Tap and die set recommendations

[Todd.Brock]

Hey all,

I am starting to do more and more metal work and interest is shifting that way. I see the need for a tap and die set to add threaded holes to metal projects, adding a bracket to my band saw or drill press, etc. I would say my needs would be general hobbyist, tinkerer, car restoration, etc. Nothing really small and nothing too huge. If I added a small bracket to something just to hold a switch box, I don’t really care if it’s an M4, M6, or a 1/4-20 . I would use something that fits the job.. I thought about maybe a small medium and large tap, for some basic applications, but I would also like to match the threads of an existing hole if the need arises. I don’t really see a need for dies at this point, but would like to include in a set for future rod threading, etc...

I don’t for see any pipe threading or tapping in my future at this point. I have thought about adding a drum switch to the drill press for reversing and doing machine tapping, but not ready to go overboard yet.

So , what would you all recommend for a good starter set with metric and standard?

 

[rusty65]

Honestly I would look for used ones just don't buy any that are really rusted or have any nicks or gouges and you should be just fine. But if you would like to buy new Irwin Hanson sets are pretty decent although I only have one die from them all I can say is it cut nice clean threads on the project I was working on.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

cripe has a Bosch set that is pretty good for the price. I have it and I really like it made in USA to boot also Irwin Hansen sets are pretty good.

 

[NHBandit]

I just bought an older Blue Point set in a fitted wooden box on Ebay for 39 bucks. Missing one tap but I had one. My main reason for buying it was to complete a large set that was my dads. I already had the really small set and the very large set and needed this middle set. If I was just starting out though and needed good stuff for a decent price I would hit Ebay for older US made sets. That's just me though.

 

[bimmerZ5]

Irwin Hansen PTS tap/dies. they are awesome. the "alignment" feature really does help. been using them recently to make fresh threads on some stainless steel and they cut like butter. the case they come in are smaller and easier to move around in a tool bag or organize in a tool box drawer. they really thought that one through and i like being able to grab just the box of metric taps, or SAE taps, instead of opening a big case with everything.

also, i like the handle that comes with the Irwin Hansen PTS system, but I like the Gearwrench tap/die drive tool set even more. Cripe has it for a good price.

 

[mossyboy6]

If you can find an old craftsman set from the 70s or so, they are made pretty damn well.

 

[bonneyman]

If you can find an old craftsman set from the 70s or so, they are made pretty damn well.

ditto

 

[Todd.Brock]

I couldnt find the Irwin stuff on Cripe's website. I would prefer a nice set. I didnt think about ebay b/c its like buying used drill bits... Hard to guess without seeing in person. Craigslist has some OK deals. Based on what others said, there is no specific set, size, requirements, etc..?

 

[bimmerZ5]

I couldnt find the Irwin stuff on Cripe's website. I would prefer a nice set. I didnt think about ebay b/c its like buying used drill bits... Hard to guess without seeing in person. Craigslist has some OK deals. Based on what others said, there is no specific set, size, requirements, etc..?

Not the Irwin stuff, the Gearwrench drive tools:

http://www.cripedistributing.com/gearwrench-82807-11pc-master-ratcheting-tap-and-die-set.html

The Irwin taps/dies I got were:

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-14470-irwin-industrial-4935355.aspx

info:

http://www.irwin.com/tools/browse/taps-dies-sets/performance-threading-system

 

[Thunderbisciut]

Grab a nice tap and drill set over a tap and die set. If you're building stuff, you're going to be buying bolts, not making them. You will be tapping lots of holes though. Norseman offers a few different quality sets. I picked up a NOS Chicago Latrobe set from long ago for about $20 on Ebay.

A few other recomendations are a drill and tap guide, Epsteins has a few options, and some type of tap socket(s). A lot of people recommended I get the Lisle tap socket set, and I still may, but one person suggested a Jacobs tap collet chuck. I picked one up from Ebay for about $20 shipped, awesome tool.

I would stick with cobalt or high moly drill bits, and if you're not drilling deep holes maybe look at screw machine length. The shorter length makes for a stiffer bit.

I get my small screws and bolts from Amazon now. I just got a box of 100 SS button head 10-32 screws for like $7. I'm always ordering something from them, and it's a good way to hit that $25 minimum for free shipping.