tap and die sets

[muibubbles]

hey can anyone recommend a good tap and die set? ive been using my cheap autozone/pep boys one and its been working okay but i think i want a better quality.. ive used my friends snap on which seems to have a lot nicer design as it tapers into the correct size (opening slightly bigger, easier to align)

i dont want to spend anything crazy but something in the mid range... any suggestions?

if it matters i mostly work with metric.

 

[bonneyman]

I picked up a Craftsman Kromedge set for about $20 at an estate sale. If you have time, I'd look for an older USA made set at those places.

 

[Tom Hintz]

I had been fighting an older tap and die set that never really worked very well but the price was right back when I bought it. I finally tossed it and got a 40 piece set from KD and the difference was very noticeable. I can actually tap things now and they work! (What a concept huh?) Anyway, see the link below for my review of that set that shows what comes in it and how it works. I really like the ratcheting handle also.

http://www.newmetalworker.com/Reviews/kd40tpdiervu.html

 

[Skin]

The GearWrench sets look nice and get good reviews, they are expensive for imports though. Hansen/Irwin makes all the sets for truck brands [Matco/MAC/Snap-On] and are substantially cheaper under their own name. The 76pc set runs about $120-$140. That covers both metric and SAE. The metric sets alone run anywhere from $70-$100 depending on what deals you catch.

 

[83diesel]

Irwin has always been a good set for me. They make the tap and die sets for SO, Matco and Mac. I also have a Craftsman set that has done really well, but Sears does not warranty the tap and dies. The tool trucks warranty the tap and dies.

 

[blown94conv]

I have the Snap-On set, and got that one over the Irwin because I could warranty the taps. My only gripe is the case is huge and wastes a lot of space.

 

[muibubbles]

tom- awesome review. KD and gearwrench is the same company correct? i was looking into the gear wrench tap and dies..

i think its a toss up between kd tools/gear wrench and irwin/hansen

tough call, both are rather expensive... im leaning towards the gear wrench tho, just for expierence something with an easier way to switch taps/dies and comfort... anyone have a place with a good price?

 

[muibubbles]

i was doing a little more research and this question came up a lot w/ the gear wrench...

for those who have it, do you find it annoying using the gear wrench when you need to back out frequently?

im leaning more towards hansen and irwin now... can anyone give me a close up pic of the handles? google images are really small

 

[redvalkyrie]

I have a set of Kromedge my father bought back in the 80s. They're still working well today with the exception of few broken smaller taps--I replaced those later...

Unfortunately, I find the need for metric taps increasing since all of my cars are 20+ year old Toyotas. Fortunately, Toyota only uses a few sizes and pitches so I it was fairly easy to assemble a small set using Irwin, Hanson, and Beta found on Amazon.

 

[Addrock]

Just a word on tap and die sets, VERY few are actually designed or able to CUT new threads. Every set that I have seen is thread CHASING (for repairing messed up threads). If you want to cut new threads buy individual spiral, cut , gun or hand tap. And dies that are adjustable.
My $.02

 

[drof]

I have a Craftsman set that I bought in the 70's and it works very well. I would like to have a SO ratchet style but the $ is too high

 

[DougB442]

Hansen makes nice sets.

They used to make them for Snap On, not sure if they still do or not.

 

[Busted Bolts]

Vermont American is good

 

[Skin]

Vermont American is good

Purchased by Bosch and made in China. Happened some time ago. Their old sears/hardware store sets were very good.

 

[stonewellmark]

I got these 2 months ago. They semm to work god so far...i haven't used 'em much but the little i did use them the tap worked good!

 

[AdamtheMillwright]

you guys seem to be all about the dies that are closed and dont have a slit
i have always been told that is for chasing a damaged threat. Not for making a thread

These are for making threads.

not this

something to look into

Has anyone else been told this?

 

[wafrederick]

The hex dies are better,you can run them down with a socket or wrench in tight spots.You can make threads with them.The small size 12 point sockets in 1/4 drive make good tap sockets.

 

[mark40sw]

Just a word on tap and die sets, VERY few are actually designed or able to CUT new threads. Every set that I have seen is thread CHASING (for repairing messed up threads). If you want to cut new threads buy individual spiral, cut , gun or hand tap. And dies that are adjustable.
My $.02

I agree with this. Carbon steel taps best for cleaning up threads or lighter duty threading (softer metal). High carbon taps are usually a duller grayish with lettering stamped into them.

High Speed Steel (HSS) taps for cutting new threads in steel. HSS are very polished bright in appearance with lettering etched & usually bought individually.

 

[Skin]

For cast aluminum, aluminum, and some steel the hansen/GW sets are fine. In the automotive world you'll mostly be chasing threads anyway due to cross threading or just trying to clean up threads. I cannot really see anyone short of a machinist using the die to actually put threads on a bare piece of rod. Occasionally you may be drilling a hole and tapping new threads but its certainly not common so the carbon steel will certainly get the job done.

The OP also seems to be on a budget so short of buying HSS individually its not a realistic suggestion. Those sets run anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

 

[swami2806]

This just popped up in the classifieds:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95734

 

[knocker]

I went with the SO because of the warranty and I'm not disappointed with the quality. Also because of my student discount. I was told by the rep that hansen/irwin still makes SO's sets. Here's a pic, its the TDM117A all metric set. If you need more just ask.

 

[83diesel]

I quit using the handles in the tap and die sets after purchasing the tap sockets from Lisle. Most automotive applications you don't have enough room for the swing on the t-handle. Plus I like the control of a ratchet and the ability to put an extension on it to gain clearance away from obstacles.

