tap and die sets

[bowlofturtle]

The search function seems a little buggy when i search for tap and die sets.

I'm looking to pick up a decent set that should cover most of my bases. I only do light work in the garage and mainly jap cars and bikes. Most kits dont have the M12x1.25 i need, so i know that will be extra.

I wanna stay on the cheap side, since i've only needed to use this like twice. And the last time was mainly to clean up a little rust on the top strut threads, i didnt have to but i was able to borrow that single one from a friend. He had a snap-on kit and told me the price and i just flipped. Yea its worth it if your a full time tech. But had that be the case i would just bought a new strut at $80 and be done with it.

Been trying to find reviews on HF, i noticed at my sears that their tap and dies were made in china now. So not to sure which way i want to go. I dont think they have lifetime on their tap/die sets.

My buddy told me to just invest in thread files for what i do. But i come across messed up suspension bolts before, just had him take care of it.

 

[rusty65]

If you want cheap might as go with hf unless you plan to cut threads pretty much any tap and die set will survive cleaning threads up.

 

[Bradey Bunch]

I recommend a thread restoring kit not a tap and die set if you are just chasing threads. This one is exactly the same as the snap on set, which has worked very well for me. Includes that M12x1.25
The thread files are nice for the big stuff (I have cleaned up pipe threads nicely) or oddball sizes.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00942275000P?sid=comm_craftsman_productpg

 

[richfinn]

I just have 5 assorted metric Taps (nice quality tapered ones) and a ratchet tap wrench.
M6X1.0/M8X1.25/M9X1.25/M10X1.5 and one for wheel bolt threads

A set of hexagonal metric dies (which I can drive with a wrench or socket).

and a few spark plug thread taps/metric thread file.

I can manage with those, I looked at some sets but decided I would never use some of the sizes, and it would piss me off if I broke one.

Just buy exactly what you need in good quality.

 

[bowlofturtle]

I dont know exactly what i need. I just want to have a set handy, for those JUST in case moments. But i wanted to get a starter set and then just buy w/e i need. I'm not all to fimiliar with thread pitches and etc. I just know being in chicago, RUST does a lot of weird things to bolts.

I would like the kit to CUT as well as chase/clean the threads.

This was the set i saw, but the one linked above is a 48 and the extra 8 seems to be metric.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-40-p...p-00952105000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Those look like socket driven, not the T handle thing i'm used to.

The HF one seems to get decent reviews for $40
http://www.harborfreight.com/60-piece-sae-metric-tap-and-die-set-35407.html

 

[Bradey Bunch]

Personally I do not use normal taps and dies for repairing threads any more, they seldom hold the torque after using a normal tap on them. IMO its not good to have one tap do both cutting threads and restoring them.

 

[bimmerZ5]

highly recommend the PTS system from Irwin Hansen (made in USA):

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M78R0Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

that's a large set, but you can get the individual sets you need. I use those taps/dies along with this master drive tool set (made in Taiwan):

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GMVA5A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

if you have other Gearwrench pass-thru accessories, they work with that set.. which comes in really handy if you're needing to create threads in hard to access, recessed holes, etc.

went through a lot of cheaper sets and finally realized i use them enough to get a decent set.

 

[rshadd]

The old stock (made in the usa) Craftsman sets are nice. Check eBay.

 

[woody 73]

I recommend a thread restoring kit not a tap and die set if you are just chasing threads. This one is exactly the same as the snap on set, which has worked very well for me. Includes that M12x1.25
The thread files are nice for the big stuff (I have cleaned up pipe threads nicely) or oddball sizes.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00942275000P?sid=comm_craftsman_productpg

We have a winner

 

[PT Doc]

Buy what you need as you go. Maybe all 3 taps per size and build your set that was. Good 3piece sets could be had for about ~15 in hss. My guess most of what you would buy in a set will not be used, so why get them all. Save the mob
New and buy quality taps as you need them.

 

[CWP1616L]

Go with Irwin Hanson.

 

[jamison]

I went with this GearWrench set (cheaper at ToolTopia, $234 shipped) and then purchased the M12x1.25 specifically.

Highly recommended. I also liked Irwin too, so I'll be buying Irwin three pack tap sets and hex dies as I go for sizes I don't have.

 

[Hammer1963]

Keep this in mind. Cheap and Tap & Die set do not belong in the same sentence. If you have ever experienced trying to remove a broken tap from a hole only to do more damage than was already present, you will quickly learn this. I would suggest that you invest in only the sizes you will need and purchase quality pieces. You can always add more as you need. BTW, Matco and Snap-on do offer the plastic cases to store them in as separate items as well.

 

[cheechi]

I'm in the same boat, I'd like to get a cheap set cause I can't afford a whole good set and I don't need a particular one right now (or I make it work when I do find a specific need) but I'd like to have the right tool when I do need.

