This is something my toolbox lacks; I probably have a need 2-3x per year. I seem to run across mm moreso than SAE but a dual set would be great... I am looking for recommendations on a kit. I do have a $75 Harbor Freight gift card... Icon? I was also looking at some used sets from Matco on Facebook Marketplace.
Tap and Die Set Recommendations
- Thread starter sp73
- Start date
I have the HF and a Kobalt set. For general use like cleaning up threads, the HF sets are convenient and probably good enough. If I was doing ay project type work threading bare holes, I'd go with a better set.
The Lang tools one has worked great for me!
https://www.jbtools.com/lang-tools-971-48-piece-sae-metric-thread-restorer-set/
https://www.jbtools.com/lang-tools-971-48-piece-sae-metric-thread-restorer-set/
Nice airplane choice!!
Thank you. It chose me, but that is a long story...
HSS is better. But for hand use "high carbon" can be ok.
I really don't know on sets. When I was in school the Irwin sets were not terrible, but that was circa 2008.
I do have the import sets in the huge flat metal cases just because it's the only economical way to get pieces over 1/2" or 12mm. Beyond that I buy individually from MSC and not McMaster
I really don't know on sets. When I was in school the Irwin sets were not terrible, but that was circa 2008.
I do have the import sets in the huge flat metal cases just because it's the only economical way to get pieces over 1/2" or 12mm. Beyond that I buy individually from MSC and not McMaster
I bought one of Harbor Freight's cheaper kits years ago and it was rubbish. The cast potmetal die stock broke on the first use.
I bought all mine individually, some from a local vendor other on ebay from legit companies. Look for any of the big names and get HSS.
I usually buy small sets of 1 size like this one that include a bottom, taper and plug taps, buy a few at a time that are the most common that you need eg metric m5, m6, m8, m10, m12 m8 and up with have different thread pitches so you may want the most common 5.6.7 are all 1.0 thread. These are a nice set of m8 x 1.25 from Morse, I have these myself and they are very good. The same goes for dies, get split dies and but individually. A high end set of taps and dies can easily cost a grand or more.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1418266560...F0Sxg83zFE0i1ZQ3P3xVd3JQ==|tkp:Bk9SR4iL6a-YZQ
I usually buy small sets of 1 size like this one that include a bottom, taper and plug taps, buy a few at a time that are the most common that you need eg metric m5, m6, m8, m10, m12 m8 and up with have different thread pitches so you may want the most common 5.6.7 are all 1.0 thread. These are a nice set of m8 x 1.25 from Morse, I have these myself and they are very good. The same goes for dies, get split dies and but individually. A high end set of taps and dies can easily cost a grand or more.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1418266560...F0Sxg83zFE0i1ZQ3P3xVd3JQ==|tkp:Bk9SR4iL6a-YZQ
Remember you may also need bottom tap.. And I needed a NPT tap a few times to clean out the threads for a block drain plug.
I bought a SAE and Metric at a small airport turned flea market many years ago. Probably not the best quality. But usable.
I bought a SAE and Metric at a small airport turned flea market many years ago. Probably not the best quality. But usable.
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- Mar 8, 2022
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I was fortunate enough to inherit dad’s taps and dies. My son bought me a Craftsman metric tap and die set that is fine for chasing or cleaning threads. If I was to buy a set today, I’d look on EBay or Marketplace for an old HSS set in good shape, or buy HSS taps and dies as I needed them from a good source. Hanson taps and dies are good. Harbor Freight may be a good source, but I have no experience with them in that area.
I tap something at least once a day… Hertel taps work pretty good in a wide variety of materials. Emuge are fantastic but expensive. Neither I believe offers a set though, so it would be on you to piece it together.
You want the Irwin tap and die set. Mine is made in USA and everything. Available at Lowes. I also have an older Harbor Freight set that I don't recommend.
Project Farm has tested Tap and Die sets.
Project Farm has tested Tap and Die sets.
Yes to the Irwin set.
