Quality tap and die set?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor, Wa
Quality tap and die set?
I would like to find a good quality tap and die set for rebuilding my 78. I used my uncles when I did my Chevelle rebuild, but I have long since moved. I have seen ungodly prices for some sets, and then relatively cheap prices from places like Harbor Freight. I do generally believe the you get what you pay for adage when it comes to tools, but I have no I dea what is crap, and what is overkill when it comes to tap and die sets. Help if you can. How do you like yours, where did you get it? :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Quality tap and die set? (vethead)
STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM CHEAP ORIENTAL TAP AND DIE SETS, I TAPPED A HOLE IN AN ENGINE PART WITH ONE ONCE SOME TIME AGO AND FOUND IT WAS SEVERAL MILL TOO LARGE IN DIAMETER....BOLT WAS LOOSE AS HELL TAP WAS RONG SIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MANUFACTURER'S ERROR, MY MICROMETER DON'T LIE!!!!!!!!!!
GENE :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :reddevil :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :reddevil
GENE :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :reddevil :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :mad :reddevil
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 5,210
Likes: 104
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '06
Father & Son St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Quality tap and die set? (vethead)
I got the large sizes from Harbor Freight in a complete set, can't remember what brand it is. Since I only have a small number of large bolts and or holes, seems like it will work fine. The holes and bolts I've chased ones so far have all come out fine.
For the small sizes, 14/" and below, I bought a Craftsment set
For the small sizes, 14/" and below, I bought a Craftsment set
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
Re: Quality tap and die set? (vethead)
vethead,
If all your doing is chasing (cleaning) threads you might be better with a set of "thread restorers". There is a nice looking set available from Powerhouse products. If your actually cutting threads I have been using a set from Craftsman for about 20 years. ...redvetracr
If all your doing is chasing (cleaning) threads you might be better with a set of "thread restorers". There is a nice looking set available from Powerhouse products. If your actually cutting threads I have been using a set from Craftsman for about 20 years. ...redvetracr
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Re: Quality tap and die set? (vethead)
My hot rod builder friends strongly recommended Hansen. I got their set (about $90) from Harbor Freight.
But I'm still using my cheapo Chinese set to save the Hansen!
But I'm still using my cheapo Chinese set to save the Hansen!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,485
Likes: 1
From: Far side of the Moon
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-16-'17
Re: Quality tap and die set? (vethead)
Mine tap and die set is Craftsman. In fact most all of my tools, including air tools, are Craftsman.
Stay away from cheap tools. You'll never be unsatified with quality tools. :cheers:
Stay away from cheap tools. You'll never be unsatified with quality tools. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC, Canada
Re: Quality tap and die set? (vethead)
I bought the most common sizes individually from a tool supply shop. High qualitiy stuff, but less expensive than from a retail store. Also, if you are just chasing theads, get bottoming taps, as they are better for the most job.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 837
Likes: 3
From: Texas
Re: Quality tap and die set? (Turbo-Jet)
When purchasing a tap and die set, try to find those that are made from high speed steel. The "cheap" ones are made from carbon steel and will not last long at all. The good ones are made from a tool steel then heat treated. They will usually be marked HSS somewhere on them. Keep them clean and oiled and they'll last a lifetime.
