tap and die sets

[1969cruzer]

Alright so I got my frame back from the sandblaster and painter and am going to start putting the suspension on. I need a set in order to clean out the paint from some of the threads. Is there a certain set I should get or should I just get individual pieces for the cruiser.

thanks
Spence

 

[Awl_TEQ]

If money is tight (when is it not?) I would just get the three or four taps needed for the task. On the other hand, a full set in the tool box is handy all the time.....


Hey, how common are metric tap sets in the states these days? Can you get'em anywhere or are metric tools hard to find? Must be easier these days with more and more metric creeping into daily use. I haven't been in the US since some software training in Florida two weeks after 9/11............ boy, that seems like a long time considering I am from Seattle.


Sorry, back on track...... You should be able to get a half decent tap set relatively cheap. Then you'll have them for the reassembly...

 

[e9999]

it does seem that the general situation with stuff like this kind of tools is that you can often buy a whole set for little more than a few of the components in the set.
I have a couple of high quality sets and also a cheapo chinese one. The latter was very inexpensive and did just fine while i used it. It would likely be more than good enough to deal with paint.

 

[Senor Aguas]

Harbor Freight should have what you need for cleaning threads. If you think you might ever want to cut threads, get a good set (from somewhere else).

 

[fieldsken1]

american vermont about 130 dollars for metric and the same for sae

 

[D'Animal]

You can get an ACE set or just buy the three or four sizes you need.

 

[AK Crush]

You can grind an angled groove in a bolt for a "thread brush" and it will work fine. Just make sure the edge is sharp. Works great! Cheap too!

YMMV, Dennis

 

[Joe_E]

Bought this excellent USA made set last year from this guy. Haven't found a hole or bolt on the 60 yet that this set didn't have the answer for. Excellent price as well .

eBay Motors: Irwin/Hanson 26376 76pc SAE/Metric Tap&Die Set $122.95! (item 300299349371 end time Mar-16-09 12:09:13 PDT)

 

[Gappy]

Bought this excellent USA made set last year from this guy. Haven't found a hole or bolt on the 60 yet that this set didn't have the answer for. Excellent price as well .

eBay Motors: Irwin/Hanson 26376 76pc SAE/Metric Tap&Die Set $122.95! (item 300299349371 end time Mar-16-09 12:09:13 PDT)

That is the same set I have in SAE and metric. Bought at a local tool store and has worked great so far.

 

[e9999]

have a couple of Irwins myself. I understand they are good quality.

 

[Cruiser804]

Sears has a Craftsman set for about 40 bucks. It 99% of everything you need. I have been using it my 79 and love it.

 

[bikersmurf]

For cleaning up threads any set will work. I'd recommend using cutting oil and a cordless drill. For new threads in steel you'll break fewer taps if your taps have four flutes.

Variable speed drills don't wobble or rock so the work very well.

 

[45Kevin]

For real cheap try the used tool stores. They usually have a box or three of single bits. Bring your reading glasses though.