Recommend me a tap & die set

[BrianJ]

I've searched and read up on taps & dies. I found that HSS is the one to get as it'll stay sharper longer.


Good threads HERE , HERE and lastly HERE .

I will need the taps and dies to chase existing threads, but, will need to be able to cut new threads.

Is there a metric HSS tap & die set that will fit my need? Also, what is the difference between fine & coarse taps?

TIA,
Brian

 

[chevy302dz]

Any good brand HSS or better will do what you are asking, you will want to get a good size set like a 58 piece. The difference between coarse and fine thread is the # of threads per inch for example 1/4 20 coarse 1/4 28 fine.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

76 piece tends to be the most complete. Past that, you get the drill bits and extractor tools. Hanson makes a decent one, in fact, they are rebranded and sold for a lot more, on the tool trucks. Craftsman has a 76 piece online that I can't tell the material.

 

[W-Cummins]

I have the 76 piece snap-on/hanson set and it's good enough. There are better taps out there but for a automotive set they are ok

William....

 

[dink]

And if you need even smaller you can go with these

http://www.hobbytool.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=610

 

[MXtras]

I would recommend getting split dies if at all possible. They allow you to spread them open a bit so you can adjust the fit - a really nice option. Most of the solid dies I have used in the distant past cut a bit on the small side and left a somewhat loose fit. I guess it depends on your personal use and expectations, but the split dies are something to consider when doing your research.

I know you are asking for ideas on a complete set so this is going to be all that helpful but I don't have a tap and die 'set'. I use machine taps exclusively instead of hand taps . After using machine taps, the hand taps just look and feel junky - even the high quality brand hand taps don't perform as well as a good quality machine tap. The machine taps are tough, cut smoothly without grabbing and last for a very long time when used properly. It's an option for you but not the easiest route if you are working to assemble a comprehesive collection.

Scott

 

[l_bilyk]

I was in the same boat as you. Just needed taps to use once in a blue moon. Went with an irwin set. Quality seems pretty good, but i have not used them yet.

 

[BrianJ]

are Irwin/Hanson taps & dies HSS or CS?

 

[kartracer55]

cs

 

[bmwpower]

I would recommend getting split dies if at all possible. They allow you to spread them open a bit so you can adjust the fit - a really nice option. Most of the solid dies I have used in the distant past cut a bit on the small side and left a somewhat loose fit. I guess it depends on your personal use and expectations, but the split dies are something to consider when doing your research.

I know you are asking for ideas on a complete set so this is going to be all that helpful but I don't have a tap and die 'set'. I use machine taps exclusively instead of hand taps . After using machine taps, the hand taps just look and feel junky - even the high quality brand hand taps don't perform as well as a good quality machine tap. The machine taps are tough, cut smoothly without grabbing and last for a very long time when used properly. It's an option for you but not the easiest route if you are working to assemble a comprehesive collection.

Scott

Can you explain machine taps?

 

[BrianJ]

cs

DOH!

I found a HSS set HERE from Sears, but, the price is very steep.

 

[l_bilyk]

cs

REALLY????

 

[Katbird]

Here is my set from mac tools and look a lot like williams snap on except mine are hex shaped.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I have a mastercraft tap and die set. After 20+ years its still going strong

 

[DIGGER_DAVE]

I've searched and read up on taps & dies. I found that HSS is the one to get as it'll stay sharper longer.

Good threads HERE , HERE and lastly HERE .
I will need the taps and dies to chase existing threads, but, will need to be able to cut new threads.

Is there a metric HSS tap & die set that will fit my need? Also, what is the difference between fine & coarse taps?

TIA,
Brian

Brian, first of all, the links you provided above must have a "glitch" in them; they won't "hook in."

Second: your statement;
"I will need the taps and dies to chase existing threads.."

Needs correction.
This I posted in one of the "Tap and Die" links that kartracer spent a GREAT deal of time collecting.

CHASING EXISTING THREADS

A VERY BIG No, No - using regular taps and dies (or ANY other variety - like carbon) to "Chase Threads!"
Don't do it!
You are destroying the strength of the thread!! As well as the "fit."

Once a thread has been "cut" and a fastener has been used in/on the thread (and loaded/torqued) the "peaks" of the original thread "roll over."
IF a regular tap or die is used to clean this hole/bolt again; it starts to "cut" the thread AGAIN; only now the thread has become oversized. (in it's axial direction) Try it on an old nut and bolt (put them back together again) and you will see what I mean!

The ONLY way to "chase" existing threads is to use "THREAD CHASER TAPS and DIES!"
The engine builders (pro's) use the thread "chasers" to clean out any leftover thread sealant. (or dirt and grease) Or clean damaged threads on the ends of bolts.
Inexpensive tread chaser tap and die sets are available from Sears, Snap-On, Mac, etc.

If your going to do a LOT of thread chasing, (and in deep holes) ARP makes sets. (or you can buy them individually)
A word of warning about ARP Thread Chaser Taps is; they LOOK like regular taps and can be easily mixed up with your regular taps.
I put a short piece of shrink tubing on the ends so they stand out; and made a special holder for them.

 

[l_bilyk]

I have a mastercraft tap and die set. After 20+ years its still going strong

Is it a gray tools set? Can you post a pic?

 

[DIGGER_DAVE]

Re: Tap & Die - THREAD CHASING

I will need the taps and dies to chase existing threads, but, will need to be able to cut new threads.

Brian

Sending this back to the top for Brian's benifit.

Brian; NOTE the second last post regarding "THREAD CHASING"