Good Tap and Die sets - Metric and English

[powerscol]

Asking Santa to bring me a tap and die set - both Metric and English. However Santa's helper needs advice.

I am finding I need these more and more for my projects and repairs. I don't need the best as the need only comes up every so often. I would say sizes up to 1/2 or 3/4", However I don't want them to break first time out either.

What are some good brands? Coatings and steel type - etc.

Any deals out there?

Santa's helper would really appreciate help. She is not mechanically minded. :confused3:

Thanks - Keith

 

[fried1765]

Asking Santa to bring me a tap and die set - both Metric and English. However Santa's helper needs advice.

I am finding I need these more and more for my projects and repairs. I don't need the best as the need only comes up every so often. I would say sizes up to 1/2 or 3/4", However I don't want them to break first time out either.

What are some good brands? Coatings and steel type - etc.

Any deals out there?

Santa's helper would really appreciate help. She is not mechanically minded. :confused3:

Thanks - Keith

You can go all over the map with pricing on this stuff.
I have "Hanson" sets (one fractional + one metric). They are large sets, and in wood boxes.
Bought them 30 years ago, so don't know what they cost, but certainly would be PLENTY now.

"Hanson" is now "Irwin Hanson" and I think is still a decent product.
You might want to look at E-Bay listing # 222275677383.
It is a 76 piece combined fractional/metric set for $168.99 with free shipping.
You can also find that on ZORO.COM
Then too on ZORO.COM you can order ZORO item G1391634 which is a 117 piece set, for $255.76 with free shipping.
That 117 piece set is Irwin Hanson #26337.
I would recommend the $255.76 set with more total pieces (117).

You can also buy sets with still more pieces, but you will pay MANY more dollars.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

If you can find High Speed steel, that would be a start.

Many people ruin die's trying to put threads on hard metal rods...This is rough on a die unless it is a heavy duty model. Most tap and die sets are for "chasing" burrs off of existing threads.

Good taps cost $20-$30 apiece for small common sizes. Coated taps are better for many applications.

 

[Pete O]

I bought a comprehensive tap & die set about 10 years ago, the prices of name brand sets were horrifying for a home workshop and I was trying to decide whether to buy a smaller set in a name brand or the larger no-name set for about the same money. The sales bloke at the local industrial supply suggested I buy the larger set and then I could replace individual pieces if I found they were wearing out or breaking, then I would eventually have the better brand stuff in the most commonly used sizes plus a wide range of those less frequently used. This has proven to be a very good move, I have a comprehensive set up to 3/4" 19mm and have hardly had to replace any. Lately I have been doing some power-tapping and have bought a few quality spiral-point taps as needed for that purpose but I'd be lost without the big chicom set.

 

[thepumpguysc]

I 2nd the Irwin set.. that's what we have at work & gets used daily.. no breaks is 20 years..
Check the pawn shops too..

 

[powerscol]

Thanks Folks
I was looking at the Irwin brand sets too - keeping and eye out for Lows or HD to put on sale. Also thanks for the pawn shop tip.

Appreciate the help.
Keith

 

[drizler]

I bought a comprehensive tap & die set about 10 years ago, the prices of name brand sets were horrifying for a home workshop and I was trying to decide whether to buy a smaller set in a name brand or the larger no-name set for about the same money. The sales bloke at the local industrial supply suggested I buy the larger set and then I could replace individual pieces if I found they were wearing out or breaking, then I would eventually have the better brand stuff in the most commonly used sizes plus a wide range of those less frequently used. This has proven to be a very good move, I have a comprehensive set up to 3/4" 19mm and have hardly had to replace any. Lately I have been doing some power-tapping and have bought a few quality spiral-point taps as needed for that purpose but I'd be lost without the big chicom set.

That痴 a very good idea.

 

[CincyFlyer]

I have a good Irwin set, all metric, left over from my auto/motorcycle tech days, and a cheap SAE/metric Harbor Freight set. The HF stuff actually appears to be pretty decent for the price; I've not broken one yet, and it cost, in corrected dollars, probably 15% of the Irwin.

 

[California]

The HF stuff actually appears to be pretty decent for the price; I've not broken one yet, and it cost, in corrected dollars, probably 15% of the Irwin.

Which HF set?

 

[Phillip w]

I have a cheapy set, the brand name is allied. I have had it 10-12 years and have had good luck with them. Then I have a set in a wooden box I got from my grandfather. I don't know the brand name, but I am pretty sure they are American made. They are only sae, no metric. It is a really nice set with quite a range of sizes.