Tap and die set

[Mccool]

Anyone have recommendations on a good tap and die set? I'm currently looking at this Century set.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BY7QCDC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Most of my work consists of cleaning up old threads but I will be cutting new threads occasionally. I know I can buy nice taps/dies individually, but it would be nice to start with a kit so I have a wide range of sizes.

Any thoughts?

 

[Craftfab]

If most is cleaning old threads, I have been using the Lang Thread Restorer kit the last few years for just that use case and it has been great. It is US made and my understanding is the OEM for the tool truck brands that sell the same thing with their name on it.

Pardon Our Interruption

www.summitracing.com

 

[jayemm]

Anyone have recommendations on a good tap and die set? I'm currently looking at this Century set.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BY7QCDC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Most of my work consists of cleaning up old threads but I will be cutting new threads occasionally. I know I can buy nice taps/dies individually, but it would be nice to start with a kit so I have a wide range of sizes.

Any thoughts?

For the price of that Amazon set (or possibly less) , you could get a couple of smaller sets that would total to be more pieces. Maybe even get a 60 piece SAE and metric set without the EZ Outs. Depends if you want metric as well as the larger sizes above 1/2". The Alfatools brand carbon steel taps and dies are the same as the Century brand, with both being made in Japan by SKC. https://fastoolnow.com/search?q=tap+die+set

Here's a recent thread on the subject. Also try the search function. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...ot-bank-breaking-tap-and-die-set-help.493325/

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You want a chaser set for cleaning, and taps/dies for cutting. Two very different applications unless you're fixing beyond destroyed threads on the end of an un-replacible bolt/nut that really should be replaced.

 

[Mccool]

Thanks for the advice so far. I didn't know a restorer/chaser set was a different thing. I think I'll start with that Lang set posted and add as needed.

 

[fsae0607]

Thanks for the advice so far. I didn't know a restorer/chaser set was a different thing. I think I'll start with that Lang set posted and add as needed.

Yeah, the Lang Thread Chaser set has saved the day countless times! That's what you want to use for repairing damaged threads, as they "roll" displaced material back into the thread profile.

Taps & dies cut material, which can weaken threads by potentially undercutting them. It's been beat to death here and you can get away with using a tap to clean up non-critical threads. For something load bearing and especially subject to tensile fatigue, no way.

 

[RoninB4]

The Lang set has small print near the bottom of the web page that states "Never use to cut new threads".

 

[four.cycle]

^ If the intent is simply to "clean up" existing threads, then a "thread chaser" (like those Lang made units) is what should be used.
Taps should be used only to cut new threads - not to clean up old ones.

 

[LB-1911]

Thanks for the advice so far. I didn't know a restorer/chaser set was a different thing. I think I'll start with that Lang set posted and add as needed.

Another source for rethreading Dies & Taps is Jaw Manufacturing

Jaw Manufacturing Co.

Quality Tools for Professional Mechanics, MADE IN USA. Jawco is a leader in thread-restoring files, taps, dies, & special automotive non-powered hand tools.

jawco.com