die handle stock

[Twisted Sid]

i did a search but didnt come up with a whole lot.
what is a good handle stock for a 1'' dies? i have just the HF tap and die sets but the handles are weak as hell and i have bent/broke 2 of them. i dont need anything too fancy just something that can hold up.

 

[Dave455]

I think the problem here is that if you get a good one they don't ever wear out, so even the big names for tap wrenches, like Starrett and Eclipse, don't offer them any more.

Here in the U.K. I have a selection of British made ones from firms such as Presto, Warrior and L.A.L. (my favourite - superior in every respect) all of which have been excellent, despite much hard use including repetitive assembly work! If you can acquire one of these used from eBay or somesuch, you would be fine!

Most of the tap and die manufacturers offer die stocks to suit their dies, and these will usually be of good quality, if a bit more costly. Here in the U.K. I'd advise Presto, but I don't know what their availability is like abroad.

MSC offer Die stocks by Lyndon. I've used these and they seem fine. If MSC offer something different in the USA it will probably be O.K.

At the cheaper end I've used Groz tools. I think they are Polish, but they are o.k., don't break or bend, and although they are cheap they are in a different league from the Chinese **** you see!

 

[WWIIjeep]

In the US, this has been one of the most widely used for more than half a century:

http://www.mytoolsforyou.com/automotive-tools/AHN-12026.html

Or the plain version without guide:

http://www.mytoolsforyou.com/automotive-tools/AHN-12008.html

Both are good, and it's worth having both styles.

No relation to, nor recommendation for, that particular seller; just used to show example of the products.

 

[Twisted Sid]

thanks for the feedback. im going to hit up a few garage sales this next weekend and see if i can find anything good. if not then ill but new.

how do the ones with the guides work? does it just keep it centered on the rod you are threading?

 

[WWIIjeep]

how do the ones with the guides work? does it just keep it centered on the rod you are threading?

The guide helps to keep the die perpendicular to the work when starting a new thread. If you're adding more thread to existing threads, or just chasing (cleaning) existing threads it's not necessary and can even be in the way, especially on smaller diameter threads. That's when the plain diestock comes in handy and why it's nice to have both types.

 

[Gmonkee]

Make your own?

I made a few myself as the answer for the pot metal originals to the sets. Heavy wall 1" ID pipe is an easy starting point.

 

[Twisted Sid]

thanks WWII ill have to keep my eyes open this weekend for both.

i would make my own but i would put much more money into the material alone then to just buy one, especially if i can find a decent used one at a garage sale.