[Space Cowboy]

I'm looking to purchase a VERY good set of metric taps and dies. I'd like to get a really good industrial kit.

ANyone give me the names of the manufactures so I can order them today from Amazon or who ever has the best deal going?

Thanks
David

[leroys1000]

There are a lot of good brands of machine tools.
The best thing to do would be to check your local wholesaler for recommendations.
If you use them alot,taps and dies are disposible tools,as they can't be retooled
and keep thier size.
So you may need to replace only one piece at a time.
Much easier to do locally.

For non commecial use,something like snapon should last.

[charles7514]

Always had good luck with the Hanson brand, kinda expensive, but they stay sharper longer and ain't as brittle as the cheap ones.

[Space Cowboy]

The hansen brand looks pretty good HERE

Still not sure how big of a set I want . The coversion chart I have say's Cleavland Tool Company on it. I have metal cases but I think The plastic would keep the taps oiled longer. One of my standard set is in Metal and rusted.

Think I saw those at ACE Hardware cause Sears was out yesterday.

Been awhile since I worked in the tool room and now I hear you have to watch for Japan or Tiwans version of metric??



Thanks
David

[charles7514]

If there are any small machine shops in your area, might want to ask them. Usually when a shop buy taps and dies, they buy them by the dozen. I have had several sets over the years, and never once used every single one of them. Buy the ones you really need and the drill bit to go with them.

[buck52]

Howdy

You are probably aware of this but...as a side note...the use of a tapping/thread cutting lubricant is critical to the life and performance of any set you buy

[Space Cowboy]

I Use a cutting oil or solvent by Lubriplate when I cah find it .. Sometimes dry with the cheap stuff.

I only want a nice small set. But I'd like some good tools that work with them also.

Thanks

[buck52]

only reason I mentioned it is that the best set in world will be junk in no time without the proper lubricant...

never use any...cheap or otherwise... set dry... the threads/threading will be weak and apt to have gauling in them

[Space Cowboy]

Originally Posted by buck52

only reason I mentioned it is that the best set in world will be junk in no time without the proper lubricant...

never use any...cheap or otherwise... set dry... the threads/threading will be weak and apt to have gauling in them

I agree but sometimes the material and tap isn't anything of value anyways. The oil is worth more than the project

[Knotbored]

Forward a half a turn-backward a quarter turn-repeat.
If you attempt to just bore through any metal you will gaul out the threads on either the tap (or die) or the metal. Backing up breaks loose the chips. Cutting fluid is necessary-even dishwashing soap if nothing else is available.
I don't entirely agree with buying the "best available" taps or dies. I have a $40 SAE set from a tool tent sale over 20 years old, none has broken, all work like new and seem sharp enough to use on anything from a car chasis to a radio screw.

[buck52]

Originally Posted by Space Cowboy

I agree but sometimes the material and tap isn't anything of value anyways. The oil is worth more than the project

When the day is done and the project is complete the proper tools and technique will have been worth while... A pint of cutting oil will last most a lifetime and will make a decent set of taps and dies last that long as well....

[Space Cowboy]

you guys are right.

Sometimes if the material is soft enough I just need to get it done. When i had 100 people standing around waiting for a machine to run I'd use whatever it took to get the line back up and running.

I'm thinking Irwin since from what I've seen they are made by Cleavland steel. If not they come in a nice case and it looks like Ace Hardware is my next stop. Every place so far only has standard thread kits.

Now .. back to the next project. .. A cordless vac .. I'm thinking Dewalt or Dyson..

Moving really stinks. Most f my stuff got broke or damaged so I have lots to fix.

Thanks
David

[Zeppfan]

I think Greenfield has the best and most reliable tap and die sets on the market today.. I have used this brand many times in industrial applications on various metals like aluminum, brass, cast iron, cast steel, and alloys.

I also agree that lubrication will lengthen the lifetime of the tap or die. if tap cutting fluid is not available, standard motor oil will do the trick.

Don't forget. half turn in, quarter turn out, repeat. After two complete turns, remove tap to clear chips from tap and hole being tapped. Repeat until requiredc depth is obtained.

Nothing can be more frustrating and repair ending than a broken tap in a blind hole.