We have all seen the pile of half-used cans in the back of the shop, missing their applicators. Most people just go online to buy little red spray straws in bulk to solve the problem, but that is just putting a bandage on a mechanical design flaw. You’re in the middle of a repair, you hit the actuator, and the straw flies across the room like a plastic projectile. It is an annoying cycle that wastes time, leads to messy overspray, and forces you to hunt for lost parts on a greasy floor.
At Aeroflex®, we believe your delivery system should be as professional as the chemicals inside the can. A standard friction-fit straw is not a tool; it is a temporary accessory. We engineered our system to replace that frustration with industrial-grade reliability.
Overspray of Automotive Aerosol sprays
In a professional or at home maintenance environment, precision can be a cost-control measure. If you lose the straw provided with the product it is important to purchase a replacement little red straw for the spray cans in order to not only to control and reduce waste of the chemical but also to precisely target the intended area.
When you use a secure, mechanically locked system like the Aeroflex Straw Loc, you ensure that 100% of the spray hits the intended area keeping the work space cleaner.
Why Standard Friction-Fit Designs Fail
The basic little red straw is held in place by nothing more than a bit of friction. Once the actuator of the can is pressed down to spray for use, it begins a very slight “weeping” of the oily slick chemical causing the friction fit to become lubricated. Thus, causing the friction fit of the straw to loosen and the straw to dislodge and fly off. Plus the powerful propellant is constantly pushing the liquid through the tiny retaining orifice. This backpressure mixed with the weeping is often the main cause of why the aerosol straws are lost.
Our Aeroflex® 085 Kit removes this variable entirely. Our patented Straw Loc technology creates a physical lock between the tube and the actuator, or button, of a can. It cannot fly off. This allows you to focus on the repair rather than the equipment.
Reaching “Blind” Targets with Precision
Whether you’re spraying a seized fastener hidden behind a heat shield or linkage tucked deep inside a framerail, you might need something other than a straight straw.
Our Pro-Shot Two-In-One Angled Straws are not your typical thin plastic tubes.
- The Aeoflex Pro-Shot Straws are available in 45 and 90 degree angles.
- Flexibility: They are flexible enough to reach around obstructions but rigid enough to hold their path without kinking.
- Modular Linking: With the Aeroflex® Power-Grip Connectors, you can link multiple straws together. If you need to reach over a foot in length, we make it possible.
- Two Specific Diameters: We know that valve stems vary by brand. We offer different diameters to ensure a perfect fit for 95% of standard industrial aerosol cans.
American-Made Quality
Quality control is the difference between a tool that works as it should and one that doesn’t. Every Aeroflex component—and even the specialized tooling we use to build them—is Made in the USA.
The Aeroflex system is completely reusable. When your can of penetrant is empty, simply remove the Pro-Shot Straw and Straw Loc and attach it to the new can.
Technical Step-by-Step Setup
Attaching the Straw-Loc:
- Slide the straw through and out the back of the Straw Loc so that about ½ to ¾ of an inch of the straw is sticking out past the back of the Loc. It may be helpful to lift the back of the Loc up so it is out of the way of straw travel.
- Press the straw into the orifice of the nozzle.
- Then slide the Straw Loc down the straw toward the nozzle. As you do this the back of the Straw Loc should drop down and settle around the back of the nozzle.
- You’re all set! The straw will not dislodge from the nozzle again.
Linking the Power Grip Connector:
- Straws must be clean, like any oil, dirt, or debris. From the end of the straw before inserting it into the connector.
- Straws must seat completely against the inner wall of the connector, insert straws fully into connectors. A gentle left to right turning motion will help to seat the straws.
Focus on the Job, Not the Straw
Efficiency in a shop comes down to the reliability of your equipment and tools. Whether you are working on a car, truck, bicycle, a big rig, or a helicopter with Aeroflex, you finally have the control that professionals demand. Stop chasing the straw and start hitting the target every single time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the Aeroflex kit fit my specific brand of lubricant?
A: Our system is designed to be universal. It fits approximately 90-95% of the standard automotive, aviation, and industrial aerosol valves on the market today.
Q: Can I cut the Pro-Shot Straws to custom lengths?
A: Yes. They are an industrial-grade polymer that can be trimmed easily with a utility knife to fit the exact reach requirements of a specialized job.
Q: How does this help with shop safety?
A: Precision application keeps slick lubricants off the floor and away from sensitive friction surfaces like brake rotors, drive belts, and pulleys.