Need help choosing a Tap and Die set

[JOE.G]

Hi, I am looking for a decent set that can handle different general tasks, I am unsure if I need tapered or bottoming, I am looking to just repair threads if I happen to strip them or ****** them up.

I am looking at this set

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HBDW48/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dogdog]

man you'll be opening a can of worms with that question...

I have the HF large sets, one for metric (actually from ebay, looks the same) , one for SAE.... covers about everything... and they worked fine for taps... never used the Dies much...

but thread repair on a bolt or stud, or nut is the best with that thread restorer sets....

something like this... it's rebrand of Kaster/Lang as I was told... Snap on also have a set. It's not very complete , just covers most common bolts nuts.... but works wonders... ....

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-48-pc-sae-metric-thread-restorer-kit/p-00942275000P

There are few threads about these long discussion, different views ........ just search here... as recent as 6 months ago I think....

 

[MShaw]

If you are buying single taps, a plug tap is your best bet. A taper tap has a long chamfer and you will not be able to get full thread close to the bottom of a hole.

A bottom tap will get very close to the bottom of a hole but it cuts on very few teeth and will dull more quickly.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you're just repairing threads and not doing any cutting, get the Lang set.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You need a thread repair set, not a tap set. You want to push the threads back into shape, not cut the offending metal away, weakening the threads.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P6UNHE/?tag=atomicindus08-20



Metric and SAE, you can buy individual pieces from Snap On for $3-$6 each, free shipping.


EDIT: Buy the craftsman set linked above, not my linked one. Same kit, rebranded by many. Just get whichever is cheapest, they're all the same aside from the color of the case.

 

[sberry]

Been in this racket a long time and have a set 50 years old along with newer ones. Never owned a restorer.

 

[JOE.G]

So maybe I should get both, Never hurts to have these on hand. I would appreciate different kit options and your views/experiences on them.

Maybe Ill get the kit I linked to and then the Craftsman kit dogdog linked to.

I would like a fairly complete kit with out breaking the bank.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Been in this racket a long time and have a set 50 years old along with newer ones. Never owned a restorer.

Why cut out good material when it can be reshaped? Yes, taps/dies work, but you end up with less "meat" afterwards. My typical theory is that if you can't fix it with a thread chaser, you should probably just re-tap or heli-coil. I don't like taps for aluminum either, too easy to cut new threads crooked, not chase what you need.


Frankly since most people only want to chase/repair threads, a chaser set usually meets their needs better than a full tap set, and is often equivalent in cost or cheaper. Chasers (tap style) are usually much easier to get started.



Yes, sometimes things are "done fucked up right good", and running a tap is your only chance to save huge potential headache. Time and places for everything, frankly I use my chaser set more to clean rust/corrosion than fix messed up threads.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

So maybe I should get both, Never hurts to have these on hand. I would appreciate different kit options and your views/experiences on them.

Maybe Ill get the kit I linked to and then the Craftsman kit dogdog linked to.

I would like a fairly complete kit with out breaking the bank.

Hate to pile on the craftsman links, but these are great for truly crusty suspension bolts. Think diameter of your middle finger, it WAS 100% threads, now 1/2 of those are clogged solid with rust.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-cm-...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Mine is listed as made in Israel, IIRC.


Check out astro pneumatic for tap sets, or mention what you mainly work on. Automotive needs really just 2 taps. M6x1 and M8x1.25. Bigger stuff than that I just drill oversize and heli-coil. The two sizes I listed are the main "you snapped it off, it's non critical, just drill through the snapped off bolt and cut threads into the shell of it".

 

[plinker]

I also use the thread chasers to clean rust & **** from existing threads in addition to reforming. I have used a tap to finish clean threads that have already had a chaser ran through, not a very common thing though.

They dont make chasers for larger stuff (14x2.00, 16x1.5/2.00, above 5/8) so I had bought taps & dies for those. Not often needed, but when you need it you need it.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

For restoring threads use a thread restorer since it's the right tool for the job. The linked 48 piece CM set is a good way to go and fairly inexpensive.

If you are thinking both, the GW set you linked is a pretty good one. The bigger GW set would be even better though. http://www.gearwrench.com/cutting-t...pc-sae-metric-ratcheting-tap-and-die-set.html

 

[JOE.G]

The Next size up Gear wrench set is quite a bit more, I guess Id have to compare them to see what the one has the other doesn't.

I have never seen a Craftsman tool like the one listed above.

Anyone have a link to a pretty complete Restorer kit?

 

[lilredex]

I'm in the same boat as sberry, never used anything but taps and dies. If I were to only have one tap, I'd have the tapered one, you could always cut it off if you just had to have a bottoming tap.

For cleaning out threads, like on brake cables, gas tank "J" bolts, etc, make up some of these.....very simple and they work. When you re-install those gas tank nuts, cut a coupling nut in half and put cuts on both sides. That way they work in either direction, the next time.

 

[woody 73]

Man what a can of worms op...

If you want to have some fun and not pay out any money, (the best kind of fun)better strike that other kinds of fun out there!

