Tools for Astro--ratcheting wrenches

General technical discussion and troubleshooting
Post Reply

Topic author
chemist
I finally get the smurf thing
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 155
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:30 pm
Location: Pocono Mts, PA

Tools for Astro--ratcheting wrenches

Post by chemist »

No doubt about it the Astro has a lot of tight spots where bolts are no fun to get at. Assuming you already have the basic sockets, extensions and universals, you've no doubt found places where only a wrench can go. That said, ratcheting wrenches do seem like a good idea. But what if you could only pick one set of ratcheting wrenches?

From your experience would you pick a set that had a regular offset, zero offset, or would they have a flexible head?

Previous Vans: 1998 Astro, AWD, 138K mi; traded on 2003 Chevy Astro, AWD, 125K mi; traded on
2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT, 4x4, ext, long box
2007 Chevy Cobalt
1998 Maza MPV (180K mi and in need of PA inspection--only paid $500!)

Needed: a Gen 2 Astro project vehicle...

ihatemybike
I plan to be buried in my van
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 2224
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:57 pm
Location: Elgin, IL

Re: Tools for Astro--ratcheting wrenches

Post by ihatemybike »

I'd probably go regular offset, as it usually gets the job done using regular wrenches.
Aaron

2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
1997 Astro (Grumpy - $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, LSD, 2" lift, 31" tires, 335k+ orig engine, $30 eBay fuel pump
Prev Astros:99,97,00,94,87,86
User avatar

crash
I plan to be buried in my van
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 1289
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:18 am
Location: Woodstock, Ontario

Re: Tools for Astro--ratcheting wrenches

Post by crash »

i grabbed a set .. 2 actaully, SAE and metric of the flex head ones... regular length, not stubbies. they're great. only thing to be aware of with the flex head is that sometimes when you are racheting back and forth you may need to keep a finger on them so they don't flex too much or slide off
Rob Image

current rides:
04 Mazda 6 V6 5spd

vans owned: Image
97 Astro AWD (selling by summer .. i think) SOLD
99 Astro LS Sept 08 ASV VOM
94 Astro LT
93 Astro LT
96 Astro LT AWD * parts van*

astrozam
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 2770
Joined: Fri Sep 08, 2006 2:57 am

Re: Tools for Astro--ratcheting wrenches

Post by astrozam »

I would grab whatever is on sale and go from there, reg offset. If its in a position where I could put a flex head ratchet wrench on it I'd put a socket with a universal on it instead,lol.
User avatar

GEJ
I plan to be buried in my van
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 1487
Joined: Mon Dec 25, 2006 9:50 pm
Location: Rochester,NY

Re: Tools for Astro--ratcheting wrenches

Post by GEJ »

Man-when he gets to post the thread about hammers I got some real input there. 8-[ :rolleyes: :) :muhaha:
Call me Gary

1985 Astro-"Ole Yellar"
1994 LT Astro
1981 Winnebago-"Baby"
12'dual axle enclosed trailer
The vendor trailer


Lead with my heart & take the hits because of it like a man.
User avatar

Smiliesafari
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 2667
Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2006 12:34 pm
Location: Orlando, FL

Re: Tools for Astro--ratcheting wrenches

Post by Smiliesafari »

OK Gary, what about hammers. My favorite is the 2 lb. You can really clear up some frustration with that thing.

Never owned a ratcheting wrench. Haven't had a need for them yet. \:D/
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle

6spd_monte
I sleep in my van
I sleep in my van
Posts: 431
Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:50 pm
Location: Orange County, CA

Re: Tools for Astro--ratcheting wrenches

Post by 6spd_monte »

A 2lb hammer is good, but I like my 4lb hammer better. And my vote for ratcheting wrenches is the flexy-head kind.
-James

1987 LT
249,000 miles
Post Reply