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[matt_m]

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[zeke markham]

If you're going to be cleaning up threads and not cutting new ones make sure you get taps designed for the purpose.

 

[Parrothead]

If you're going to be cleaning up threads and not cutting new ones make sure you get taps designed for the purpose.

Yep, cleaning up threads and making new ones are two different things.

https://m.sears.com/craftsman-48-pc...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKzblJ6KqNkCFc9vAQoduw4D3Q

 

[matt_m]

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[jsmeece]

See, that's why I ask...didn't even know that was a thing. I bet a small SAE tap set with machine screw sizes-to maybe 3/8-16 or less would more than meet my needs along with a decent thread restorer set.

So any recommendations on good options that don't involve Sears?

That set Sears sells is made by Kastar, I think, or Lang. Both available on Amazon.

Now two different kits are available, a 40 piece and a 48, I would get the 48 piece, the cost of the 48 piece if not that much more than the 40 piece.

I have that Sears 48 piece kit, works great, plus you can get it cheaper using shop your way points, I paid a total of $9.98 for my kit utilizing Sears points and shipping was free.

I think Snap-On sells the rebranded Lang set, can get single pieces from Snap-On too.

 

[Htscheg]

If your just using it to clean threads and what not just get a thread chaser set.. they can be had for a reasonable price and will do that job wonderfully like the poster above said. The snapon set is the same ine that Sears sells, Matco Sells etc! Look on fleabay or amazon for decent prices. Sears might even have it in sale! Just a rebranded item that Lang probably makes for them

 

[johninct]

Don't skimp on buying cheap taps. It doesn't matter if it sits in your drawer and gets used only once in 20 years. Why not to buy cheap taps? You don't want to be the guy posting the question "How to remove a broken tap".

 

[ocloc24]

I mean I wouldn't get a thread chaser set as your only set, you can't cut threads with a chaser but you can clean up existing threads with a tap/die. I mean for what you described honestly the HF may serve you just fine. They're pretty complete sets for a good price. They aren't the best, but if you're mainly cutting the materials you listed I think they'll do fine. I have them at home and I've used them to cut threads in steel and only the most used ones are starting to wear. I'm 99% sure they're covered by warranty so you can always replace it if they break.

From there if you want a step up there's Irwin or Hansen which are still pretty affordable.

I will say if you're going to cut threads in steel regularly I'd probably go with a more reliable brand. Nothing worse than breaking off a tap in something important

 

[woody 73]

Like the others have pointed out this is the set you will want:

https://www.tooltopia.com/lang-tool...ampaign=PLA&scid=scbplpKAS972&sc_intid=KAS972

If you list your closest CL city I could search for a used T&D set for you.

 

[woody 73]

This is an example from my local CL, a cheap set (missing a few pieces) and made out of carbon steel that you could pick up.

https://columbus.craigslist.org/tld/d/dayton-23-pc-tap-and-die-set/6485211870.html

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I'd get the a thread chaser set first. They come in different sizes and price ranges. I have a 53 piece one from CTA http://www.ctatools.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=757.

Then add a metal cutting tap/s as you need. They also make tap and die sets in all sorts of sizes and price ranges. I have an older set from Craftsman and never had any issues with it and both taps and dies make good threads. I've recently added a few taps and dies from Irwin/hansen.

I have a Gearwrench ratcheting tap/die handle on the way. I think I'm going to like this set up and will use it on my cutting taps/dies and thread chasers. http://www.gearwrench.com/cutting-t...80-ratcheting-tap-and-die-drive-tool-set.html

 

[anndel]

You need a thread rethreader set. Search that in Amazon.

 

[Wamsutta]

Yep, cleaning up threads and making new ones are two different things.

https://m.sears.com/craftsman-48-pc...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKzblJ6KqNkCFc9vAQoduw4D3Q

Funny you mention that; last night I was researching that set which is made by LANG tools. If you want a M10x1.00 die, that 48 piece set is the only set that has it. In fact, if you want a M10x1.00 die, the only way to get it is to buy that entire set.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

If you want a M10x1.00 die, that 48 piece set is the only set that has it.

My 53 piece set that I linked to also has that size.

 

[M_George]

A tap cuts new threads, whereas a tread restorer will reform the existing threads without removing any more metal.

 

[matt_m]

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[Mr Ratchet]

This looks like it might be what you are looking for.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004YOAZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I do like the Gearwrench sets as they include the ratcheting handle. This set might be more than what you are looking for but, would handle most of the jobs you'd come across.
http://www.gearwrench.com/cutting-t...ng-tap-and-die-drive-tool-set-sae-metric.html

 

[matt_i]

I would get to McMAster carr and order some 4 flute hand taps, probably plug or taper. Ypu'll probably get Greenfield Tap & Die.

