Thread Restorer or Tap and Die Set

[mlittle29]

What's the difference? I have used some taps before and they are really great when you need them. I wanted to get a set for the house, but I am confused on what the best set is for me. I think that the Thread Restorer kit should be good for me since I am only looking to fix a bolt or nut that is stripped or damaged. I don't do much machining. Am I on the right track.

Which one is best for me?

Snap On Thread Restorer Set:http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=56049&group_ID=1148&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

OR

Snap On Tap and Die Set:http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=77406&group_ID=1164&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[Trucky]

I can't offer anything on the SO kits, I have no hands-on with them. But this thread might be helpful.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137702

 

[texasprd]

The restore kit will probably be better for you, but not necessarily in all cases.

The tap/die kit is mostly intended for cutting threads, so if you are trying to straighten or clean a thread it may take off material you really wanted to keep. I have both and have found them both invaluable.

FYI, the restore kit looks exactly like the one at S**rs, and it's probably cheaper there.

 

[Slow Gray Mule]

I have the thread restorer set, but in the Craftsman badging. Looks to be the same exact set. It is fine for staitening out cross threaded bolts/nuts, bolts that have gnarled up threads, and cleaning out dirt from bolts. It work much better than tring to use a nut or bolt to fix the other. I would not however use them to make threads. I don't think they are as hard as taps and dies and won't take the abuse.

 

[purplezr2]

Kastar makes the snap on set, along with most others, there only costs about 62 bucks vs SO cost.

 

[DRhodes]

Kastar makes the snap on set, along with most others, there only costs about 62 bucks vs SO cost.

You are correct. Kastar makes them - however Snap on now sells the 48 piece set which is part number RTD48. My local sears only has the 42 piece set - but the price difference is nearly $60 (Sears being cheaper of course)

Keep in mind Sears will not warranty the rethreading kit - Snap on will.

 

[rlitman]

Actually Snap On's warranty on taps (and rethreaders, ez-outs, drill bits, etc), is very limited, and is NOT lifetime. They consider the parts to be consumables.

That being said, while I have multiple tap and die sets, plus rethreader dies, if I'm trying to repair the threads on a bolt, I usually reach for my thread repair file first.

 

[Danglerb]

Sears may not have the 48 in all stores all the time, but I bought my set of 48 for about $52 during one of their sales. Its a nice complete set, and there is really no good reason anybody would wear out a set of thread chasers outside of production line or similar.

OTOH as far as I can tell a chaser is a premium grade nut or bolt with four grooves cut end to end.

Other fancy types like two piece reverse chasers are not cheap, but the only practical way to clean some types of threads, like a bunged up lug bolt. Thread files I guess can clean up the threads enough put on a normal chaser, but reverse chasers are one step and I think do a better job.

 

[ptschram]

Actually Snap On's warranty on taps (and rethreaders, ez-outs, drill bits, etc), is very limited, and is NOT lifetime. They consider the parts to be consumables.

That being said, while I have multiple tap and die sets, plus rethreader dies, if I'm trying to repair the threads on a bolt, I usually reach for my thread repair file first.

Depends upon the relationship you have with your Snap-On man.

I'm embarrassed at how many have been replaced for me.

 

[Kenwc]

I bought the Kastar set based on previous suggestions here and I use them all the time. Really pleased with them.

 

[ZRX61]

Which one is best for me?

Snap On Thread Restorer Set:http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1148&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Holy ****! That's a VERY expensive decal on that box!! I have that set, but with a Craftsman decal instead of the SO one & I paid $45 for mine...

 

[DRhodes]

Holy ****! That's a VERY expensive decal on that box!! I have that set, but with a Craftsman decal instead of the SO one & I paid $45 for mine...

Keep in mind - I have that Snap On set and I have had 3 pieces replaced in the last 5 years. As stated above by another poster, Snap On does not say they warranty the items - but I have never had an issue. Sears on the other hand will not warranty them. Not only are you paying for the Snap On name but if you are using them pretty often over a 40 year career the Snap on set may be a better investment over time assuming the dealer would replace them.

 

[Jbullfrog]

You will eventually need both. I have aquired all Snap-on tap and die sets and thread chasers because I can get them replaced, or they are only a few dollars each and available from the truck.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I've had the big cman SAE tap and die set for over 25 years and only broke a couple taps. The replacements are now made in china but at least I can get replacements for my box.

I also have the cman thread restorer and was a little annoyed when I noticed that HF sells the same exact set. The restorers are the first thing I reach for when fixing a buggered thread. It realigns the threads instead of cutting new ones. The thread files in that set come in handy too.

I agree that eventually you may want to get both.

Chris

 

[ZRX61]

Keep in mind - I have that Snap On set and I have had 3 pieces replaced in the last 5 years. As stated above by another poster, Snap On does not say they warranty the items - but I have never had an issue. Sears on the other hand will not warranty them. Not only are you paying for the Snap On name but if you are using them pretty often over a 40 year career the Snap on set may be a better investment over time assuming the dealer would replace them.

I've had mine for probably 10 years or more & I haven't broken any of the tools... I will say that since I've been turning wrenches the only tools I've ever broken were SnapOn...So I guess you need that warranty...