which tap and die set to get

[Fish30114]

After years of breaking taps and replacing them one at a time, I want to buy a high quality set of taps and dies. Looking for any advice/recommendations.

Thanks--Don

 

[Chris Lyons]

I bought a large craftsman set, which was before I realized that craftsman is no longer the same quality it used to be and basically Chinese junk. My neighbor recently bought a larger and much nicer Irwin set, that also came with the corresponding drill bits. I wish I'd have went with that one.. that is about all the experience I have as far as tap/die sets go.

 

[Tom Lewis]

I also have a Irwin set. It is OK. I also have some taps and dies my Father had. They are at least 70 years old. Those old taps and dies have seen lots of use and still work great.
If I were looking for taps and dies I think I would look for new old stock.

 

[Fish30114]

Thanks Chris and Tom, looking fo NOS is a good idea Tom--I'll look around on the bay!

 

[Wild Bill 1]

If your talking about USA made they come in hss steel and carbon steel . We won't get into carbide steel .In usa Irwin use to make 52pc sets under many names that were very good starter sets in USA made. They came in an SAE or METRIC size sets.SAE (fraction) is what most knives use.The dies in those sets come in round or hex dies.Round is the most common.If you send me an email I can give you a few names of places that might sell them. WB

 

[tkroenlein]

What size range? Are looking for a mechanics set with say, #10 through 1/2" in NC and NF?

 

[Lieblad]

I have sets from Hanson. 30ish years now. They are pretty good as far as hicarbon basic mechanics plugtaps & fixed die sets. Dunno what their sets are like nowdays. Those kits will handle most anything comes my way.
Otherwise,
if I cut alot of threads of a specific size, I usually buy appropriate tap and/or die (usually adjustables, I like tight tolerance) Treat them right, but still consider them a consumable tool.

 

[Busto]

Better Quality taps cut cleaner threads But won't prevent breakage what you need is a Hand Tapper this will reduce breakage. For Folders I started using one years ago and eliminated breaking small 2-56 taps they just got dull. You can build a hand tapper but Little Machine Shop sells one for less than I can build it.....https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2898&category=1385080466

 

[12345678910]

Do not buy a tap set.

Do not buy an Irwin or other hardware store brand tap or die.

They are all the cheapest, poorest quality taps in existence.
They are all plug taps - not made to start new tapped holes.
They are all carbon steel taps instead of HSS High Speed Steel -
High speed steel has been around since since 1937 - 80 years - there's no excuse to sell carbon steel taps


You won't use 90% of a tap set

Buy multiples of the ones you will use = say 3x
Buy a HSS, two flute spiral point tap

Sizes ?
NC is more common, say
#6 -32
#8-32
#10-24
1/4-20
3/8-16
1/2-13

If you're into folders then
0-80
1-72
2-56
4-40

Buy one or two good tap handles, like a Starrett 91 or 93 (various sizes)
or a Greenfield GTD

Watch this for sizes and styles

Buy the tap handles - wrenches used, get the taps new

These are inexpensive, but quality imports
These are CHEAPER than the hardware store crap, but 10 times better.
I can chuck these up in a drill press and power tap steel in a new hole without breaking.

http://www.sowatool.com/Product/14/266/700


Got a tap chart ? starrett has a nice PDF free
Get the number drills for each size and keep them sharp / separate for tapped holes


A metric hardware store set may be useful if you work on cars, to clean out a dirty or rusty hole. But that's it - and you can buy that set used if it's just for that.