Looking to replace my hodgepodge of taps and dies with a single set

[MPHSystems]

The connector on the release cable to my trifold bed cover snapped sunday and I had to crawl up the bed to release it. I decided the best way to fix it required a tap and die and a screw. Well I spent more time looking for a 8-32 tap, die to clean the cut screw and #19 drill bit than it took me to perform the repair. II want an all-in-1 tap and die and drill set. I did look at this one, I’d like to know if anyone has used this set or could recommend a set. I only use taps/dies a few times a year so I think homeowner quality is fine for my needs. This one has SAE and metric taps and dies and the correct drill bits

Amazon.com

I’ve actually spent significantly more than that on just 1 Starrett tap handle as a gift for a friend. For me, this is the budget range I’m looking to spend for a set.

 

[lbhsbz]

Most sets you buy are carbon steel....OK for the occasional repair...sometimes, but not really "good" for much.

Best to buy a cheap set, dump it all in the trash and save the case....then order everything in HSS from McMaster or similar, and spend a few bucks on a few GOOD sets of HSS drills from McMaster as well. I would get a wire gauge size, small (up to 1/4") fractional set in 1/64th incriments, and a set that goes to 1/2". For the shorter ones, get screw machine length or stubby drills....they're a pleasure to work with in comparison to the jobber/mechanics length.

Now the important part. Put shit back in the case when you're done with it. I have a problem with this that requires me to make a replenishment order with McMaster about every month or 2. Oil the taps and drills before you put them away so they don't rust and you can read the sizes on 'em in a few years.

 

[sintax]

I'm sure people way more experienced will chime in eventually, but heres my take.

I've found that i've had much better luck looking for older well taken care of gear. I found an Ace Super Set on craigslist at some point a couple of years back. I think I paid $35 for it. Being made in the 70's the in the US, the quality is pretty impressive compared to the junk i found new

pic for reference

 

[530RL]

I've bought a couple cheap sets and they sometimes screw stuff up as much as help fix it.

I broke down and bought good Snap On sets. Probably one of the best tool investments I have made. As you pointed out, when you need one, you need a good one.

You can find them used on eBay for about 300 to 350.

 

[sintax]

I've bought a couple cheap sets and they sometimes screw stuff up as much as help fix it.

I broke down and bought good Snap On sets. Probably one of the best tool investments I have made. As you pointed out, when you need one, you need a good one.

You can find them used on eBay for about 300 to 350. View attachment 1464733

oh now that thread chaser set is super super nice. Thats something I feel I could actually use.

 

[poncho]

I've had good luck over the years with Irwin, broke a 3/8"-16 tap working on my flat one day and ran to Harbor Freight for a quicky replacement, biggest POS you can buy, I'll save money somewhere else.

 

[timstoy]

Do yourself a favor and buy a quality tap and die set and drill bit set! One broken tap will ruin your day!

 

[mjc]

oh now that thread chaser set is super super nice. Thats something I feel I could actually use.

restoring my wagon it is one of the most used tools in my garage.

 

[rivermobster]

Do yourself a favor and buy a quality tap and die set and drill bit set! One broken tap will ruin your day!

X1000

 

[lbhsbz]

Do yourself a favor and buy a quality tap and die set and drill bit set! One broken tap will ruin your day!

If you think you're gonna break a tap, stop and grind a little relief / score mark about 1/2" up from where the threads stop....when it breaks, it'll break there and at least leave you something to grab onto to try and get it out.

Also, use the right oil. If cutting threads in ferrous metal, get some dark thread cutting oil from the plumbing section at home depot....high in sulfer, good shit. For aluminum, WD-40 works as good as anything else I've tried....if you're a high roller, get some tap-magic.

 

[ltbaney1]

buy taps and dies as you need them and buy quality. not from HD or lowes. if you think a broken bolt sucks to remove, wait till you break a tap. the other down side with 99% of the kits like the one you posted, is they are all "starter" taps. Meaning they have 4-5 threads of lead on them. if you need to get to the bottom of a blind hole you are screwed and will need a different tap, called a "bottoming" tap that only has 1-2 threads of lead.

