Looking for an inexpensive tap set

[branimal]

I occasionally find myself needing a tap. I see Harbor Freight has a 40 piece tap and die SAE set for $20. Anyone have any experience with it? The reviews are sort of useless. HF seems to only show positive comments.

Amazon also has a similar set for $30.


Links below

HF tap & die set

Amazon tap & die set

 

[FMB4]

I'd go with Hansen. I've had a SAE Hansen T&D set since the late '70s and have only broken 2 or 3 small taps (my fault entirely). I also have a cheap metric set that was made China or Taiwan Most likely China). These are so-so in quality but have held up well enough (I mainly use the taps to clear existing threads). The taps and dies on this set will, of course, cut threads but it's slow going and the threads don't seem to look as cleanly cut compared to those cut with the Hanson set (which is to be expected).

I'll also mention the some of HF T&D sets say something to the effect that they're "intended for softer metals and plastic" as I seem to recall (I could wrong tho).

 

[mrjaw14]

Irwin/Hansen. Lots of different sized kits depending on your needs. Taps are one of those areas you don’t want to go absolutely the cheapest route.

 

[wxm]

As other said, don’t go cheap with a tap. If it broke inside the stock, you had a much bigger project.

 

[ecotec]

As other said, don’t go cheap with a tap. If it broke inside the stock, you had a much bigger project.

I, absolutely, agree with the statement about not going too low end on taps.

Having made this statement... the average guy probably uses only a few of the taps. There are, absolutely, guys who use a lot of different taps. The average guy uses a small range of taps based on what he usually works on.

When you figure out what range you use a lot, buy extras of those.

 

[cannuck]

As per ecotec response. I tend to buy taps and dies from fastener stores because I make a lot of stuff from scratch. I often encounter really cheap sets in the field, and IF you are extremely careful, you MIGHT be able to restore a slightly damaged thread with them, but if and when they break, you have a much more difficult and expensive problem on your hands. Again, as mentioned, most people don't have the need for a full range of expensive threading tools, but IF you have to cut new threads go for the MOST expensive thing you can afford. For sets of occasional use, mid range or somewhere not quite in the basement (Irwin for instance) can serve well. USE CORRECT CUTTING FLUID EVERY TIME.

Just a little comment on thread restoration: once a thread is stripped, it is stripped. You might be able to run a tap through or die over the stripped area, but these tools REMOVE metal, they can't put it back. Speaking as someone who is paid to fix these kinds of problems: use a threaded insert and new bolt or replace the stud and use new nuts - don't expect something that won't tighten to magically fix itself by re-threading.

BTW: I have done really well over the years buying threading tools used (often not even used, except for a few sizes) so keep your eyes open. As a frame of reference, a drawer full of coarse and fine metric and SAE plus NPT taps is in the THOUSANDS, not hundreds of dollars.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

What are you using the taps for? If cutting new threads, what material, how deep and how many/often?
If repairing threads then I don't think HF has the right type of taps. If doing a lot of holes in steel I'd get better taps.

 

[RPH]

If just trying to restore threads then there are specific rethreading kits. These clear the gunk and try to reform the threads.

 

[branimal]

sounds like going the hf route could end up being a headache if I break the tap.

I need to cut new threads on a couple of projects. One is drilling and tapping threads on a 1/4” hot rolled steel plate. The other is drilling and tapping an old vise jaw.

there is a guy near me selling an old ACE SAE set of what looks like mostly taps for $25. It’s made in the USA. No case, just stored in a jar.

 

[ecotec]

I would not spend $25 on that mess.

 

[johninct]

sounds like going the hf route could end up being a headache if I break the tap.

I need to cut new threads on a couple of projects. One is drilling and tapping threads on a 1/4” hot rolled steel plate. The other is drilling and tapping an old vise jaw.

there is a guy near me selling an old ACE SAE set of what looks like mostly taps for $25. It’s made in the USA. No case, just stored in a jar.

You would wish that a broken tap is only just a headache.....

 

[39 LaSalle]

Three or four years ago I bought the Amazon set (more or less, don't recall the brand, but they all seem the same). They're okay in a pinch if as others said, you go very slow and remember to use lube. You'll also find the tap handles to be **** as they fall apart if you look at them funny. If I'm very lucky, I only have to tap something once every 6-9 months or so but I decided to upgrade. What I did was go on Ebay and find a vintage Ace Super Set from the 50's or 60's and USA made for about $50. They're what my dad used to have and they work perfect for what I need. Won't say they're the best available or anything like that, but the quality is much higher than HF or Amazon offerings for a price that won't break the bank. I also dropped the dime for a Lisle rethreading kit (paid $70) which is the exact same set sold by Matco, Snap-On, et al. for twice the money. I get far more use out of that set because I work on cars around the house and often find it helpful to clean up questionable threads.

 

[mrjaw14]

look and make sure they are reasonably sharp and not missing a bunch of teeth. I’d be concerned that rattling around together the teeth would be damaged. Taps are brittle

 

[cannuck]

sounds like going the hf route could end up being a headache if I break the tap.

