These Astro Pneumatic 3-in-1 metric hex keys are unlike any others I have seen before. They feature a ball hex tip on the long end, straight hex tip on the short end, and an innovative sliding 6pt socket, also on the short end.
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When working with internal hex machine screws, you can slide the socket sleeve up and out of the way. When working with external hex fasteners or bolts, slide the socket down and voila, you have a socket wrench at the ready.
The hex key set comes with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10mm sizes, and is priced at $29-37
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The cleverness of the hex key drivers’ multi-functional design has me intrigued, although I’m not sure what types of users would really benefit from it.
Astro Pneumatic also makes a similarly designed combination L-driver tool set that fit Torx and external hex fasteners ($25-33 via Amazon), and a set of metric internal/external hex 1/4″ hex-shank bits ($17-23 via Amazon).
Neil H says
Where is SAE?
Stuart says
They don’t make these in SAE/inch sizes. It’s strange, because they do make SAE hex T-handles and pivot drivers.
John Sullivan says
Damn it, I think I need to stop reading ToolGuyd. It seems that every other time I visit the site, I discover something that I *need*to*own*right*now* that I didn’t even know existed a minute earlier.
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And when these are finally available in SAE sizes, I’ll buy those too.
Jerry says
I’m with you there. Between the innovative tools I suddenly realize I ‘needed’ to the deals too good to refuse, ToolGuyd has cost me some money.
On the other hand, there already were a couple times, where having just the right tool for the job, saved me hours of work, and untold frustration, so I guess in the end, it averages out 🙂
Stuart says
If it makes you feel better, if you knew how much ToolGuyd costs me, you’d faint.
Mrs. ToolGuyd says
Amen.
Phil says
Busted! 😉
Ross says
Looks neat, but I would be concerned that the collar would be hard to slide after some use. I think once the allen wrench gets some wear it would not allow the collar to slide past.
Personally I think it would have limited applications simply because allen wrenches and sockets are typically different size ranges. For example, 8 mm is a larger allen wrench, but a smaller-sized socket. I just don’t see a lot of overlap in useful sizes.
Charlie B. says
Thanks for the Shout out Tool GuyD.
I am a sales rep with Astro.
We appreciate the support!
Charlie B. says
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g9LsG7dg-8
Here is a demo video we put together for this item.
jesse says
Those two tools don’t seem to match.
mike says
Build quality doesnt look that good, Is astro made in china or what?
matt says
The pictures dont even look like a real item(both look computer generated). How can you tell what the build quality is like?
I have a few astro tools and all of them have been good quality..
Jerry says
I have a few Astro Pneumatic hand tools, and most are imports. Quality is pretty god though, the wrenches in my toolbox have proven to be strong. There are better tools out there, but the ones I have, seem to be a good balance between quality and price.
FWIW, I do farm maintanence, but am not a pro mechanic.
mike says
Thank you for that great reply Jerry. I’m hoping they might get an SAE version then so I might have a reason to try them.
Charlie B. says
Provide me with an e-mail address and i will put you on our new item e-Blast list if you’d like.
Double G says
If you think this site makes you buy tools, dont go to http://www.garagejournal.com.
The***Hot Deals*** thread will put you in the poor house.
LORDDiESEL says
That site and this one has cost me a lot of money. 7000+ so far this year. It’s an illness and i love it.
I have OCD so i cannot buy this set without the SAE set. So i will wait.
Thanks for giving us a cool tool place to hang, Stu! This is a great place!
Stuart says
And who do you think started GJ’s Hot Deals thread which eventually led to the creation of a Hot Deals board? *Wink*
Phil says
This is a cool idea, one of those “why didn’t I think of that” deals. I do see it a bit limited in use, the smaller sizes tend to be more practical, as rarely do I encounter a 10mm socket head bolt that gets turned by a mere hex key, usually a socket and ratchet or a torque wrench gets called up. Having this paired up with ball-ended hex make these usable in those cramped scenarios, the socket ends can come in handy if you needed a second small socket at the same time you are using the same size small one you already have and you don’t have another.
I consider Astro to be on the high end of imported tools. All of the pneumatic tools I have of the brand have performed beautifully over the years, and I’d put them on par with IR and CP in most cases. They tend to also carry a lot of unique, problem solving tools much like Lisle and KD, all decent quality.
Charlie B. says
Thanks for the kind words Phil! We appreciate your support.
Stay in touch with us via Facebook to ensure you hear about all our new products, item giveaways, and much more!
https://www.facebook.com/AstroPneumaticToolCompany
Kevin says
A similar set is available from Princess Auto (Canada) in both SAE and metric. The 3/8″, 5/16″, and 1/4″ are likely the most useful sizes. ‘2-in-1 SAE Hex Key and Socket Set’ is the listing. $34.99 Canadian.