AP Astro Pneumatic Tool Company PRN1 Pneumatic Rivet Nut Setter 3/8" (M10) Kit — 8 Mandrels, 2680 lb Pull

The Astro PRN1 is a pneumatic rivet nut setter that quickly installs and backs out rivet nuts up to 3/8" (M10) with a single, trigger-pull action and 2680 lbs of immediate air-hydraulic pulling force.

The PRN1 from AP Astro Pneumatic Tool Company is a compact, high-force tool engineered to speed rivet nut installation and removal across metric and SAE sizes. Supplied with eight interchangeable mandrels/nose pieces, this air-driven unit delivers powerful, repeatable pulls and includes a free-spinning rear wheel to unthread installed nuts. It’s designed for shop, bodywork, and fabrication tasks where fast, consistent rivet nut setting is essential.

How fast and powerful is the PRN1 for routine jobs?

The PRN1 provides near-instant pulling force when actuated, making single-stroke installation possible for many sizes. At working pressures below 120 psi, the 3/8" (M10) size may require two strokes, but the tool still significantly reduces cycle time versus manual methods.

• Instant air-hydraulic pull rated at 2680 lbs for rapid seating.
• Single-trigger operation for quick, repeatable installations.
• Two-stroke option for larger rivet nuts when air pressure is limited.

Which mandrels and rivet nut sizes are included and supported?

The kit arrives with eight mandrels/nosepieces covering both metric and SAE standards so you can switch sizes without delay. It handles steel and aluminum rivet nuts up to M10 (3/8") and stainless up to M6 (1/4").

• Included mandrel sizes: M4, M5, M6, M8, M10, 1/4", 5/16", 3/8".
• Max capacity: M10 (3/8") steel and aluminum; M6 (1/4") stainless.
• Quick-change nosepieces let you adapt to metric or SAE work quickly.

How does removal and maintenance work with the PRN1?

Removing installed rivet nuts is simple thanks to the free-spinning rear wheel that unthreads nuts when rotated, saving time on rework. Routine lubrication of the mandrel is recommended to keep threads operating smoothly and extend component life.

• Free-spinning rear wheel for unthreading set rivet nuts.
• Keep mandrels lubricated to prevent galling and maintain performance.
• Simple mandrel swaps minimize downtime between sizes.

What operating conditions and limitations should I know?

The PRN1 is air-powered and performs best at recommended shop pressures; lower air pressure can require additional strokes for larger rivet nuts. The tool is intended for fastening tasks and should be used with the included mandrels sized to the rivet nuts being installed.

• Optimal performance at typical workshop air pressures; <120 psi may need extra strokes for 3/8".
• Not designed for continuous high-duty cycles without scheduled inspection and maintenance.
• Use correct mandrel for each rivet nut size to avoid damage or poor installs.

Who is this for: The Astro PRN1 is aimed at automotive technicians, metal fabricators, body shops, and maintenance teams who install or remove rivet nuts frequently and need a compact, high-force pneumatic solution. It’s ideal for pros who require metric and SAE versatility, quick changeovers between sizes, and dependable pulling power for steel, aluminum, and stainless rivet nuts in light- to medium-duty production and repair environments.