Thread chaser set for metric & SAE?

[CZ Eddie]

I'm rebuilding the front end and engine of my '94 Ford truck and have noticed some screw holes are starting to surface-rust up a bit.
I'd like to fix that and also clean all the screw hole threads up before eventually reassemblying everything.

I guess I'm looking at 8MM through 17MM as the most common sizes.
And whatever the conversion of that is for SAE.

I'm on a budget and am a DIY'er.
Do I really need to go all out on a tap and die set just to clean up threads?
All I want to do is make sure the surface rust is removed and remove any burrs that may be in the threads.

If someone has time to kill on Amazon or Summit's websites, could you link me to what you think would be a good all-around kit for what I need, that won't break the bank?

 

[u2slow]

I use a tap & die set. Can't beat the cheap offshore kits when its further discounted 40% on sale.

We have Canadian Tire and Princess Auto... you probably have Harbor Freight?

 

[CZ Eddie]

Yep, I have a harbor freight in town.

 

[strength_and_power]

Yep, I have a harbor freight in town.

I picked up the Harbor Freight tap and die set for this exact purpose and it has worked great.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ckeboss]

This is the go-to set, rebranded by all the tool trucks:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QHQEPE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Are you sure you need 17mm? that's a huge bolt.

 

[1320]

I recently picked up the Lang/Kastar 971 kit and have liked it so far. I've only used a few of them, but they do what they're supposed to.

 

[M635_Guy]

I'm picking up the Lang set mentioned above instead of a tap and die set. The reason is that I've heard several wrenches I trust say a tap and die is likely to remove too much material if threads when there is moderate damage or worse. Probably not a big deal for many applications, but for things where strength or torque is important probably not the best choice.

I haven't yet had a situation where I needed to create new threads, so I'll get a chasing kit (I've been lucky enough to have access to them until recently).

 

[M635_Guy]

(Also considering the CTA 8240 kit - not sure what the additional sizes/capabilies are vs. the Kastar/Lang kit with the additional 5 pieces...)

 

[woody6904]

Since getting the Lang/Kastar 971 set, I have noticed I use it more often then the tap and die set.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Using and Tap and/or Die instead of thread chaser = You're a Hack.

Use the right tool. At minimum, don't recommend to others to use the wrong tool.

 

[Ray-CA]

I've used this set for years: http://www.searshometownstores.com/product/Craftsman-971-2750-48-pc-SAE-Metric-Thread-Restorer-Kit

Don't know if it is still available, but you should be able to find something similiar.

Ray

 

[CZ Eddie]

Thanks, guys. Since you helped me with suggestions, I compared the 971 vs 8240 kits for you.

 

[decableguy2000]

JawCo #2054 Most complete set, US made.

 

[captain14]

This is the go-to set, rebranded by all the tool trucks:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QHQEPE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Are you sure you need 17mm? that's a huge bolt.

I have the Craftsman label of this set.

I also got this one from Sears a coupe of years ago and did what I expected it to.
Looks like it’s only sold by one of their partners.

https://m.sears.com/craftsman-external-thread-repair-tool-cm-universal-tap/p-A050759282

 

[CZ Eddie]

JawCo #2054 Most complete set, US made.

Looks like that's the same thing as the CTA 8240 kit which is less expensive.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035533S8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://bowerstool.com/jawco-2054-m...ng-set-thread-restore-file-tap-dies-54pc-usa/

 

[racinfarmer]

I have the Lang/Kalstar set. I have rarely had to use it, but when I have, it has been a lifesaver. Cost around $60 bones new a few years ago.

 

[Jwallace1]

i have the same kit branded as MAC, i use it all the time i just wish they were longer

thanks

 

[matt_i]

I'm picking up the Lang set mentioned above instead of a tap and die set. The reason is that I've heard several wrenches I trust say a tap and die is likely to remove too much material if threads when there is moderate damage or worse. Probably not a big deal for many applications, but for things where strength or torque is important probably not the best choice.

I haven't yet had a situation where I needed to create new threads, so I'll get a chasing kit (I've been lucky enough to have access to them until recently).

Part of the issue could be that being a high volume auto-app, thread-forming taps could be used at the time of original manufacture. Less chips, sort of smash material into place instead of shearing it away, however the compressive stresses are desirable when it comes to the performance of the fastener.

Another common issue would be to ****** the "lead" (not Pb) of the thread, getting started incorrectly and then there's enough traction to continue this. Usually the existing thread is the path of least resistance but get enough corrosion or some slight misalignment at the start and this can be a problem difficult to recover from.

I've always used taps for messing with internal threads and nothing has blown up or fallen apart. Micro triangle file for fixing external threads. I've done thousands of each, repairing production line screwups (cross threads, elpo-coated internal threads that jam the fastener, etc)

 

[lardy1]

I have and would recommend the Jawco set. This gets discussed from time to time and the same three names always surface.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Since getting the Lang/Kastar 971 set, I have noticed I use it more often then the tap and die set.

I use mine all the time, sometimes it feels like daily.


Unless the threads are REALLY messed up, I'm in the camp of not using taps/dies to repair.

 

[Ign]

Sometimes the thread chasers aren't aggressive enough and I have to run a tap through (or a die over) to get it to assemble easily.