Last time I was in Nortern, they have some loose ones made in Japan, that they don't seem to have on their website. Wish I could remember their name, cause I've been looking for reviews on them for a while. Next time I go I will have my crayons on me. In the meantime if anyone knows what ones the were and if they're any good, I'd appreciate the info.

 

[Conductor562]

Go with Irwin Hanson.

They are very nice. I'm going to purchase one myself.

 

[Conductor562]

Here's a decent price on the whole setup:

http://www.toolfetch.com/tap-die-sets-han4935355.shtml?gclid=CIDuz_qh4bICFac7OgodKU4ARw

 

[91bronc300]

highly recommend the PTS system from Irwin Hansen (made in USA):

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M78R0Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

that's a large set, but you can get the individual sets you need. I use those taps/dies along with this master drive tool set (made in Taiwan):

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GMVA5A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

if you have other Gearwrench pass-thru accessories, they work with that set.. which comes in really handy if you're needing to create threads in hard to access, recessed holes, etc.

went through a lot of cheaper sets and finally realized i use them enough to get a decent set.

Are those 'alignment' taps really any better than normal taper taps? And Irwin's 'alignment' dies don't have any reliefs for chips, you find that to be much of a problem?

 

[Danglerb]

I have the Craftsman 48 piece rethreader set, too bad they only have the smaller one. For good cheap taps and dies, buy used with caution, and/or buy specific ones you need.

Really good taps and dies are very expensive, and worth every penny if you need them.

 

[bowlofturtle]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DD4KV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Debating between getting this or the rethreader set now.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00942275000P?sid=comm_craftsman_productpg

Like i said so far i haven't come across one i couldn't get pass. Its just faster and easier when i used the tap and die set for the cross-threaded lug nuts and studs.

 

[smothers33]

Keep this in mind. Cheap and Tap & Die set do not belong in the same sentence. If you have ever experienced trying to remove a broken tap from a hole only to do more damage than was already present, you will quickly learn this. I would suggest that you invest in only the sizes you will need and purchase quality pieces. You can always add more as you need. BTW, Matco and Snap-on do offer the plastic cases to store them in as separate items as well.

pretty much what he said. dont cheap out on tap+dies same with easy outs/extractors and such. there made from hardened steel and when they break you will absolutely hate yourself. and they will always break in the most basturd spot imaginable also i prefer full sets of taps/dies as opposed to buy as needed because these are defintely one of theose tools that its better to have and not need than to need and not have.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

I bought a harbor freight metric tap and die set once. Waste of money. It almost seemed as if the taps and dies didn't match up with each other... I'd use a tap and die to clean a hole and a bolt, then they just didn't seem to fit right... I got the snappy thread restorer kit very similar to the one that was posted. incredible difference.

 

[bobcatdan]

The old stock (made in the usa) Craftsman sets are nice. Check eBay.

I have that exact set I bought for a home set. The dies seem fine, but I find the taps very easy to break. It maybe is just me as I do break my SO's (irwin) at work too, but I would put it at a 10 to 1 ratio. If I were you, I would get an irwin set and a rethread kit. Many will say irwin isn't the best, but for the non machinist, they are fine.

 

[dirtydogintex]

If given the choice on taps, choose the 2 or 4 flute over the 3 flute.
They're easier to remove if you get horsey and break one.

I've had good luck w/the old Craftsman, Vermont American, Hanson as well as the upper end cheap import taps.

Myself, I'm fixing to buy a SAE/metric thread restore (chase) set(s).

Still undecided on taps and dies other than a fractional machine screw set.
I'm leaning towards a SAE/metric combo set also
rather than buying what I need as the needed arises - time is money when things are down!!

 

[wxm]

Keep this in mind. Cheap and Tap & Die set do not belong in the same sentence. If you have ever experienced trying to remove a broken tap from a hole only to do more damage than was already present, you will quickly learn this. I would suggest that you invest in only the sizes you will need and purchase quality pieces. You can always add more as you need. BTW, Matco and Snap-on do offer the plastic cases to store them in as separate items as well.

i'd rather build up in quality pieces over time than settle on a cheap set.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The old stock (made in the usa) Craftsman sets are nice. Check eBay.

Got one also ! Paid less than $100 new over 25 years ago. One hinge on the plastic box broke so the lid is held on by some string !

 

[NHBandit]

I'm still using a very old Blue Point set that was my dads. Came in 2 fitted wooden boxes and was probably made sometime in the 40s or 50s. For metric stuff I have a Mac set I've owned for probably 20 years. Any Snap On collectors here that can enlighten me on how to tell the exact vintage of my old Blue Point sets ?

 

[Rusty Musket]

I'm still using a very old Blue Point set that was my dads. Came in 2 fitted wooden boxes and was probably made sometime in the 40s or 50s. For metric stuff I have a Mac set I've owned for probably 20 years. Any Snap On collectors here that can enlighten me on how to tell the exact vintage of my old Blue Point sets ?

If your BPs are like this one, I too would love to know the vintage!