gearwrench new locking flex head ratchets for an entire week to give a fair review of them
You got my sub and like 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 love the content keep up the great videos.
Thank you
thank you for sharing!
Thanks Clay ! ! !
Thanks for showing this, Astros has some really good stuff. Even south main auto up in New York uses these tools and impacts. I see some tools in the future. Hello Amazon !!
I Never Forget About Checking Out The Pawn Shops For The Top Brands Of Tools And Of Course Online But The Tool Truck Guys Have To Make A Living As Well And We Buy From Them Also
Yeah I love my Snap On tools but..
I have one set of 1/4 Snappy metric impact swivels I bought used a while back.
But I just can’t justify the impact swivels In other sizes. I went with the Tektons which are priced like the Astros.
How could you go with the Tekton's when they don't offer impact swivel socket sets?
Ha, not sure why I typed Tekton. I meant Sunex.
I went the Matco pinless swivel adapter route (1/4" 3/8 and 1/2"). They are narrower due to not having that collar. They cost me $150 for all 3 and they are life time warranty. I can put any sockets I have already invested in (deep, mid or shallow of every drive size impact and chrome) on one adapter vs investing thousands more in shallow and deep in every drive size swivel sockets all over again.
Ive never needed actual swivel socket in all my years. To everyone who wants to argue about the torque loss difference between swivel sockets vs swivel adapter to socket combo obviously needs to invest in some better impacts.
I have the adapters also and I’m with you on the torque loss theory. Granted there had to be some but even with new ones that are tight there’s wiggle there that allows them to flex..... I just use a stronger impact to compensate for that. I agree I used the 3 pack of impact adapters for years with no issues other than sometimes they would fling the sockets off.
@@KoonTrucking That is their Achilles heel for sure. I haven't been smack by one....yet.
Bolts on the other hand have caught me once or twice but thankfully I still have all my teeth.
What about sunex or grey pneumatic?
Check the pricing and you will see the Astro sets are by far the most affordable sets on the market
@@KoonTrucking yeah I see that but I work on diesels like DD13,15,16 and series 60s. I use swivels a lot and want to get decent sets. Is Astro the same quality as Sunex and GP?
@@KoonTrucking I use swivels a lot and want to get decent sets. Is Astro the same quality as Sunex and GP?
@@rudydaberry122 probably made in the same factory but to answer your question yes they are good and the warranty is easy too. You can even warranty them with a pic on IG even. Just send em a message and a pic of the broken tool. Can’t get easier than that
Another alternative is SK Tools. They offer some great financing. Something else to think about. I bought several sets of GP from amazon. When I broke the 10mm (of coarse) Amazon said they will not replace the one socket or the set. According to the convo I had with GP they said I have to have the socket replaced by the dealer from which I purchased in which amazon said, nope. Being that I was hanging out in LALA Land I decided to just buy another set. Whatever you buy from amazon that has a lifetime wrty check with the manufacture to be sure you can send the tool to them for replacement. Dont learn the hard way like I did.
If you've got a Mac dealer try talking to him. they sell and warranty grey pneumatic.
GP will not warranty anything from Amazon, you have to buy them directly from them or an authorized distributor.
The price is now gonna go up on Amazon for them soon as someone buys them Amazon raises their prices on said item
Not to say that it makes them cheap, but I have learned to wait for Snap-On sockets to go on sale. Full MSRP normally ends up being like twice what you actually end up paying for them. Or maybe I just have a good dealer.
I know last time it was, get the deep well chrome 1/4 drive set for 300 now or wait 2 weeks and get both the shallow and the deep set for the same price.
What about the husky ones from home depo? Give those review pwease
I haven’t ever tried them