Why do you need taps AND DIES

[A_Pmech]

A_P.....

I know! I hate solid dies. Geometric threaders are fine though.

I prefer to single-point whenever possible. Luckily, I rarely have to make external threads less than 3/4" dia.

 

[riggs1117]

threading rifle barrels is the only thing iv'e ever used a die for

 

[safetyman665]

I tend to use a thread file to clean up any buggered threads on bolts and studs; it's just easier for me. I use bottom taps to clean internal threads. I rarely have a need to cut new threads.

 

[Toolhorder]

I use both once or twice a week since my thread chasers are slim in the metric dept. Do I remove some metal? Probably but it works better than nothing in a pinch.

 

[Toolhorder]

I tend to use a thread file to clean up any buggered threads on bolts and studs; it's just easier for me. I use bottom taps to clean internal threads. I rarely have a need to cut new threads.

Until you can't fit the file where you need to restore the threads...

 

[jethro29]

they are the kind of thing that when you need them "YOU FRIGGIN NEED THEN" they are priceless and I will always have a SET at they ready.

 

[marinusdees]

Bolts I buy have the unthreaded portion oversize for the given die size. Do you turn them down in the lathe?? Seems like a lot of work to me.

 

[A_Pmech]

Bolts I buy have the unthreaded portion oversize for the given die size. Do you turn them down in the lathe?? Seems like a lot of work to me.

Modern bolts are made boy cold upsetting the threads. The bolt shank is substantially undersized for making cut threads to standard engagement.

 

[ajchien]

Only time I really use dies is for adding more thread to a bolt that isn't fully threaded, like when needing push bolts for a rotor or pulley.

^Same here.

I also use them when I dont have a chaser of the right size. Yesterday I needed a 8-32, so i Used a die instead. The smallest sae chaser I have is 1/4-20.

Depends on what I'm doing. If it needs to be as new as possible, I go out and buy new hardware. Otherwise, modifying hardware/cleaning it up is faster than making a trip to the store.