I need to cut new threads on a couple of projects. One is drilling and tapping threads on a 1/4” hot rolled steel plate. The other is drilling and tapping an old vise jaw.

there is a guy near me selling an old ACE SAE set of what looks like mostly taps for $25. It’s made in the USA. No case, just stored in a jar.

As others have mentioned not worth $0.25. In fact, could cost a LOT more. What is ultra-critical for taps is how sharp they are. Dull taps will break. The other important thing is to use the RIGHT tap drill. Some use fractional sizes, but others use letter or number drills. I tend to keep the pilot drill for each size in the same rack that holds the taper, plug and bottoming tap of each size. You might get by in aluminum with next fractional size down from a number or letter drill, and for non-critical stuff you could protect a cheap tap by going up one (and getting only partial thread), but if you really want to do it right, get the right pilot, use the right tap (plug is good compromise but if you do a lot of through holes - or ANY through hole for that matter, use taper tap) and if you can, use the same setup for drilling the pilot hole and chuck up the tap and start it dead square by hand - or if you are REALLY serious using a torque limiting tap drive in the press.

 

[39 LaSalle]

sounds like going the hf route could end up being a headache if I break the tap.

I need to cut new threads on a couple of projects. One is drilling and tapping threads on a 1/4” hot rolled steel plate. The other is drilling and tapping an old vise jaw.

there is a guy near me selling an old ACE SAE set of what looks like mostly taps for $25. It’s made in the USA. No case, just stored in a jar.

Those are the type I recommended in my previous post...but I would take a pass on that set. They've been knocked around against each other which will dull them at best, and chip them at worst. I know a lot of folks are down on buying vintage sets, and to be fair, you are taking a bit of a gamble. But many of the vintage DIY kits I've kept an eye out were lightly if ever used. As long as they are in the original case, don't have a bunch of rust and crud on them, and are all there, your odds are they'll be fine for your purposes.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

There is a tech in my shop who has used the Harbor Freight set in the white case for 15 years not sure how much it goes for but you would not believe this but everyone in the shop when they need a tap or die they go get his set because it’s pretty well made and has done very well for him and everyone in the shop too. I’ve used it several times. I have an older Harbor Freight set that came in a blue case that rusted like mad but I also didn’t use them much but I think the ones in the white case are supposed to be more premium than the other sets they offer. In my personal experience Irwin/Hansen since going overseas has not been the same quality as they once were at least not on most things.

Edit: looks like they now come in a gray case for $39.99 no longer white.

 

[jayemm]

Awhile back, just to see for myself, I opened up the two T&D sets at Harbor Freight. The $20 set was absolute garbage. The $40 set looked quite a bit better and I've seen people post that they've had good results with it for occasional, non-demanding use. HF used to offer (haven't checked) better quality ,more expensive sets @ $80 each for SAE and metric sets. You've got some good advice above to help inform your choices.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I bought a cheap set once because that was the only way I could get the tap I needed that day. It's more of a rethread kit than a tapping set. For cleaning threads it works fine but it wouldn't be fun to tap new threads.

I'm covered on SAE taps and have an OK assortment of metric. When I need a metric tap, I buy it individually. The difference between a high quality tap and a cheap one is huge when you have to tap several holes. It takes much less force and less likely to break a tap.

 

[X1 Mike]

Next week's thread:

Looking for an inexpensive broken tap remover set.​

 

[branimal]

Ok I got it. No cheap tap sets. I'm going to lowes today - I'll take a look at the Irwin/Hanson tap & die sets.

Why doesn't anyone just sell a tap set? I don't need the dies. And I already have a tap wrench for chasing steam radiator threads.

 

[JSGAuto]

I have a few of the Irwin sets. They are not great either.

Just buy a greenfield, emuge, or other good brand when you need them and build a good set yourself.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I purchased a performance tool brand in standard and they work fine for me but the handle broke and i bought a irwin handle I believe. I ended up needing a 9/16 die and the local hardware carried singles in irwin/handon and wow what a difference. I have inherited some taps and dies since i got the performance tool ones and I really like the hex shaped dies. Me metric stuff is pretty limited and when i pull the trigger on a metric set im not sure what I will end up with but the irwin/hanson is at the top of my list

 

[rdoty]

I upgraded from the cheap tap & die set by getting individual taps in the sizes I need from Harry Epstein. For example, a 1/4" Norseman tap is $3.60 - and worth it! The Noreseman taps are much better than anything else I've used. Over the last few months I've tapped dozens of holes in 5/8" and 1" steel plate with no problems.

You can also order individual drill bits for tapped holes like a 13/64" Norseman Cobalt bit for 1/4-20 bolts for $2.60

This approach gives you high quality bits and taps that you actually need without a lot of filler.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I would for a HSS tap & die set, they cost a little more than carbon steel but will cut cleaner & give a little more than carbon, of course most HSS steel sets are 600$ & up though. Here is a decent HSS set it's an import that I bought for a job last year & they seem to hold up real well. Depending on what you're drilling you can get cobalt or tungsten too but if you're drilling mild steel HSS is the way to go, IMO.

