tap and die set for tractor and truck

[RancherSam]

Hi all,

Are there any recommendations for a SAE/Metric tap and die set that covers everything to 1", and is of good quality. I'm looking online and there are too many choices, and I'm not sure of the quality, I only want to make this purchase once.

 

[harwill]

I've got a Vermont American set and have had no complaints but then I've had it about 25 years. I know the Chinese stuff is pure junk. You'll probably have to buy a full SAE set and then a metric add-on to avoid duplicating the holders. Have you looked at WW Grainger online. I've been really pleased dealing with some of the online sellers too. ToolDiscounters comes to mind. Good luck.

 

[mjncad]

You will probably use taps more than dies. After buying so much hardware store junk taps, I started buying Greenfield Tap & Die taps from McMaster-Carr and MSC Direct. I buy in sets of three that cover the three main tap types, and I only buy the sizes I need, which in the long run will be cheaper than buying a tap & die set with a lot of sizes you won't use, and are of questionable quality. The GT&D taps are a joy to use and I have a hand tapper I got from Enco for $80+/- on sale. It makes tapping holes easier as it keeps the tap straight and parallel with the hole.

I need to get me a couple of decent tap handles now for those times when I can't use the stationary hand tapper.

 

[Darren]

I agree with the recommendation to buy a good name brand set. A quality 1" tap and die will cost you. I've got a 25 year old Sears SAE set that's served me well.
I have no idea what Sear's quality is today. I don't work on much metric stuff, so I buy it as I need it.

 

[MrJimi]

Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on CUTTING TOOLS THREADING SETS

- Snap-on tools online catalog.

 

[Baby Grand]

Rancher Sam,

I got the Irwin Hanson #4-1/2 HSS 39PC USA TAP & DIE SET about 20 years ago when it cost way more than I could then afford, but it has proven a great value over the years. Many problem jobs completed under poor conditions without a broken tooth. A few year before buying, I had been sternly couselled by a wise old metal shop instructor (Stanley "powerlock" Oestrike, bless his soul) to never, never buy machine tools, drills, taps, etc, unless they had HSS imprinted on the shank.

I think mjncad has the right idea - get just the sizes you think you will need - especially if they are over 1/2", and you will save yourself a lot of green. I know for a fact that a few of those tools in my kit haven't made a chip in all the years I've owned them. Also, get some tap fluid, a caliper good to .001" and a thread guage if you don't already have them.

Jim