tap and die set - best bang for buck

[Labbster]

I would normally do a search for this, but the words are too small to search to get any results.

Can I get some feedback on which tap and die set you would suggest for some back yard mechanics...and i use that term loosely. I have been putting this off for years and struggling through with a crappy set that is basically a thread cleaner.

I just dont want to spend a huge amount of money on something I will only use a couple times a year. Thanks for the input!

 

[bknbronco]

We just started buying taps here and there as we needed them and replace them as needed. Eventually i got sick of not having matching dies so i bought a craftsman set and filled in some of the ones there set was missing. What sucks is when you need metric also. If you only need them for the bronco then you can get buy with about 6 taps! Make sure you get the T handle that fits the taps. I tink youd need at least two different sizes. Dies i just use a socket or wrench. I wouldnt spend a ton of cash. But getting a set might save you coin in the long run. I might consider harbor frieght and then just assume you will have to replace some of the more common ones when they wear out from use and abuse.

 

[ET]

I received a set for Christmas that's from harbor freight. They are cheap but I don't use them often so it was perfect for me. When I say I don't use them often, I've only tapped two holes and cut out 1 thread in 4 years I've had them. IMO, if I had to do more then dozen taps and thread cutting, I won't go that route.

Eugene

 

[70_Steve]

I have a cheap Harbor Freight tap and die set that I've come to realize is only (marginally) useful for chasing threads. When I really need to tap something, I buy a good set, usually from WW Grainger, since there's a location right near where I work, and can order then at work and pick them up on the way home. Also, I buy the complete 3 tap set since I've needed the bottom taps a couple times.

 

[casadejohnson]

I picked up a Craftsman set at least 10 years ago and I use it all the time. Very good investment, I use mine a lot and so far I have not had to replace any of them.

 

[J-man]

I've got a craftsman set, they work great

 

[bax]

I just warranted a set for a guy. he had used them for years. They got dull and matco has a lifetime warranty. So he got a new set.
My point? Dont have one. Spend your money however you want.

 

[BoureeOne]

Had to share this. This is my tap and die set. Given to me by my grandfather who passed away 8 years ago at 100yrs old. It is a Greenfield Set that might be from the 50's. Maybe even older.


Scott

 

[Ranchtruck]

Grew up using 70's craftsman tap and die kits. Green box for the metric, black for the american. They still work great, but they're my dad's so I couldn't take them.

My own kit is a harbor freight one http://www.harborfreight.com/60-piece-sae-metric-tap-and-die-set-35407.html though I got it cheaper than that.
The thing with HF tools is you really need to read the customer reviews. Their "carbon steel" ones are utter crap. The alloy steel ones seem to work ok.

Main thing is to go gentle with any tap you use. When cutting, back off a third of a turn to break the chip, then go another half. Keep going like that with oil and they should work great. If you get greedy, you better have a tap extractor (hardened fingers that go down in the flutes of the tap) or steady hand with the cutting torch to get the tap out.

 

[broncnaz]

Craftsman here as well. For the price they are good and the small set usually covers most bronco jobs.
I have some metric HF taps but they were only bought for limited use as they break to easliy and I dont work on a lot of metric stuff.

 

[Viperwolf1]

I have a 50 piece craftsman set that I bought about 15 years ago. No problems with it.

 

[JDJ]

I purchased a craftsman set. It has both standard and metric taps and dies. Here is a link to the set that I have

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-75-p...p-00952377000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

If you are a member of the craftsman club you can save $50. That set should have most taps, dies that you will ever need.