Just got a tap and die set.... Replace broken ones with?

[kunkernator]

I just got these three sets off Craigslist for $100. The two small ones are Napa, and the large one is Mac. They are all near complete, but i need to replace a few missing taps and 2 handles. What is a good brand to buy replacements from? I would like to stay USA made, because all three sets are USA made..... Is Snap On a good choice? I have a 50% student discount...

 

[wafrederick]

Irwin is a great choice for the replacements,made here in the USA.Any top of the line auto parts store sells Irwin taps and dies

 

[MFolks]

Sears used to have replacement taps and dies in blister packs, and most good auto parts stores seem to offer the same. The taps all will probably be the 4 flute type, requiring a 1/4 turn forward and back to clear the chips as you tap. The production type taps are "Gun Type" that push the chip away from it as you tap, used mainly on open hole situations. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tap_and_die

 

[kunkernator]

Well I made the Mac set almost full by taking out any damaged taps/dies, and moving the Napa taps/dies over to it. Both Napa sets are still pretty full, so they will make nice spares. The only two pieces that I am missing, are a 3/8''-16 NC tap, and a 10mm-1.50 tap. Everything else is in place in the Mac set, all made in USA and all made me very happy. I finally have a full tap/die set.

EDIT: Just looked up the two missing taps on Snap-On's website..... With my discount, I can get both for $10.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Just a comment--you did GOOD getting all that for a hundred bucks. Well done!

 

[zcbauer89]

Hanson pieces would be excellent replacements. They have held up well for me

 

[BK13]

Just a comment--you did GOOD getting all that for a hundred bucks. Well done!

Yeah, nice score!

 

[kunkernator]

On another note, are tap and dies lifetime warrranty? Or are they considered a consumable like drill bits?

 

[MattPersman]

Get them from snap on they are Irwin Hanson and are avail very easily when needed with free shipping. They are lifetime if they are snap on branded afaik

 

[Buckgnarly]

Get the lisle tap socket sets along with sliding t handles in all drive sizes and you will never go back to tap handles!

 

[wafrederick]

I know Auto Value and Parts Plus auto parts stores sell Irwin taps and dies.Matco is another one that warranties their taps and dies with a lifetime warranty,I just had a 6mm x 1.00 tap replaced I broke recently.

 

[jjjrmx5]

What is a good brand to buy replacements from? I would like to stay USA made, because all three sets are USA made..... Is Snap On a good choice? I have a 50% student discount...

If you have a Snap-On driver and the discount, then I suggest Snap-On. Especially if only used occasionally.
Irwin is my choice is DIY or no tool truck.

We buy taps and dies in bulk being a mfgr and use Morse Tools out of MI or Brubaker Tool out of PA for taps.
Made in USA. I love them.
Never seen one break unless misused.

http://www.morsecuttingtools.com/cgi/CGPTHOME

http://www.brubakertool.com



But we buy each size in 15, 25 or 50 pack each so it's different rules since we buy from an industrial supplier and you normally only see those brands in big shops.

On another note, are tap and dies lifetime warrranty? Or are they considered a consumable like drill bits?

All depends.

Snap-On is non-commital, as the drivers will replace under warranty but corp. is "iffy" and case by case.

Most will say no. Especially industrial and tool suppliers.
Wear item is their view.

I can't disagree.

 

[jeffmoss26]

We have Greenfield and Kennametal taps here.

 

[rshadd]

I replace my missing taps with Greenfield pieces. (now by Widia GTD).

 

[jeffmoss26]

I can never keep track of who owns who anymore.
Greenfield Tap & Die = Widia GTD = Kennametal
Greenfield INDUSTRIES = Cle Line, Chicago Latrobe

 

[78Bird]

also wanted to chime in that for a hundie you got a great deal. a really nice set, lots of spares, all US made... go you!

 

[bimmerZ5]

nice find!!!

+1 for Irwin Hansen taps/dies. really enjoy using their PTS taps/dies.

 

[kunkernator]

I went to NAPA today to get something and took a peek at the taps and dies they had on the shelf. About 90% of them were in newer packaging and made in China.... The remaining 10% were NOS and USA made (matching my sets), unfortunately, all the ones that I am missing fall in the 90% I think I am just going to buy Snap On ones, although I am still going to look at Irwin. Did anyone mention who sells them? Any B&M store?

I also got everything nice and organized, and gave all the taps and dies a light coat of WD40 to keep them in good condition (a few were starting to develop some rust, which prompted me to do this).

 

[zcbauer89]

I think tooltopia sells Hanson taps and dies, I know you said B&M, but just throwing tooltopia out there.

 

[vjlobel]

I can never keep track of who owns who anymore.
Greenfield Tap & Die = Widia GTD = Kennametal
Greenfield INDUSTRIES = Cle Line, Chicago Latrobe

Interesting, I was just in Latrobe, PA the other day, and there's a huge Kennametal facility outside of the airport. I'm going to have to investigate this.