110 Pc. HSS Fractional & Metric Tap & Die Set

www.msdiscounttool.com

 

[Lucid Moments]

It really sounds to me like OP doesn't need a set, but instead needs a few different taps and doesn't need the dies at all. I would just figure out what size taps I need and buy good taps in just those sizes. Don't wast money on a bunch of pretty expensive stuff you don't need and probably won't use.

 

[Bubba Fett]

The taps need to be good ones to avoid headaches. They need to be made with high quality steel and have sharp, even edges. I'm no expert, but here's a situation I found myself in...

I had a spark plug blow out of my truck engine. The threads were stripped in the aluminum head. So I got a Stanley Helicoil thread chaser kit. The tap that came with it had a hex end, so I used a socket and ratchet to do the work. A T-handle would have been better, but I couldn't find it. I used cutting paste, and just went a few turns, then pulled back, cleaned the tap, reapplied the paste, and repeated the process. Once I was satisfied that I had completed the cut, I used more paste on a long wooden swab to clean the new threads, and remove any chips that had fallen into the cylinder. Then I blew cylinder out with compressed air. After that, I used thread locker on the new threads, and let it set overnight. Finally, I put some anti-seize on the new plug and fired it up. It runs great.

When doing this, slow and steady wins the race.

Alternatively, I've used drill/tap bits for less critical work, like drilling and threading holes in plastic, wood, and sheet metal. I have a Greenlee set that I really like. Go slow, and let the drill "ride" the threads, and reverse out gently.

 

[ecotec]

I would for a HSS tap & die set, they cost a little more than carbon steel but will cut cleaner & give a little more than carbon, of course most HSS steel sets are 600$ & up though. Here is a decent HSS set it's an import that I bought for a job last year & they seem to hold up real well. Depending on what you're drilling you can get cobalt or tungsten too but if you're drilling mild steel HSS is the way to go, IMO.

110 Pc. HSS Fractional & Metric Tap & Die Set

www.msdiscounttool.com

Unless you are using this stuff all the time, that is a wild amount of money for tap and die.

For me, taps and dies are occasional use tools. I have sets, but I have never used them. I have so many loose taps and dies, that I do not have to. I have $20 into my sets.

I would put 90% of your tap and die budget into higher end versions of your often used taps and a rethreader set.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Just buy the sizes you need in a good brand with matching drill bits. This is how I've pieced together my "set" along with cheap cheap garage sale finds. No need to buy an expensive set where you'll never need 3/4 of the taps and 90% of the dies and no reason to buy a **** set and risk snapping them off.

 

[Sumboodie]

I have 2 Craftsman sets that have held up fine.

Not sure who makes them.

 

[infinite97]

All of the guys at my shop have the ridiculously expensive snap-on or mac tap and die sets. They’re somewhere around $500 for these big “master” sets and the majority of the set will never be used.

My last company provided us with emuge taps (we had our own part numbers for them) and I just ordered whatever I want.

current company, obviously, doesn’t provide drill bits and taps, which I think is ********. They’re a consumable item, imho. Regardless, I buy individual taps when I need them.

 

[dimichele]

A friend bought the hf cheapies to install a hack and tap slip yoke eliminator. Visually they were questionable and covered in burrs from the factory. I asked if he wanted to use one of mine but I didn't have that size in fine thread. The handles that it came with were rubbish. We used one of mine. After cutting a couple threads it felt like it would break before we were done. I went to ace and bought a small set of middle of the road taps to finish.

 

[LHSA]

slightly switching gears - recommendation on a budget friendly rethreading kit?

 

[ecotec]

slightly switching gears - recommendation on a budget friendly rethreading kit?

Lang 48pc from whatever brand floats your boat. Maybe Snap-on if you are young and just starting a career as a mechanic... but it is really expensive. The Lang version is so much cheaper.

I would bet that a lot of GJ members have one version or another of this set.

 

[Zewnten]

Couple guys at work use the HF tap sets for chasing and cleaning threads. They work fine for that. For actually cutting threads buy good quality ones as needed along with the appropriate drill bit size.

 

[Lucid Moments]

slightly switching gears - recommendation on a budget friendly rethreading kit?

I agree with ecotec. I have that same set and it has done everything I have needed so far.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Good or bad it really has a lot to do with the person doing the threading, you need the right touch. I’ve had good guys just destroy anything you give them, i only let certain guys use taps, dies or drills, even though the company supplies them. I have a millwright that will wear out a tap, never breaks them, they’re not for everyone.

 

[Craig Bernhardt]

I occasionally find myself needing a tap. I see Harbor Freight has a 40 piece tap and die SAE set for $20. Anyone have any experience with it? The reviews are sort of useless. HF seems to only show positive comments.

Amazon also has a similar set for $30.


Links below

HF tap & die set

Amazon tap & die set

TEKTON makes some decent sets for cheap

 

[Lucid Moments]

TEKTON makes some decent sets for cheap

They do? I just looked at their website and didn't see them.

 

[Craig Bernhardt]

They do? I just looked at their website and didn't see them.

Maybe they don't anymore then. Pretty sure 15 years ago i bought a set

 

[Craig Bernhardt]

They do? I just looked at their website and didn't see them.

Tekton 7558 39 piece tap die set