Looking to get a nice tap and die set. Need to know a good one. Craftsmen, husky, etc. Mainly for the resto of my '75
Tap and die set
- Thread starter webelk6
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I have the beginner standard and metric sets from Craftsman. Works for 90% of what I need to do with the addition of some pipe taps. I haven't had one get dull or break yet, and I've had them for several years.
Mcmaster has some pretty exhaustive sets, MSC has plenty, all the cheaper tool suppliers will have sets (Northern etc).
It's for hobby use, so I wouldn't spend the bucks on Snap On, Matco etc...
Mcmaster has some pretty exhaustive sets, MSC has plenty, all the cheaper tool suppliers will have sets (Northern etc).
It's for hobby use, so I wouldn't spend the bucks on Snap On, Matco etc...
- Thread starter
- #3
10-4 , I already bought a craftsmen set today, just wanted to weigh in.
Mine are from Fastenal and have been awesome
Wile E Coyote
Out in the streets, they call it murder!
I too, would like a better set than the ones I picked up in Autozone 10 plus years ago on a despirate late night auto store run. I'm subscribing.
I have the Harbor Freight garbage, but they've done what they needed to do. Can anyone tell me what the differences might be between those and a good quality tap or die? I expect longetivity would be an issue, and perhaps breakage, but I haven't seen any reason to upgrade yet. They get very occasional use, and it's nice to have a big selection on hand rather than having to run out and buy each individually when needed due to cost. I've never used a high- or medium- quality tap or die, so I might be missing something. Or maybe not, as I mostly use them to chase existing threads.
-Spike
-Spike
I bought a HF tap and die set for trail use. I have used a few of the taps and dies from this without issue. One day I pull out a die and discover that it was manufactured crooked. I mean really bad. If there was any quality control this would have been caught. With HF tools you often get what you pay for.
I also have a Craftsman set for the garage. I don't think you can beat the Craftsman for price / quality. If you want to spend some big money look up what some of the coated sets that MSC and the other houses sell for.
Craftsman has awesome sets....I would go with them again.
I have a craftsman set been quite happy with it,
I have used cheaper taps, only difference I have noticed is the number of flutes, the 3 and 4 flute variety seam to cut better than 2.
I have used cheaper taps, only difference I have noticed is the number of flutes, the 3 and 4 flute variety seam to cut better than 2.
Irwin here. So far appears to be excellent quality.
Use good cutting fluid and don't forget the little quarter turn back dance...!
added: they call those Irwin Hanson. Maybe Irwin is just the distributor?
Use good cutting fluid and don't forget the little quarter turn back dance...!
added: they call those Irwin Hanson. Maybe Irwin is just the distributor?
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I have them too. When I need one I go buy an Hanson and throw out the HF and put the Hanson in its place. So I paid $10 for the metal box
Truly, I discovered how bad they were when I was using a die that actually stretched over the metal rod instead of cut into it. POS!
Union Butterfield and OSG make the best tap & die sets IMO. Yes, more expensive but worth it. Get some beeswax for tap lube, works so much better than oil or penetrant spray.
