good cheap tap and die sets metric

[aldworth33]

As titled tried some snap on ones but wasn't impressed tbh seemed quite difficult to get started so was looking for recommendations,

thanks Aidan

 

[Addrock]

Tap and Die sets are typically thread chasers, not necessarily designed or intended to cut new thread. I would and have bought mostly cut and gun taps, some spiral and few dies.

 

[Kevin54]

As titled tried some snap on ones but wasn't impressed tbh seemed quite difficult to get started so was looking for recommendations,

thanks Aidan

What type of taps are they. Are they 2 flute, pointed, or a 4 flute bottom tap? It makes a huge difference. I prefer using a 2 flute gun tap. Once you get above 5/16" they will come as a three flute. If I need to thread to the bottom of the hole, I will follow up with a bottom tap. I've used Greenlee mainly, but then I've also used Cleveland, Dorman, and a few other brand name taps

 

[JayL]

These are what I purchased recently. I have not used these yet but I'm confident these USA made tools will be OK.

 

[aldworth33]

Not a clue lol just used bluepoint ones in the past but can't find them anywhere so got snap on and i find them hard to work with unless the threads just need dressing up. Might give the Irwin ones a go but for the useage they will get its not worth spending a lot on thanks

 

[dodge610]

I bought the HF 40 piece tap and die set a few years back they have worked fine and never let me down. I know now comes the bashing part you know the part where they say stone him teach him a lesson ARGH !!!!!!!!! lol

 

[aldworth33]

Cool i'll have a look see what I can find for cheapest thanks

 

[woody 73]

Sometimes cheap is the way to go ; but on drill bits and Tap & dies cheap is not the way to go.

Call me been there done that!

 

[wreckercologist]

Viking is another good brand. Not cheap, but cheaper than the Snap-ons. The boss recently bought a couple of Viking sets to keep in his race car transporter. They looked like a nice set to have.

BTW, I don't have any issues with my Snappy t&d set. The taps are four flute hand taps that are at best, a compromise to cover what most auto techs need. When I can though, I use a three flute spiral point tap. They start easier and are stronger, but are not good for blind holes.

A dull tap no matter what brand is a waste of time.

 

[aldworth33]

Cool had a quick look and I can get a Irwin one sent out for about 100 magic beans but can't find a decent metric Viking set, maybe its Google.co.uk not giving me the proper US sites but if I can find a set for u nder £120 I might have to get it

 

[wreckercologist]

Cool had a quick look and I can get a Irwin one sent out for about 100 magic beans but can't find a decent metric Viking set, maybe its Google.co.uk not giving me the proper US sites but if I can find a set for u nder £120 I might have to get it

Did you just add your location?

Not being in the states may complicate locating the Viking brand. I have no idea if they market to the other side of the Atlantic, but here are a few links anyway. These are off the Cornwell site, but they are available cheaper elsewhere.

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products.php?product=VA21749-%2d-40-Pc.-Metric-Tap-&-Die-Set

I'm pretty sure the Snappy's are Irwins anyway, with a few changes.