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Tap & Die Recommendation Needed

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HotRodHudson

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Nov 18, 2013
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373
Some how I’ve struggled thru life without a tap & die set, well no more! After breaking studs off in the intake manifold & the exhaust manifold, it is time. Thus I need recommendations for a good combination set to work on my yellow coupe primarily & other vehicles in the future as well. I would rather not go too high, say $200 -$250 max.

Since this is my first set, please let me know if I need a specific #, like 117 count set. Also, if a set is missing one size too. I’ve bought too many tools only to find key sizes are missing, what a pain that can be!
 
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Ecosta777

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My only recommendation would be to buy a nice high speed steel set, not a high carbon one like you're likely to find at the local auto store (they're junk!). Just be sure you have all the standard sizes #6-#10 and 1/4"-20 up to 1/2"-13. There are a lot of different pitches for the standard sizes as well, and it may be difficult to get EVERY one in a set for your price range. Just be sure you have all the ones you would commonly use.
 
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Mr Ratchet

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If I were looking for a new tap and dies set, I would just get the big Gearwrench set. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GMVA64/?tag=atomicindus08-20. I got the ratcheting tap/die handle set and I like it quite a bit.

If you just want to repair old threads consider a rethreader set. http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...MI5O783-iX3AIVDY_ICh3W5Aa-EAQYASABEgJI0_D_BwE

I don't know of any set that covers every size. They try to cover the most popular sizes that you's encounter. There may times where you still need to buy an odd size tap/die. I know i have.
 
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d.mcfarland

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Mr Ratchet said:
If I were looking for a new tap and dies set, I would just get the big Gearwrench set. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GMVA64/?tag=atomicindus08-20. I got the ratcheting tap/die handle set and I like it quite a bit.

If you just want to repair old threads consider a rethreader set. http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...MI5O783-iX3AIVDY_ICh3W5Aa-EAQYASABEgJI0_D_BwE

I don't know of any set that covers every size. They try to cover the most popular sizes that you's encounter. There may times where you still need to buy an odd size tap/die. I know i have.
Click to expand...



This pretty much sums it up.

Snap On are rebranded Irwin/Hanson, so go that route if you want. Otherwise, the Gearwrench seem to be the more budget minded choice.
 
F

fsae0607

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San Fernando Valley, CA
Mr Ratchet said:
If I were looking for a new tap and dies set, I would just get the big Gearwrench set. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GMVA64/?tag=atomicindus08-20. I got the ratcheting tap/die handle set and I like it quite a bit.

If you just want to repair old threads consider a rethreader set. http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...MI5O783-iX3AIVDY_ICh3W5Aa-EAQYASABEgJI0_D_BwE

I don't know of any set that covers every size. They try to cover the most popular sizes that you's encounter. There may times where you still need to buy an odd size tap/die. I know i have.
Click to expand...


Get both! The re-threader has saved my *** many times!!!
 
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txvwnut

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I have a Gearwrench set and the taps are soft and will break rather easily. I’m on the fence about the ratcheting tap handle, sometimes I like it sometimes I’m not a fan but it is decent quality and the ratcheting action is a plus. The dies seem stout and cut well I do like that the die holder has alignment pins to square it up on the stock when starting threads. Overall I do recommend this set though saying you will probably need to replace the taps with a better quality as they will break no matter how careful you are.
 
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WordMan

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B

BuffettFan

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Irwin/Hanson is a good choice.
Like any tool, it depends on the application/situation. Tapping a new hole is totally different that salvaging a muffed up thread.
Tapping a through hole is different than tapping a blind hole.

Here are words to live by: There is nothing more expensive than a cheap tap.

To start, I would buy an Irwin or Hanson tap and die set in whatever size range you need, and then buy the individuals as needed.
I like MSC for most of my stuff, but I've been dealing with the same guy there for 20 years. If you've got a regular supplier, they should work with you.

Then we can begin the discussion of taper vs plug vs semi-bottom vs bottoming taps...
And then tap drill sizes and tapping fluids...
 
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Skin

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Hanson is fine for the home gamer. 95% of the time its going to come out to straighten threads anyway. HSS is nice but prepare to pay about $20/pc and up for new stuff.
 
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woody 73

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Seems this topic come up every week but I could be wrong? Hot Rod for your Max price of $250.00 dollars you can pick up a nice set of carbon taps and Dies that should get you started.

But I am afraid if you are any serious and want to step up to the plate then your next step is either spend the big dollars, cry in pain and buy a set of high speed steel taps & dies especially if you will work in stainless steel.


If you don't want to cry too hard then only pick them up in singles from a company like MSC, or other well known company.

Call me been there done that...
 
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GRB

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SoCal
If you are working on an older vehicle and want to restore threads, you DON"T want a tap & die set but a thread repair set. Look for a Lisle or Kaster thread repair kit. Here is the one we use in my shop: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QHQEPE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
In general, taps and dies are for making NEW threads, not repairing old ones. Believe me, that I know the difference owning an old car repair and restoration business and a manufacturing business with a room full of taps and dies.
 
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Mgdoug3

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Mar 2, 2018
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KY
I bought a cheap tap and drill set from Advance Auto. I don't even remember the name but the kit included the one tap I needed that no one had and didn't have time to order one. The kit is better as a rethreader more than anything. I had a starter bolt stripped out of aluminum. No room for a drill but had room for a tap one size up in standard instead of metric. The tap in the kit wasn't working at all. I then remembered I bought an old toolbox with Winter HSS bits. Decided to try it just for the heck of it and that tap went through like hot butter.

Great bits make easier jobs and cheap bits can make it difficult. I have better luck finding quality taps at my local hardware store and NAPA than Rural King, Tractor Supply, or cheap auto parts stores.
 
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Skin

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GRB said:
If you are working on an older vehicle and want to restore threads, you DON"T want a tap & die set but a thread repair set. Look for a Lisle or Kaster thread repair kit. Here is the one we use in my
Click to expand...

Those Kastar kits are basically grade 8 hardware. I've had them not work too many times to count. Taps and dies work fine for thread repair. Sure you might remove a bit of material but its just a car, not a spacecraft.

Speaking for myself I've cleaned and re-tapped hundreds of threads with taps and dies and never had one not work unless the threads were already severely damaged.
 
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6PTsocket

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Mar 12, 2014
Messages
4,593
I've had good luck with the Kastar stuff. They are now called Lang. You clearly see the thinking behind chaser taps so I guess it just comes down to preference. I really don't want to lose any more thread. People sometimes make them from a grade 8 bolt that they cut a few flutes in with a Dremel or other cut off wheel.
Skin said:
Those Kastar kits are basically grade 8 hardware. I've had them not work too many times to count. Taps and dies work fine for thread repair. Sure you might remove a bit of material but its just a car, not a spacecraft.

Speaking for myself I've cleaned and re-tapped hundreds of threads with taps and dies and never had one not work unless the threads were already severely damaged.
Click to expand...

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
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