And a tap handle.

And some tap lube, many choices, I like Tap Magic in the little metal squeeze can.

I would get a mini triangular file "three-square" (probably about 1/8" on each face) for cleaning up any male threads, no dies needed.

Just buy more for projects as you need them. The above are going to be superior to almost any other "set" which is downgraded to reach a price point.

 

[bwringer]

There's also something to be said for figuring out the sizes you're likely to need and buying them one at a time. The "Vermont" or Irwin stuff at my local hardware store is decent midrange stuff at a reasonable price.

Depends on what you usually do, of course -- I mostly work on Japanese motorcycles, so a metric thread file, a few metric taps, and a few dies take care of most needs.

I've used a Harbor Freight set when that's all a friend of mine had on hand, and everything worked out OK, but it was a nerve-wracking experience; they're definitely not confidence-inspiring.

 

[matt_m]

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[jloehlein]

You can get good quality taps from McMaster. Buying 6-32, 8-32, 10-24, 10-32 and 1/4-20 taps individually will cost like $25. Also - I'd get a nice tap wrench. Starrett ones don't cost that much.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I've been looking at tap sets as well. I have the Sears 48 piece restorer set and it works amazing, used the "snap on" set when I worked in a shop. I've been looking at the big Irwin set as well as the big gearwrench set. I'm thinking of going with the latter and replacing individually as things wear out.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I have a HF set. It has worked well. To start off, buy a cheap tap and die set. The thread pitch gauges and dies will serve you for a while, and the taps on non-critical missions will work.

Then, pick up individual taps and dies when needed. Aluminum? Get a nice shiny new tap. Blind hole in an automotive application where you can't afford to have to get it out later? New. Maybe an oddball thread pitch not included in a set, you're going new.

Set yourself up to have the basics on a budget and be prepared, then fill in the gaps and let your actual needs flesh out your toolset. You may find the cheapie set tap and die wrenches work well for you, I added the Lisle tap socket set (o-rigged inside to retain, and you use your ratchet) which are handy.

The chasers can be handy, but they're single-mission. The 48pc. is THE bang for the buck. The 53 or 54 pc. sets from Jawco are more comprehensive.

 

[zktk01]

Check out the classified section Rickster has a few sets for a good price.

 

[6PTsocket]

Yep, cleaning up threads and making new ones are two different things.

https://m.sears.com/craftsman-48-pc...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKzblJ6KqNkCFc9vAQoduw4D3Q

I agree. That Craftsman set and virtually every other one is made by Lang, formerly Kastar. Even the set from SnapOn is theirs. Buy it wherever you get the best price. There are smaller sets, like just taps, if that is all you need. For individual pieces, SnapOn, online, is the best source. They ship free to anybody, and most pieces will only be a few bucks. They are called clean up or chaser taps and are for cleaning up dirty or dinged threads with out losing much metal. Regular taps are for cutting new thread. Many people use them as clean up taps but they can cut away metal and weaken the thread. Even a half way decent complete set of SAE or metric taps and dies is not cheap and you sound like a very occasional user. Mantenance grade taps are carbon steel. Hanson is a popular brand and even makes them for SnapOn, to be sold at jacked up prices. Higher quality taps are high speed steel, but that is no guarantee. There are HSS taps from China, that are junk.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Wamsutta]

My 53 piece set that I linked to also has that size.

What is the brand name on that 53 piece set? Reason why I ask is because LANG's biggest set is a 48 piece.

 

[Indexmill]

Hanson brand taps and dies are still made in the USA.

 

[PFSard]

What is the brand name on that 53 piece set? Reason why I ask is because LANG's biggest set is a 48 piece.

He linked to it in his post (#11). Amazon has it.

CTA Tools 8240 Universal 53-Piece Rethreading Set

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035533S8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Wamsutta]

He linked to it in his post (#11). Amazon has it.

CTA Tools 8240 Universal 53-Piece Rethreading Set

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035533S8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Is the CTA Tools set made by LANG? That's what I was getting at.

 

[Parrothead]

See, that's why I ask...So any recommendations on good options that don't involve Sears?

I agree. That Craftsman set and virtually every other one is made by Lang, formerly Kastar. Even the set from SnapOn is theirs. Buy it wherever you get the best price.

Unless you have a real aversion to Sears (which I’d understand), their sale price is tough to beat. I paid $40 for my set a few years ago. In this case, Craftsman, Lang, and Snap On are all the same tool. As was said by 6PTsocket buy based on price.

 

[MuhThugga]

I have the Vermont American 58 Piece sets in both SAE and Metric. They are very nice sets for light-medium duty. Just don't expect to stick a tap in a drill and cut new threads.