Anyhow take a bolt of the size you are needing in Sae/Metric and place it on it's side in a horizontal placement. I prefer to use a vise so the bolt will not move but that is up to you, next grab a Dremel cut off wheel and make three horizontal slots running the full length of the bolt in question and now you will have a thread restore tool ready to fix any damaged threads...

 

[woody 73]

I'm in the same boat as sberry, never used anything but taps and dies. If I were to only have one tap, I'd have the tapered one, you could always cut it off if you just had to have a bottoming tap.

For cleaning out threads, like on brake cables, gas tank "J" bolts, etc, make up some of these.....very simple and they work. When you re-install those gas tank nuts, cut a coupling nut in half and put cuts on both sides. That way they work in either direction, the next time.

You must be a psychic mind reader...

 

[theoldwizard1]

Been in this racket a long time and have a set 50 years old along with newer ones. Never owned a restorer.

My Craftsman set is 40 years old. Still works well !

 

[bmwguy87]

I bought the master set from Cornwell tools and I’m very happy with it. I know it was pricy but they warranty any that I break.

 

[joel63]

FWIW, a thread restorer kit is a can not do without tool in my book.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I buy individual Irwin taps as needed. Since I only work on metric it's been cheap and the taps are high quality

 

[454ragtop]

Still have this inch set, real nice one, made in USA, $40.00 shipped. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=388931

 

[Finky198]

I have more than enough of both types, as well as other specific rethreading tools, and use them all the time fixing threads, broken bolts, or taps etc.... for customers, other mechanics and businesses...

If I was starting over I’d buy rethreaders first, and taps/dies later on down the road...
I grab the 48pc Lang rethreaders 80% of the time for any repair type work...

 

[teejaywhy]

man you'll be opening a can of worms with that question...

I have the HF large sets, one for metric (actually from ebay, looks the same) , one for SAE.... covers about everything... and they worked fine for taps... never used the Dies much...

but thread repair on a bolt or stud, or nut is the best with that thread restorer sets....

something like this... it's rebrand of Kaster/Lang as I was told... Snap on also have a set. It's not very complete , just covers most common bolts nuts.... but works wonders... ....

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-48-pc-sae-metric-thread-restorer-kit/p-00942275000P

There are few threads about these long discussion, different views ........ just search here... as recent as 6 months ago I think....

I love this forum. I have had on my "tools to buy" list a tap & die set forever. But really, it sounds like a thread restorer is what I need. I would probably never be cutting new threads, just fixing bunged up ones.

Interesting, the Craftsman set linked above shows:
"Shipping Unavailable"
"Store Pickup Unavailable"

whut??

 

[dogdog]

I love this forum. I have had on my "tools to buy" list a tap & die set forever. But really, it sounds like a thread restorer is what I need. I would probably never be cutting new threads, just fixing bunged up ones.

Interesting, the Craftsman set linked above shows:
"Shipping Unavailable"
"Store Pickup Unavailable"

whut??

LOL it's sears... they **** tease you sometimes... I had that same problem with the flare wrench the last time it was on sale... but anyways... I mentioned two other names... you can search amazon or ebay or any other tool palace...

Just search for "lang thread restorer set" or " Kaster thread restorer set" or "snap on thread restorer set" , I think some one mentioned earlier "GearWrench thread restorer set" << not too sure about this one....

and when I googled this same set looking a like thing is available.. I dunno this is way to magical to me....with sears at least...

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-40-pc-tap-and-die-set-master/p-00952105000P


^^^O nvm that is a 40 piece, vs the 48 piece... not too sure what's missing what....

this was listed,,,

apparently amazon is cheaper for non-craftsman stuff..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P6UNHE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

as far as real tap and die sets..
I have these or look alike exactly ones I mentioned..covers almost everything I touch daily except some really odd ball ones like the freaking German stuff like to use M9x1.25 for brake caliper guide pins and some oil burner that uses 1/2-28 tpi for it's nozzles... lol ( don't google those or you "might" have fbi knocking)

https://www.harborfreight.com/45-pc-titanium-nitride-coated-alloy-steel-sae-tap-die-set-61411.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/45-pc...ted-alloy-steel-metric-tap-die-set-61410.html

 

[Mr Ratchet]

The Next size up Gear wrench set is quite a bit more, I guess Id have to compare them to see what the one has the other doesn't.

I have never seen a Craftsman tool like the one listed above.

Anyone have a link to a pretty complete Restorer kit?

The set you linked is the 75 pcs. The bigger set is 114 pcs. With the bigger set you get a bigger tap ratchet handle, tap holder, a set of easy outs, and you go from 34 different sizes to 48. It's just more of a comprehensive set.

I have a CTA 53 piece thread restore set which is the largest set that I know of.
http://www.ctatools.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=82&product_id=757

 

[Tallpilot]

I also use the thread chasers to clean rust & **** from existing threads in addition to reforming. I have used a tap to finish clean threads that have already had a chaser ran through, not a very common thing though.