 

[ltbaney1]

Most sets you buy are carbon steel....OK for the occasional repair...sometimes, but not really "good" for much.

Best to buy a cheap set, dump it all in the trash and save the case....then order everything in HSS from McMaster or similar, and spend a few bucks on a few GOOD sets of HSS drills from McMaster as well. I would get a wire gauge size, small (up to 1/4") fractional set in 1/64th incriments, and a set that goes to 1/2". For the shorter ones, get screw machine length or stubby drills....they're a pleasure to work with in comparison to the jobber/mechanics length.

Now the important part. Put shit back in the case when you're done with it. I have a problem with this that requires me to make a replenishment order with McMaster about every month or 2. Oil the taps and drills before you put them away so they don't rust and you can read the sizes on 'em in a few years.

great advise, I will take it a step further, i have 2 different drill cabinets, one is all new, and the other is used but usable. same goes for taps, once it goes into a hole I mark the case so i know its not a fresh one. depending on what im drilling / tapping dictates which one i grab.

 

[TimeBandit]

The tool truck stuff was always just re-branded Irwin:

Amazon.com

I've had a metric set for years, but the set does not include all the diameters / thread pitch sizes you need, so you end up with a bunch not in the kit anyway:

https://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-Tools-Metric-41-Piece-26317/dp/B0000DD4KV?c=ts&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XYJu_5Kv8vXBCmQzEpzOUl4piobq-hGgdm9c5ZI4aSsysgyDYseEQpZFn3Fp2ubntT76M6eu-HpPb5CdX3MWeWfM-BEcDdSdkJp0inGdbJYjPqxKrZQH9OIB7LajaRspEudnpD-DkpYJoe5LZuP-JWSmom4GNl4jKk5Tl5B_Rx8XEG5E7aWa6UUF_6vtE4HqH631u6c491kCwx_NLHQ8rMwAOusax5iZkzWqVOUVNC7RWRBYBxu2sfFBAEIH7mNRI6mUl8wewtqPopyzfdxbzDSCyKPOS2H8k_YxcrOwBP8_XzDACoL9I4cCmUw7oCA8YzE7pe7-oGpVgJJrvbaX12QtOmBXsJn6_u_KHEfw4W0.EWSeRQO-SmWiZWa38MNV1qhSlDb-RjycmTpyNNGuGH4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Tap%2B%26%2BDie%2BSets&qid=1735591705&refinements=p_123%3A244026&rnid=85457740011&s=power-hand-tools&sr=1-2&ts_id=391912011&th=1

 

[Travmon]

I have that same Snap on set for at least 25 years, probably my only snap on stuff. That is an awesome investment and it has all the correct drill bits included.

 

[Racey]

Just buy the tap sizes you need individually from McMaster, you'll be money ahead in the long run by not having a bunch of sizes you'll never use.

HSS taps, coated if you are doing stainless

2 flute or 3 flute, never 4 flute unless they are bigger than 1/2"

 

[Your ad here]

Irwin Hansen is pretty good. It's actually what Snap On rebrands as theirs. They are pretty tough.

 

[Heylam]

I guess I’m lucky. I always drill the proper size hole, use the proper lubricant, go slow, and have never broken a tap.

 

[oldboatsrule]

Buy OSG brand taps from MSC or your local tool supplier. Not much more $ but alot more better. Series 105 is good enough for home use. On mild steel,and aluminum. Like said before 2 or 3 flute only. Spiral point for thru holes only. Avoid spiral flute taps if you are tapping by hand.

Also there is a socket set that replaces the old school tap handles. Use with a small t handle style breaker bar.

