[chaka]

Hello all,
I was about to buy a cheap tap and die set from harbor freight. This will be my first set, and will be used primarily to just clean things up. could someone comment if they think this would be a good first set? or suggest something different?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39384

many thanks,
Chaka

[my64fj40]

get the craftsman one from sears. i love mine.
quality is above harbor freight, but i'm sure they're more expensive better quality sets.

for what I do i don't need top quality, but harbor freight has no quality.

[VTFJ40]

Originally Posted by my64fj40

get the craftsman one from sears. i love mine.

x2.

A good Tap and Die set is a must when owning these vehicles.

[Blue77FJ40]

x3

Don't waste your money on horrible freight. Get the Craftsman. You will thank yourself later. I'd also recommend a ratcheting t-handle for the taps. It has a knob to set for left ratchet, right ratchet, or locked both ways. Comes in real handy.

I don't know if Craftsman still sells the metric and sae sets separately anymore, but I find the separates more handy, especially on trips. I was told they only had the combination sets, but that might have been at that particular Sears.

[apeterson]

can anyone post a link up the the craftsman they have...


thanks!!!

[Coolerman]

I have both a cheap HF metric set (very extensive) and a Craftsman metric only small set. There is no comparision between them. I only use the HF when forced to!
Bought the Craftsman several years ago, doubt there is a number for it that is still legible... Neither kit has a 12mm x 1.25 tap or die so you will want to get those from some place like Grainger.

[trekker]

I bought the HF metric set. And yes it does suck.

The good thing is that there is a HF store right down the road and they will replace it no questions asked if something wears out or breaks. I've replace the set 3 times over the past couple of years. Just bring it in w/o receipt and you are good to go.

The craftman set is MUCH better, will last longer and they will replace peices if you brake them/wear them out.

[Cuerno Largo]

If you have a Fastenal store near you, you can buy any size tap or die that you want individually rather than in a set. I have a cheap HF set and should just go ahead and trash them because they are so sorry. I went and bought only the size taps that I needed and have been extremely satisfied with the Fastenals.

[ArmyFJ]

Buy quality. Even if it guaranteed for life or whatever...when its broken in the hole you are trying to thread and it wont come out...where is your warranty now?

Matthew

[F-junker]

Cheap-O is ok for cleaning out threads, Not much more. If you want good quality craftsman or better yet Snap-On.

[Hugh Heifer]

Originally Posted by burling

If you have a Fastenal store near you, you can buy any size tap or die that you want individually rather than in a set. I have a cheap HF set and should just go ahead and trash them because they are so sorry. I went and bought only the size taps that I needed and have been extremely satisfied with the Fastenals.

Fastenal here will not sell to walk ins. I have no idea why. THey told me they used to but got tired of selling 1 or 2 items at a time. Freaky. I have a HF set too. As I brake 'em and where them out I get replacements at Ace (Hansen I think is the brand?) very nice.

[idus25]

Sounds like Fastenal got tired of accepting money for something they sell. Funny?

Tools are not the place to get cheap. I bought and burned up two $40 drills before I smartened up and bought a 300.00 drill. Now I have one 380.00 dollar drill.

You get what you pay for is all I am saying.

Good Luck.

[dbarrett]

Originally Posted by Coolerman

I have both a cheap HF metric set (very extensive) and a Craftsman metric only small set. There is no comparision between them. I only use the HF when forced to!
Bought the Craftsman several years ago, doubt there is a number for it that is still legible... Neither kit has a 12mm x 1.25 tap or die so you will want to get those from some place like Grainger.

coolerman is correct the craftsman 14 piece metric set only goes up to 10 mm. Get the best you can afford. Remember taps are tool steal. You break one off and it is stuck-oh man is it a bitch to get them out.

[Diesel42]

The harber frieght set are carbon steel. They will work just fine for chasing threads(either the die or the tap). You get alot of tap/dies for the money. Then buy good qaulity individuals for cutting raw stock(brubaker/hansen,etc.).