They dont make chasers for larger stuff (14x2.00, 16x1.5/2.00, above 5/8) so I had bought taps & dies for those. Not often needed, but when you need it you need it.

http://www.langtools.com/sku-2599-20-pc-spindle-thread-restorer-die-set/

 

[bubinga]

Why cut out good material when it can be reshaped? Yes, taps/dies work, but you end up with less "meat" afterwards. My typical theory is that if you can't fix it with a thread chaser, you should probably just re-tap or heli-coil. I don't like taps for aluminum either, too easy to cut new threads crooked, not chase what you need.


Frankly since most people only want to chase/repair threads, a chaser set usually meets their needs better than a full tap set, and is often equivalent in cost or cheaper. Chasers (tap style) are usually much easier to get started.

Yes, sometimes things are "done fucked up right good", and running a tap is your only chance to save huge potential headache. Time and places for everything, frankly I use my chaser set more to clean rust/corrosion than fix messed up threads.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
THIS (Highlighted above) Is Very TRUE.

 

[bubinga]

I also use the thread chasers to clean rust & **** from existing threads in addition to reforming. I have used a tap to finish clean threads that have already had a chaser ran through, not a very common thing though.

They dont make chasers for larger stuff (14x2.00, 16x1.5/2.00, above 5/8) so I had bought taps & dies for those. Not often needed, but when you need it you need it.

Yes,and keep in mind sometimes you can use a longer bolt of the same size as there is often times a good 1/4" of "Untouched" threads further down in that area.

 

[woody6904]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QHQEPE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DD4KW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You might be able to find cheaper by shopping around. Or both can be bought in the Snap-On flavor if you are into that kinda thing.

 

[C.L S2000]

Hate to pile on the craftsman links, but these are great for truly crusty suspension bolts. Think diameter of your middle finger, it WAS 100% threads, now 1/2 of those are clogged solid with rust.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-cm-...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Mine is listed as made in Israel, IIRC.


Check out astro pneumatic for tap sets, or mention what you mainly work on. Automotive needs really just 2 taps. M6x1 and M8x1.25. Bigger stuff than that I just drill oversize and heli-coil. The two sizes I listed are the main "you snapped it off, it's non critical, just drill through the snapped off bolt and cut threads into the shell of it".

I cant remember where I first seen this set but when I seen it, I wanted it just for the ratcheting handle. I thought that was pretty cool, over the traditional solid bar handle.

http://www.astrotools.com/automotive-tap-die-set-metric.html

 

[LB-1911]

So maybe I should get both, Never hurts to have these on hand. I would appreciate different kit options and your views/experiences on them.

Maybe Ill get the kit I linked to and then the Craftsman kit dogdog linked to.

I would like a fairly complete kit with out breaking the bank.

I love this forum. I have had on my "tools to buy" list a tap & die set forever. But really, it sounds like a thread restorer is what I need. I would probably never be cutting new threads, just fixing bunged up ones.

Interesting, the Craftsman set linked above shows:
"Shipping Unavailable"
"Store Pickup Unavailable"

whut??

Another source / option

Jaw Manufacturing Co. is a manufacturer and distributor of thread restoring files and special automotive non-powered hand tools for over 67 years.

Products include thread restoring files and the nut-sized hex rethreading dies and low-cost rethreading taps in both NC-USS, NF-SAE, and metric sizes from 8 to 32 threads per inch and 0.80mm to 3.00mm pitch. Jaw Mfg. invented the nut-sized rethreading dies in 1951 and the low-cost rethreading taps a few years later. Rethreading dies range from 1/4 inch to 1-3/8 inch (6mm to 24mm) and taps from 1/4" to 9/16" (6mm to 14mm).

http://handtools.jawco.com/viewitems/all-categories/rethreading-tap-die-file-sets-2?&plpver=10

 

[JOE.G]

Does a restorer tap or die help if you strip a part as long as it isn't completely stripped?

 

[Finky198]

In some case yes, depending on what is left will determine how strong the repair is...
If it's too far gone then a helicoil or similar insert might be better suited...

Its also very important to factor in how critical is the part your repairing to your safety, Brakes and Suspension parts are very different then a misc bracket or interior part.

 

[bubinga]

In some case yes, depending on what is left will determine how strong the repair is...
If it's too far gone then a helicoil or similar insert might be better suited...

Its also very important to factor in how critical is the part your repairing to your safety, Brakes and Suspension parts are very different then a misc bracket or interior part.

Well Said!!
keep In Mind what I said above too, sometimes you can run the thread repair "tap" in the hole, and there is more length to use a Longer Bolt=New unused thread, new lease 0n life.

 

[bubinga]

Still have this inch set, real nice one, made in USA, $40.00 shipped. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=388931

454ragtop, is that a HSS set by chance?
If so, maybe after I pay some bills @ the beginning of next month.
EDIT
No, High Carbon.
Maybe still take it if I have the Extra Money.
Found a ECO 56 volt "Local Pick Up" No Battery but I have one.
Landlady sent me a 56 volt Weed wacker. Going to "share" the Battery.
Don't tell her though.............L0L
but point is I have to pay $120.00 on or around the 3rd. of the month.