I've found myself needing a tap & die set a couple of times recently so I starting looking at some prices to go ahead and get a set -- holy crap those suckers can get expensive! Is it worth spending the money on a good set or are the cheaper ones ok for something that won't see a lot of use? Any recommendations on brands?
Tap & die sets
- Thread starter tclark
- Start date
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I have occasional uses for taps, bought some sets at Harbor Freight that work fine. Mostly cleaning holes although I've tapped virgin metal as well. I'm very careful and slow, haven't had any nightmares yet- but I wouldn't be surprised if I did break one off in a tough spot. The consensus in these threads is usually you get what you pay for.
Breaking a tap in a hole is a major PITA. You can't really drill them out, so the best way is to weld a nut on to the end and try to back it out. I would not skimp and buy the cheapest tap out there, and regardless of what you buy, go slow, use lots of lube, and when it tightens down too much pull out a little and go back and forth slowly. Er...that sounds dirty, but it's good practice.
If your talking about for the bolts on cruisers why not just buy individual taps and only buy the ones you need. It's not that expensive when you do that.
- Thread starter
- #6
I thought about that but I've needed them for various other random things, both SAE and metric. Man I wish we would switch to metric--much simpler! I figure I'll find other uses too if I had them around. I guess I'll end up doing like I usually do and buy the middle of the road option, ie not the cheapest nor the most expensive.
Thoughts on Craftsman?
Icantdive55
SILVER Star
x2 on hanson.
I started with a decent Craftsman set a long time ago, and I've been gradually adding Hanson taps as I need them. Cheap taps will either go dull very quickly or snap, and then you'll be kicking yourself for being so thrifty.
Two things make a huge difference: good tapping lube, and a nice handle. I have one of those ratcheting handles that Sears sells, it's really nice. I also want one of those sets of tap sockets that Lisle sells, but they are too expensive to justify.
Two things make a huge difference: good tapping lube, and a nice handle. I have one of those ratcheting handles that Sears sells, it's really nice. I also want one of those sets of tap sockets that Lisle sells, but they are too expensive to justify.
rusty_tlc
Dain Bramaged Member
I have two sets SAE and metric, cheap ones that I use for chasing threads etc.
I buy good ones from the machinist supply place when I need to fabricate something. I usually buy a couple the correct size drills at the same time then store the taps and drills together.
I buy good ones from the machinist supply place when I need to fabricate something. I usually buy a couple the correct size drills at the same time then store the taps and drills together.
Check the pawn shops for used.
- Thread starter
- #11
Hadn't thought about pawn shops, just kinda assumed that was something you should buy new. I'll have to see what I can find.
m8x1.25 m10x1.5 what other big sizes i am not sure? those are the two most used in my box
i bought a set that goes to 24mm from my mac dealer only used a couple of times but they saved the day on both occassions. i also bought a socket set for my taps so i can use a rachet so much nicer