This lil gizmo will help the non steady folk keep the tap straight = less breakage

 

[Rajobigguy]

So I’ve spent 2 days separating all my nuts, bolts and assorted hardware, putting them in bins and labeling the bins, then this thread pops up and now I think I need too organize all my taps and dies. I’m going to group like size taps ( starting, plug and bottom ) with the correct sized drill and each size will have its own bin.

 

[H20 Toie]

Cmon get with the program

Packout all the way

Milwaukee SAE Tap and Die PACKOUT Set w/Hex-LOK 2-in-1 Handle (38-Piece) 49-22-5604 - The Home Depot

Acquire a modish and excellent addition to complete your tough tasks comfortably in the jobsite by choosing this Milwaukee SAE Tap and Die PACKOUT Set w HexLOK.

www.homedepot.com

 

[rrrr]

oh now that thread chaser set is super super nice. Thats something I feel I could actually use.

I have one. It has saved the day many times.

 

[RiverDave]

Just buy the tap sizes you need individually from McMaster, you'll be money ahead in the long run by not having a bunch of sizes you'll never use.

HSS taps, coated if you are doing stainless

2 flute or 3 flute, never 4 flute unless they are bigger than 1/2"

This

 

[rivermobster]

I guess I’m lucky. I always drill the proper size hole, use the proper lubricant, go slow, and have never broken a tap.

You do realized, you just jinxed yourself, right?

 

[ltbaney1]

Buy OSG brand taps from MSC or your local tool supplier. Not much more $ but alot more better. Series 105 is good enough for home use. On mild steel,and aluminum. Like said before 2 or 3 flute only. Spiral point for thru holes only. Avoid spiral flute taps if you are tapping by hand.

Also there is a socket set that replaces the old school tap handles. Use with a small t handle style breaker bar.

I didn’t want to spam the lounge but if you are buying OSG from MSC and you are not setup with a commercial account, please let me know. I sell OSG, Emuge, YMW and yg1 for taps.

 

[SoCalDave]

Greenleaf Tap and Die or Vermont are the best $$ can buy and will last a lifetime if lubricated properly while using them. These are just a couple sets that are well over 45 years old and cut like new.

I bought this set of cobalt drill bits for myself as an end of employment position some 20 years ago. Back then this set was about $450 and yeah there's a couple of ## ones missing as I need to replace them SOMEDAY.

 

[Icky]

Buy OSG brand taps from MSC or your local tool supplier. Not much more $ but alot more better. Series 105 is good enough for home use. On mild steel,and aluminum. Like said before 2 or 3 flute only. Spiral point for thru holes only. Avoid spiral flute taps if you are tapping by hand.

Also there is a socket set that replaces the old school tap handles. Use with a small t handle style breaker bar. View attachment 1464794

This lil gizmo will help the non steady folk keep the tap straight = less breakage
View attachment 1464796

We use those tap sockets on our impacts

 

[MPHSystems]

Just buy the tap sizes you need individually from McMaster, you'll be money ahead in the long run by not having a bunch of sizes you'll never use.

HSS taps, coated if you are doing stainless

2 flute or 3 flute, never 4 flute unless they are bigger than 1/2"

I fully agree, especially on tools I use regularly. But use a tap or die maybe 1-3 times a year. I’ve always wanted an extensive set and if I‘m working on a specific job I’d still buy a quality tap for that job and I do use the black cutting oil from my pipe threading set.

How this all came about is I need a tape measure which I keep in the front of my truck bed but the cable connector to the cable release broke and the 2 minute task of retrieving a tape measure turned into a +1 hr job finding a screw, tap, die and drill bit to perform the repair. Turns out 8-32 worked in this case and I happened to have a #19 bit and a die to clean the threads on the screw after I cut it down. But if I didn’t have a all those components in an appropriate size it would be another hour to drive to McFadden Dale so I could get a tape measure and cut drawer liners for my fresh MBR cabinets.

Anyways, red lock tighter in, here is the repair.

Original connection

Repaired connection

 

[petie6464]

I have Taps, taps and more taps but buying this thread chaser ket a few years ago was a great investment, super handy!