Tap and die set suggestions

[messmaker]

I have a few stray items but have decided to get a small compete set. What is the way to go? I don't use them often but I don't want to get another set next year because I went too cheap.

[Tequila]

I have a cheap Harbor Freight set that I use only a few times a year, but it's held up for over 10 years. There's one tap that has a couple chipped teeth, but that's because I forced it too hard instead of backing it out when I should have.

Looks like things havn't changed much in 10 years. This looks exactly like the set I have, and the price seems about the same.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39424

[sacherjj]

That is the way I went. I picked up a set that has almost every possible combination I could think of in both taps and dies, for very little money from HF. I've gotten plenty of use out of them and they still work fine. If I ever use one enough to warrant a replacement, then I will get a good quality replacement for that size only. Half the times, the odd sizes are only used to chase threads or other cleanup work that doesn't need a quality tap. However, with tapping fluid, these have cut fine into drill rod and cast iron, when called on to do so.

This is the one I have. Hard to beat for $17. I liked it over the set posted above, because it includes some metric. With all the import tools out there now, you will have metric threads that you need. If you get a HSS 115 piece drill set, you will have all you need to use it. Then apply the same method to replacing drill bits when they break or wear out. And you can save wear on common bits, by using the odd sizes to drill starter or middle sized holes.

I guess while we are on the subject. One thing I do that is now habit is putting drill bits in the box upside down when I've used it on a serious job that could make it dull or feel that it is getting dull. It is an easy method of tracking which would be good to pick up when drilling through serious materials and makes it quick to go through when doing a sharpening session with the Drill Doctor.

[Ken Massingale]

Another vote for HF sets. With the frequency WW's use them they're good enough. Haven't had one break in Maple yet!

[LCHIEN]

I agree, if you are going to use them mostly to chase dinged threads and clean up threaded holes then the cheap or next to bottom cheap HF sets will do.

If will probably also do for threading sheet metal or thin gauge stuff.

If you are going to tap holes in blocks of metal then you will need a better set.

[JimD]

The thickest metal I have tapped with my HF taps is 1/4 coarse threads in the 6 sides of a 3/4 inch nut. It was everything the tap could do but it did it. For 1/8 mild steel or thicker aluminum, my HF taps do fine.

Jim

[JR]

One thing I do that is now habit is putting drill bits in the box upside down when I've used it on a serious job ...

Nice tip, Joe! Now all I need is that Drill Doctor.

JR

[lrr]

Yep, HF tap and die sets are fine for occasional use. I also bought an angle grinder from HF for $20, and for as often as I use it, it was a great choice.

Now if you were doing machinist work a lot, then buy a great set.

I seem to go to both extremes -- I bought a Powermatic bandsaw recently, but I also see the value in getting HF stuff once in awhile.

[greencat]

I just picked up this set at HF. Its not the same number and the price is $29 on sale. They sold it to me for $19. They said if any piece broke they would replace it.

[grandy]

tap & die question

This is most likely an off the wall question, but here goes anyway. Can the set be used on wood as well as metal?
Don't laugh to loud, I may cry(ha!)
Thanks anyway, Grandy

[grandy]

wrong dates

Boy, I should have checked the dates of the post. I thought it was recent. I'll learn this stuff someday, just don't know what day.

[LCHIEN]

This is most likely an off the wall question, but here goes anyway. Can the set be used on wood as well as metal?
Don't laugh to loud, I may cry(ha!)
Thanks anyway, Grandy

This is a current thread... just started yesterday.

Anyway, tap and dies that they were talking about are used for metalworking. They would not work well in wood, the threads would shear off and have no holding power. if you need to hold machine screws threads in wood, then you need what they call T-nut inserts or threaded inserts. Like this: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=1592

There are woodworking taps and dies for cutting much thicker and deaper threads on wood dowels (like 1/2", 3/4" and 1") and matching threaded holes.

Beall http://www.bealltool.com/products/th...g/threader.php makes some pricey wood threading tools. harbor Freight (HF) sells some imported wood threading tools that, in my opinion work quite well.

See this thread:
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...wood+threading