School Me on Rethread Kits

[boom_bap]

Hoping learn about rethread kits and metric fasteners in general.

I've been tempted to pick up a rethread kit I don't understand if they come with all the sizes most people are going to need. Seems like the most common Lang Kit comes in M6, M8, M10, and M12 and each with various thread pithces. Do most automotive fasteners use those sizes in thread diameter and just vary the bolt or nut head size? No need for M4, M5, M7, M9, etc?

If anyone has documentation links to references that would be cool too.

Here is a kit I was looking at for reference: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QHQEPE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Komet]

That's the kit you want. It's worked for every automotive application I have had, except for really big stuff that is simply beyond the largest size in the kit.

 

[619DioFan]

I have the Craftsman master set both sae and metric. covers everything I have needed. been using it for over 20 years, I believe it and basically all others are made by Lang.

 

[Buckaroo5]

That is also the set I have. Like @619DioFan , I have the Craftsman version but it is the Lang. Very complete set and have always had what I needed for work primarily on Toyota/Honda/Mazda's.

 

[cherrybomb]

I've had good luck with the Craftsman set I bought 10 years ago.It was probably made by Lang.You are wise to buy a kit,anytime you have a thread or fastener that doesn't thread easily, don't risk it.Use your kit.Restore kits unlike tap and dies take very little metal off.Unless you need to cut threads ,you will use this in most cases.The kit also has a thread file,thats handy.Unsure of a fastener,grab your kit.
I have also used Jawco.com they sell kits and individuals, very reasonable, good selection.

 

[ecotec]

The Lang/Kastar kit has been industry standard for the last 50 years or more.

Most of the USA rebrands (Craftsman, Snap-on…) were the Lang/Kastar.

I don’t remember everything that you will need to amend these kits, but I remember that you will need 14x1.25 and 18x1.5. There are a few others that you will need beyond these.

 

[anndel]

I've used the M8-M12 the most when wrenching vehicles and come across a bolt with jacked up threads. I've never used the M6.

 

[decableguy2000]

Jawco kit for me, also have a Lang kit for larger sizes like spindles.

 

[Sanny81]

I’ve had the Craftsman version for almost 10 years and it’s been one of the best tool purchases I’ve made.

 

[boom_bap]

Sound like a good option then. I was concerned that it would run into skipped sizes, but I guess that similar to drill bits or taps, you always need another one. If this can cover the majority then its seems reasonable.

Hearing a few of you mention that its been a great buy is also nice to hear.

 

[saltwater4life]

I actually ordered the lang kit myself two days ago. Hasn’t arrived yet but I’ve seen it enough in the show your new tool arrival thread to know I’m missing out.

 

[mixerfixer]

I'm a heavy equipment tech. I have the Lang set and use it some but it normally doesn't cover the sizes I need. I just take an old bolt and a whizzer wheel and cut some grooves in the threads lengthwise. I lean the cut into the threads so that it will cut/ clean/ straighten threads in the hole or nut. I always keep a small container of engine oil and an acid brush nearby. I give it a hit of oil and run the grooved bolt in and out a few times. The grooves hold some oil and give the junk somewhere to go to get out of the way. This works really well for me. Whenever I run into a size I haven't needed yet, I just cut another old bolt. Also you can usually run these in/ out with an impact and don't have to worry about breaking off a tap. A tap always takes some steel with it. This way just cleans and straightens threads.

 

[M6erfan]

Jawco is the original. Lang/Kaystar is the most ubiquitous and private labeled by most everyone. Both are good, I have both and prefer the Jawco as it seems (just a bit) higher quality.

 

[lardy1]

Jawco here. I use them quite a bit and they have held up well.

 

[vssjim]

I have both and what is great about Jawco is it is easy to buy single sizes from them to get what you need outside of a set