Good Drill bit set and Tap and Die set for Auto Techs

[Fast LT1]

Today i needed a tap and die set and i don't own one, had to buy the tap from car quest. So now i'm thinking i should buy one cause no one in my shop has one. Wanting to spend about $100 on one, only really need metric. Whats the best bang for you're buck?

Also i'm looking for a good budget drill bit set? Irwin cobalt bits from lowes any good? or would you guys recommend something else, looking to spend say $60?

 

[pattenp]

Don't laugh but I have this Harbor Freight drill bit set and it seems to be decent quality bits. More than the $60 you want to spend. I have Craftsman Tap and Die set.

http://www.harborfreight.com/115-piece-cobalt-drill-bit-set-47653.html

 

[smothers33]

taps/dies are something id spend the extra cash to get a good set. i have the irwin hansen full set of sae and metric and they are excellent. if all you need is metric heres the metric set that came with my set... http://www.tooltopia.com/irwin-hanson-vise-grip-4935063.aspx

as for the drill bits i have the harbor freight set http://www.harborfreight.com/115-piece-cobalt-drill-bit-set-47653.html has fractional, letter, and wire gauge sizes so you will definetly have the correct bit if you ever have to drill a hole and tap it. i bought this set basically because i needed the letter bits but have been pleasently suprised how well all the bits have held up. drill bits are consumable so buying a expensive set isnt really a good idea considering you will probably use the same few over and over. buy a cheaper set and when they dull or break just buy a individual to replace it.

 

[Reality Sucks]

Irwin bits are great, i love them. A good uni-bit is also handy for sizes over 3/4 inch. I personally don't own a tap set, but the shop i work for does. I just buy the ones i need and use the most, no need paying alot for taps you will never use. Mac also makes a left hand drill bit set, im not sure who actually makes the bits, but hands down some of the sharpest bits ive ever used, and i also have some hf bits as mentioned and they work well also.

 

[balane]

I can definitely case a positive vote for the Irwin tap & die sets. I have the 76 piece set that's sold under several names (For more $$) and they have been awesome every time I needed one.

 

[SS5150]

For a cheap cobalt drill bit set I picked up a Home Depot Rigid set almost 2 yrs ago- its like a 15 or so piece set (comes in a small folding case)- and about $25- and definitely the best bang for the buck I've seen.