 

[pepi]

Get taps and dies, you can chase threads just fine for the general work you have describe. I would avoid sears... Found they did not last/cut very long.

This is a very good reasonable set, that covers common sizes. Purchased the set years ago to replace a sears set. Do not like the tap holder, but that is the case with most sets, I buy the Starret tap holder.

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-60-pc-sae-and-metric-tap-and-die-set.html

Greg

 

[Parrothead]

...This is a very good reasonable set, that covers common sizes. Purchased the set years ago to replace a sears set. Do not like the tap holder, but that is the case with most sets, I buy the Starret tap holder.

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-60-pc-sae-and-metric-tap-and-die-set.html

Greg

Pretty sure that’s the Harbor Freight set.

Same layout, number of pieces, same color plastic right down to the color of the screwdriver.

https://m.harborfreight.com/60-piec...t-35407.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

“On Sale” for $37, then the 20% off = $30

 

[ocloc24]

A few have mentioned, just wanted to add, I'd used the tap handles that came in the kits for years, they sucked, never thought much of it. Then i used a starrett a few months ago... such a massive difference. So worth it

 

[cm cm]

Don’t listen to the guys telling you to buy a thread repair kit, these guys get off on telling people how to use tools. Sure a chase kit is the right tool for the job, but if you have this many questions about a basic tap and die kit, it’s about time you buy a basic tap kit...

Also buying individual is a fail, you’ll get one tap for $5, or the entire set for like $25, then after the next project you will have to go back and buy another one, then you have two loose taps floating around your toolbox. Having a full set is well worth the money.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Don’t listen to the guys telling you to buy a thread repair kit, these guys get off on telling people how to use tools. Sure a chase kit is the right tool for the job, but if you have this many questions about a basic tap and die kit, it’s about time you buy a basic tap kit...

Also buying individual is a fail, you’ll get one tap for $5, or the entire set for like $25, then after the next project you will have to go back and buy another one, then you have two loose taps floating around your toolbox. Having a full set is well worth the money.

I disagree. If you have messed up threads the tap will cut them off, not straighten them. That's what taps do... so you lose material and integrity at the fastener. I've used a tap maybe 5 times in the last 5 years, but restorers I've used reassembling engines to clean threads, clean rust out of threads, restore messed up threads, etc.

 

[Aaron_W]

I recently picked up a Dewalt tap and die set from Home Depot for around $30. Includes taps and dies for 6-32 to 1/4-20, plus a T handle tap wrench and a round die holder.

Only thing I don't like is no case to keep it in.

I haven't used it yet, I just picked because I have a few upcoming projects that will need some threaded holes and it covered the sizes I may need.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Fractional-Tap-and-Die-Set-17-Piece-DWA1451/204787386

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Is the CTA Tools set made by LANG? That's what I was getting at.

Not sure but, I would guess not. I do have some older Kastar dies and Snap On (Kastar) taps. The markings are a little different. Some of the taps in my CTA kit have longer thread sections than my SO's. The CTA have way more bevel at the tip of the dies. The CTA has the little nubs on the drive end ground off. The files have a different end from my new ones to old ones. The stamping on the Kastar/SO tend to be a little deeper and better done.

Now, there could have be a manufacturing change but, I'm still guessing they are from different companies. The lay out of the CTA 53 piece kit is pretty much the same as Matco's from 6-7 years ago. The CTA has the extra three dies on the lower left that the Matco did not have. Matco calls theirs a 51 piece but, I only count 50 pcs on their older and current ones.

The thing that is the same is how they work. When I got the CTA kit, I tested them on some rust/dirty/damaged nuts and bolts I had lying around. A clean bolt or nut that would not work on a bad one did the same after the chasers were used. They spun on the same regardless of which rethreading kit I used.

 

[Coach James]

Don’t listen to the guys telling you to buy a thread repair kit, these guys get off on telling people how to use tools. Sure a chase kit is the right tool for the job, but if you have this many questions about a basic tap and die kit, it’s about time you buy a basic tap kit...

Also buying individual is a fail, you’ll get one tap for $5, or the entire set for like $25, then after the next project you will have to go back and buy another one, then you have two loose taps floating around your toolbox. Having a full set is well worth the money.

Am I missing something? The OP asks about tools to mainly repair threads. Posters tell him a thread restorer kit is the proper tool to use. You agree that it is the right tool to use, but then tell the OP not to buy it. Instead he should buy some other tool because he has questions about the other tool.

Why shouldn't the OP buy the tool designed to do what he wants to do?

Coach

 

[Wamsutta]

I picked up a Hanson M10 x 1.00 tap and die the other day.

Made in USA and the quality seems very good.