Master tap and die set suggestions?

[Itsjustdirt]

Every time I need a tap or die, I have to waste an hour going to the store or a couple days waiting for the shipment...

Are there any decent quality master sets you guys like? They will be used on rare occasions so I don't need the best, highest dollar option.

 

[Zewnten]

I had the Vermont American/ craftsman sets in metric and fractional up to 3/4 and they worked well. Held up well even on harder steels.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I have the Std/metric Irwin Hansons (the same ones S/O rebrands and puts in a red case) and they've worked well for me... especially since I bought them secondhand, for tme money I can't beat them.

 

[shawhite]

I went with a Irwin/Hanson set and replace the ones I wear out with HSS.

 

[bwringer]

Whaddya working on?

If it's mostly cars from the last 40-50 years or so, Astro's metric set is mighty nice:
https://www.astrotools.com/automotive-tap-die-set-metric.html

The SAE set if you're into inch stuff:
https://www.astrotools.com/automotive-drill-tap-set-sae.html

 

[greg13]

There really aren't many manufacturers, just lots of brands. Mac, snapon, Irwin, and I am sure others are all made in the same plant just different names.

 

[dr_clyde]

In my experience taps worth owning don’t come in “sets”. Just order a couple in each of the sizes that would be in a set, just do it from good taps and dies like Union Butterfield. I personally use spiral point “gun” taps for through holes and spiral flute taps for blind holes. Guhring, OSG and Union Butterfield are my go to manufacturers.

 

[Ign]

In my experience taps worth owning don’t come in “sets”. Just order a couple in each of the sizes that would be in a set, just do it from good taps and dies like Union Butterfield. I personally use spiral point “gun” taps for through holes and spiral flute taps for blind holes. Guhring, OSG and Union Butterfield are my go to manufacturers.

All of this. Like drill bits, good taps just need to be purchased a-la-carte. mscdirect.com

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would give the Gearwrench set a try if you are buying a whole set. The Irwin Hanson ones are too brittle.

 

[slodat]

Norseman sells a nice set. They are known for their drills. I’ve been happy with them. I also buy old stock of the brands mentioned by Dr. Clyde on eBay.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have a couple old craftsman sets sae & metric up to 3/4" they work great & it's nice to have an assortment. Watch ebay & MP they pop up from time to time though the US craftsman stuff has gone up quite a bit in price lately.

 

[Bockscar]

What i have

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[larry_g]

When I see this question here, and it comes around often, I have to ask, Are you creating new threads in metal or are you repairing old /damaged threads? A machinist making parts with threads needs a different tool than the mechanic repairing threads. So OP what are you intending to do with with these tools?

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Nutria]

Following up on Larry's comment, I do reach for a thread repair set instead of my good taps and dies for simple clean up of boogered threads. I have old Craftsman metric and standard tap/die sets and various higher quality singles for new threads. Sets are worth having for me, because I live fairly remotely, and it's a long drive or wait if I don't have the right thing in the shop.

 

[Jland]

Champion makes a nice set..my metric set is made in usa but I've seen the same part number made in Taiwan..maybe the newer stuff isn't made here anymore?? My ear set runs from 3-36 to 1-12 and is a mix of usa.. mostly brubaker with some import... But if you are really doing odd jobs at home the harbor freight set isn't that bad... Definitely homeowner grade and lifetime warranty. I've broken high dollar usa stuff and cheap import.. proper technique and cutting fluid.. is more important than the name on the tap/die

 

[Bockscar]

Try this again....the set I've had since the mid 90's

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