 

[hofferwood]

Just a word on tap and die sets, VERY few are actually designed or able to CUT new threads. Every set that I have seen is thread CHASING (for repairing messed up threads). If you want to cut new threads buy individual spiral, cut , gun or hand tap. And dies that are adjustable.
My $.02

you guys seem to be all about the dies that are closed and dont have a slit
i have always been told that is for chasing a damaged threat. Not for making a thread

These are for making threads.

not this

something to look into

Has anyone else been told this?

I guess I'll throw these away

Chuck

 

[DougB442]

you guys seem to be all about the dies that are closed and dont have a slit
i have always been told that is for chasing a damaged threat. Not for making a thread

These are for making threads.

not this

Actually, the split design is used to change the clearance between the mating threads...you open the slit wider if you need a looser fit, and close the slit for a tighter fit.

both sets can be used to make new threads, but a dull tap or die will not cut the threads a s clean as a sharp one, no matter which type you use.

Gun taps, or spiral taps are designed for high speed tapping operations using a machine or tapping head. they are designed to clear the chips faster... similar to the difference between a spade bit or auger drill bit and a twist drill bit, one is specifically designed for machine use, and one is designed for hand use. Not to say that you cant use them the other way...

 

[Mike007]

Glad I found this thread. Ive been in need of a good, complete, standard and metric, made in USA tap and die set for a long time. Can anyone recommend a good place to buy one? Is there a Snap-On dealer on GJ? Who carriers Irwin? I recall seeing some at Napa.....Thanks.

 

[Mike007]

How about this set?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Irwi...Z130389562216QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

 

[scott37300]

How about this set?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Irwi...Z130389562216QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

I have that same set, just rebranded by matco tools. Mine is about 10 years old and the case is re arranged from mine but they are the same 117 piece set. Matco now sells the same one you linked to for 400 bucks. I use mine for taping new threads a and it has worked great. Only broke one tap, 1/4-20 that I used the **** out of and when I broke it I was in a hurry and it was probably more of user error than the tool braking. I think it's the most complete "starter" set for a decent price. I have added to mine, bought a set of bottom taps for blind holes. Also bought some bigger taps since the set only goes up to M12 and needed M14 and some bigger standard taps. Also added some gun taps and what not.

 

[kingston]

Hanson's sets in the red and blue boxes with the snap closure (literally button snap). They made sets for snap-on at one time in the same boxes. They are rather complete and compact. They are by far my favorite in set form.

 

[gilbo]

How about this set?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Irwi...Z130389562216QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

i think if u already have drill bits, no need for that set, they have tap and die set only, which i think there is a new number its
Irwin Industrial Tools 4935355



the set u posted is this xact same set i blieve, but with drill bits also

 

[Mike007]

i think if u already have drill bits, no need for that set, they have tap and die set only, which i think there is a new number its
Irwin Industrial Tools 4935355



the set u posted is this xact same set i blieve, but with drill bits also

Hey, thanks. You are correct. I don't need drill bits. Mike.

 

[gilbo]

Hey, thanks. You are correct. I don't need drill bits. Mike.

np, reason i know noticed it was bcuz i've lookin for T&D set

 

[zmotorsports]

I have a MAC set that I have been using for about 15 years now. It has been great. I bought a Hanson set from my local NAPA to have as a backup set about four months ago. They both look like a quality sets, however, I have not seen a MAC rep. for about 8+ years now.

The NAPA/Hanson set has a lifetime warranty and I broke a 6-32 a couple of weeks ago and they gave me a new one no questions asked. It was my own fault it broke because the phone rang and I walked away with the tap/handle still in the hole and when I started again I put too much side pressure on it causing it to snap. Mike.

 

[Joe Mamma]

you guys seem to be all about the dies that are closed and dont have a slit
i have always been told that is for chasing a damaged threat. Not for making a thread

These are for making threads.

not this

something to look into

Has anyone else been told this?

I've never heard that before. I've used the hex/closed style for making new threads. I'm sure there are thousands of other people who have done the same too.

Joe Mamma

 

[JAWDY101]

Im looking at getting a tap and die set and I was looking at these two sets. This will be my first set of tap and dies and I dont know much about them. Can somebody tell me the difference in them. The one thing that I see different is one says Plug Taps and Hex Dies and the other says Alignment Taps and Dies. What is the difference? What set of the two would be good for a first time buyer/weekend garage warrior?...


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M78R3Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M78R2C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Skyline]

I went with the SO because of the warranty and I'm not disappointed with the quality. Also because of my student discount. I was told by the rep that hansen/irwin still makes SO's sets. Here's a pic, its the TDM117A all metric set. If you need more just ask.

No question warranty is a factor, but if you think Snap-on taps are good, you've never used a good tap and die set. My 30 year old Craftsman set blows away the S-o. And since all the other truck brands source their tap and die sets from the same place, they are all ****. The problem with the Snap-on is that they twist and break way too easily....you can break the smaller taps in soft aluminum. Since the new Craftsman stuff is **** too, either find one of these old sets on eBay, or get prepared to spend triple the cost of the Snap-on for a machinist quality tap and die set, like Greenfield. While I have not broken a Craftsman tap in a few years, if I do, it will not be warranteed; it will be replaced by a Greenfield or similar.

 

[Skyline]

Im looking at getting a tap and die set and I was looking at these two sets. This will be my first set of tap and dies and I dont know much about them. Can somebody tell me the difference in them. The one thing that I see different is one says Plug Taps and Hex Dies and the other says Alignment Taps and Dies. What is the difference? What set of the two would be good for a first time buyer/weekend garage warrior?...


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M78R3Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M78R2C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Check the COO, but I'm pretty sure you'll find that Irwin is just Chicom **** these days.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I bought a Craftsman set about 6-7 years ago, it has worked for me. Although I don't use it all the time, when I have needed it, it has worked.