Astro Tool 78318 Extra-Long Flex Head Nano Socket Ratchet Wrench

This Astro 78318 Extra‑Long Flex Head Nano Ratchet is one of those tools you don’t realize you need until you use it—and then it becomes indispensable. If you run Astro or CROM 17mm nano sockets, this ratchet is made for them. The built‑in retaining ring snaps the nano sockets in securely so they stay put until you intentionally remove them. The flex head and extra‑long handle give you the reach and leverage needed for fasteners buried deep in engine bays or tucked behind brackets. Just remember it’s still a 3/8" ratchet, so you can over‑torque it if you’re careless. That said, Astro backs their tools with a lifetime warranty, and they’ve always stood behind their products. The ratchet is made in Taiwan, and the build quality reflects that—tight tolerances, smooth action, and a solid feel. To reverse direction, you flip the ratchet over; the side with the Astro branding is the tightening (ON) side. A small improvement would be an arrow indicating direction, and a bigger upgrade would be a built‑in reversing switch like you see on Gearwrench or Matco nano ratchets. Interestingly, you can give this ratchet that capability: the Matco head assembly repair kit fits this tool, adding a reversing switch. Even after buying both the Astro ratchet and the Matco head, the total cost is still about half the price of the full Matco equivalent. I left my 18" version stock because the 100‑tooth (3.6°) mechanism is excellent, but I did convert the smaller 10.5" version using the Matco kit (which is 72‑tooth). Overall, this is a fantastic long‑reach nano ratchet—strong, smooth, compact, and incredibly useful. I highly recommend it.

Bought this specifically to pair with the Astro nano sockets, and it paid off immediately. Used it on my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica doing an idler pulley. Clearance in that area is tight and awkward. The extra-long handle gave me the leverage I needed, and the flex head let me dial in the exact angle without fighting the frame or other components. Combined with the nano sockets, this setup is money. The low profile plus the slim head design makes it way easier to work in modern engine bays where everything is packed in. It feels solid, not sloppy. The mechanism is smooth and the length actually helps instead of getting in the way. If you work on your own vehicles and run into tight clearance issues often, this ratchet + nano socket combo is worth it. It’s not a gimmick tool — it actually solves a problem. Glad I added it to the drawer.

Astro is a tried and true brand, and this is nothing short of a home run from Astro!! Astro makes great middle of the road tools for both diy'ers and pros. This is long overdue from astro and finally we get a long, nano socket compatible, flex head ratchet, with a super thin profile. I am extremely satisfied with this item and like most of astro's product line, it is very well priced, and affordable. This thing is beyond awesome!! I have quite a few astro tools in my lineup and I have never been disappointed, and this tool is no different. I can't say enough good things about this tool and I'm excited to get to wrenchin' with it!! If your on the fence about this tool, dont be, its worth every penny, and then some!! I seriously hope they come out with a version for their 1/2" nano set, or maybe even a 9" or 10" version, so you can get in closer quarters with the same low profile advantages. Astro is dropping some super fire new tools this year!! You should check out the astro 78354 10-Piece torque saver set. It's a 10mm-19mm no skip set and it is the EXACT SAME set that matco sells in 2 separate sets for over $600!! I don't mean it's like the matco set, I mean it's the EXACT SAME set that matco sells. Check it out!! ****UPDATE**** During November's 2023 SEMA show, Astro Pneumatic had on display some new and upcoming versions of this nano socket compatible flex head ratchet. They had several different sizes in the prototype stage that included a version that was medium length, and another version that was a short length version of this tool as well. Astro's booth had some absolutely killer new products this year that are in the production and protype stages scheduled for production in the near future. Astro is seriously killing it this year, and is thinking outside the box. They are coming out with some phenomenal new products. I'm excited for the release of the other versions that they had on display. These things are extremely popular, selling out twice since July of 2023. I grabbed 2 in case I break my other one because you can't warranty a tool you don't have in stock lol.

Great value and very useful. Internal is great for nano sockets and seems to fits the pulleys and tensioners in my Honda without needing an additional socket.

Works great with the Astro Low Profile sockets, sold seperately. Since the ratchets do not have a lever or switch to change direction, I used a paint marker to add a direction arrow on each side of the flippable ratchet. The chrome finish allows for easy cleanup when the job is finished.

Great tool, works perfect with astro nano sockets.

Another great to by Astro for the nano sockets. I use the 10" regularly in an automotive repair shop to get into places regular sockets can't get into. Decided to get the 18" one for those times when I need extra leverage. So far, all my Astro tools have held up very well with constant use and harsh conditions. AND, they have a great warranty and are much cheaper than other brands. Only reason for the 4-stars is because I would like this to have a reverse switch instead of having to switch the socket to the other side.

this ratchet paired with my hyper tough nano style sockets bring low profile to another level! only gripe is the ratcheting action on the Astro 78318 is not as smooth and a whole lot more backdrag and sloppyness as my 60t & 90t gearwrench ratchets or even my old armstrong 60t ratchet leaving a lot of desire in that department.

Firstly, the quality is pretty strong. Its long handle makes it super easy to crack bolts or nuts. Slim head design can get through almost tight spaces. Perfect pair with Astro Tools 78319 socket set. No regret at all.

Good quality

Great product for hard to reach fasteners with the nano socket set

sin duda una excelente inversión. el maneral mide 18" es muy cómodo y robusto. necesario adquirir también los dados 78319. pero también hay otros juegos disponibles.

Good quality, fine toothed rstchet and good leverage with the extened handle