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Tap & die sets
- Thread starter dnail
- Start date
lbgradwell
Well-known member
The forum search function is not very good. Try Google instead:
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=tap+die+set+site%3Agaragejournal.com&meta=&btnG=Google+Search
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=tap+die+set+site%3Agaragejournal.com&meta=&btnG=Google+Search
hofferwood
Well-known member
Here's one
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95569&highlight=taps
Put "taps" into the advanced search function and look in general tool discussion
Then try the same in fabrication sect.
This search looks for keywords, not a phrase. That's why alot of folks have trouble.
Welcome to the board!!!
Chuck
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95569&highlight=taps
Put "taps" into the advanced search function and look in general tool discussion
Then try the same in fabrication sect.
This search looks for keywords, not a phrase. That's why alot of folks have trouble.
Welcome to the board!!!
Chuck
W650Mike
Well-known member
Dnail,
I have an older Craftsman set bought complete from a pawn shop. It's a big set with everything from pitch gauges, inch and metric, to several NPT taps; it had little if any use. I’ve proceeded to damage and replace several small taps but only due to my fault. I’m a DIYer but the set still sees a fair amount of use.
For some reason, pawnshops always seem to have quite a few name brand sets. I recently picked up a Snap-on Re-thread set for $50.
...and welcome to the site!
I have an older Craftsman set bought complete from a pawn shop. It's a big set with everything from pitch gauges, inch and metric, to several NPT taps; it had little if any use. I’ve proceeded to damage and replace several small taps but only due to my fault. I’m a DIYer but the set still sees a fair amount of use.
For some reason, pawnshops always seem to have quite a few name brand sets. I recently picked up a Snap-on Re-thread set for $50.
...and welcome to the site!
Cougar
Well-known member
High speed steel is much better than carbon steel.
Harder to break and stay sharp longer.
Harder to break and stay sharp longer.
richfinn
Well-known member
I find the sets a bit poor (even the snap on). Ive got about 5 metric taps/good quality hex dies and a few tap sockets etc and a good metric thread file that does everything I need.
HandyManny
Well-known member
High speed steel is much better than carbon steel.
Harder to break and stay sharp longer.
High speed steels are a type carbon tool steel. I would not go with a high speed steel in a tap & die set. Go with a set made out of a forge die steel like D-1 or something. In fact most die makers know what's the best steel to use for that stuff
If you were talking bandsaw blades or cut-off blades then I'd recommend a high speed steel for those. High Speed steel is alloyed to be more resistant to wear under high heat. A manual tap or die does not require such characteristics.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
Any common sets that are US made will be irwin (don't how long if not already overseas) and Vermont American. Any better has to sourced from a jobber for something for industrial use. Irwin makes the kits for Snap on, Matco and Mac. The tool guys will replace brokens, I don't know if an Irwin set is warrantied. I have a Snap on set and it is just fine for the work I do. I have a Craftsman set at home which I'm pretty sure is VA. Those break way too easy and last time I tried, not warrantied. Tap and diesyou get what you pay for and removing a broken tap *****. Wilton or Walton ( I don't remember) makes a broken tap remover that works pretty good.
I just picked up a 76 piece Irwin set. Everything is still made in the US. I didnt see a point in getting the same set from one of the big 3 for warranty purposes when i can go just about anywhere and get a replacement for $5.
I think they are a real good general purpose set for the money. For special jobs, or special sizes, professional tooling will have to be used but these work great for every day use.
I think they are a real good general purpose set for the money. For special jobs, or special sizes, professional tooling will have to be used but these work great for every day use.
Cougar
Well-known member
High speed steels are a type carbon tool steel. I would not go with a high speed steel in a tap & die set. Go with a set made out of a forge die steel like D-1 or something. In fact most die makers know what's the best steel to use for that stuff
If you were talking bandsaw blades or cut-off blades then I'd recommend a high speed steel for those. High Speed steel is alloyed to be more resistant to wear under high heat. A manual tap or die does not require such characteristics.
I like the high speed steel ones because I don't think they break or chip as easy as the carbon steel. I know they're not the best but, for around the home shop they should last a long time.
Tap Material
High Speed Steel
Most common tap material. Well suited for a variety of applications.
Vanadium Steel
Superior performance compared to high-speed steel taps. Great for materials up to Rockwell hardness C30. Available with a wide variety of coatings. Great for alloy steels, stainless steels, malleable irons, hard plastics, fiberglass, and aluminum.
Cobalt Steel
Harder, more abrasion resistant, longer wearing, and superior in overall performance to high-speed steel taps. Excellent for materials up to Rockwell hardness C32, such as alloy steels, tool steels, malleable iron, aluminum, brass, copper, and zinc.
Cobalt Vanadium Steel
Vanadium and cobalt provide highest level of performance. For materials between Rockwell hardness C30 and C40. Use on hardened steels, stainless steels, mold and tool steels, and nickel alloys.
Carbide
Outlasts other taps, especially on highly abrasive materials such as cast iron and aluminum. Excellent for cast brass, cobalt chrome alloys, copper and copper alloys, fiberglass, and soft plastics.
Carbon Steel
Lowest initial cost, but not as accurate and do not last as long as high-speed steel taps.
HandyManny
Well-known member
I like the high speed steel ones because I don't think they break or chip as easy as the carbon steel. I know they're not the best but, for around the home shop they should last a long time.
Tap Material
High Speed Steel
Most common tap material. Well suited for a variety of applications.
Vanadium Steel
Superior performance compared to high-speed steel taps. Great for materials up to Rockwell hardness C30. Available with a wide variety of coatings. Great for alloy steels, stainless steels, malleable irons, hard plastics, fiberglass, and aluminum.
Cobalt Steel
Harder, more abrasion resistant, longer wearing, and superior in overall performance to high-speed steel taps. Excellent for materials up to Rockwell hardness C32, such as alloy steels, tool steels, malleable iron, aluminum, brass, copper, and zinc.
Cobalt Vanadium Steel
Vanadium and cobalt provide highest level of performance. For materials between Rockwell hardness C30 and C40. Use on hardened steels, stainless steels, mold and tool steels, and nickel alloys.
Carbide
Outlasts other taps, especially on highly abrasive materials such as cast iron and aluminum. Excellent for cast brass, cobalt chrome alloys, copper and copper alloys, fiberglass, and soft plastics.
Carbon Steel
Lowest initial cost, but not as accurate and do not last as long as high-speed steel taps.
They should last you a long time even working in a professional shop. I suppose if they were being used stricklty to thread holes all day long in a shop that threaded holes you'd probably want carbides.
ptschram
Well-known member
Don't buy a set, buy a set of three for each size you need. I know many are critical of Enco, but they offer sets with taper, plug, bottom taps and tap drills. Add the die and you're all set. Unless you're doing a lot of fabrication, you're likely going to find that you only use a few taps (same with drill bits).
If you want a big set, buy a big set, but if you're gonna use them, buy the ones you need.
I used to try to fill my drill bit index with every size, then I realized I was probably better off buying really god 1/8", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" drill bits and cheapies for the other sizes, once I get the pilot hole drilled, I can use a cheapie to step-up.
It took going to work as a real machinist in a production shop to learn that sometimes you really only do need certain sizes of tools.
If you want a big set, buy a big set, but if you're gonna use them, buy the ones you need.
I used to try to fill my drill bit index with every size, then I realized I was probably better off buying really god 1/8", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" drill bits and cheapies for the other sizes, once I get the pilot hole drilled, I can use a cheapie to step-up.
It took going to work as a real machinist in a production shop to learn that sometimes you really only do need certain sizes of tools.