Which tap and die set?

[ringo]

I've got to the stage in my life when having a few taps and dies around is a good thing.

On ebay, there are loads - from cheap to expensive.

Has anyone got any advice on what to buy please? Any brands to go for or avoid?

I dont want to spend loads but i dont want to buy a rubbish set that breaks as soon as i use it in anger!

Thanks dudes,

Ringo

[R0B]

as with most tools mate.the most expensive are the best.

[bigherb]

I agree although some expensive ones can be crap. I always go for ones made by a reputable company like Dormer.

[ringo]

What about this:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... -set/path/

Best buy from practical classics....

Ringo

[toolsntat]

What about this:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... -set/path/

Best buy from practical classics....

Ringo

Same as
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65572#dtab" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But do halford guarantee for life or is that another range??

And heres the big money stuff
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/sear ... 4294955383" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I know some of the cheap stuff is so rubbish as to be no use whatsoever

[Mr Bean]

Unless you are a fairly specific kind on model maker or repairer of machinery I would suggest that you but the very best but only when you need it. Some repare/refurbish jobs will require maybe even an old Imperial thread for which taps and die can still be had but you wouldn't want a whole set. In this way you will be able to have good quality without wasting money on stuff which may never be used. For instance I prefor Dormer drills and Eclipse hacksaw blades. Although QD Stores have been doing 4.5" thin SS cutting disks for £1 for a two pack and I find these much better than using a hacksaw anyway.
Regards
Wolfie

[jamesc76]

Machine mart one looks good my pc is playing up and wont let me see the halfrauds one but if its the same do not buy them i will pick them up for you as i get trade discount there!!!!!!!!! I say these look good my set cost £160 but these are very very good ones those sets wil do you fine for infrequent use mine really will take some hammer!!!

[A KIRK]

Halfords one are great for the money, I bought a set a couple of weeks ago. I paid £23 trade for them from Helfruads.

They sorted the threads out in mny heat exchangers without to much hassle

[toolsntat]

Halfords one are great for the money, I bought a set a couple of weeks ago. I paid £23 trade for them from Helfruads.

They sorted the threads out in mny heat exchangers without to much hassle

Did you happen to know what guarantee comes with it??

[Titus A Duxass]

There are two major differences Carbon Steel or High Speed Steel (HSS).
Carbon Steel are usually cheaper (under 20 quid), whereas HSS can very expensive (see Jame's post).
Carbon Steel is not very durable, use them on Stainless and you can throw them away afterwards. They are okay for alu and softer metals.

HSS is, on the whole, a lot more durable.

If you do invest in a Tap & Die set make sure that you get as a minimum two Taps per size, one Tap being the Taper Tap (it tapers in diameter) which is used for starting the cut and the Bottom Tap (which is parallel and finishes off the cut). The posh sets have an extra Middle Tap.

With the dies - make sure that they are split so that you can "open them up" with the Die Holder (there's usually a set screw in the side of the Die Holder).

You can save money by buying only the sizes that you need (M5, M6, M8, M10, etc.), some sets come with M7 & M9 which are seldom needed (unless you own a Renault).

Also invest in some Cutting Oil and, naturally, use it.

Cutting threads should be done with care and time, it is not a high speed task. 1/4 to turn in the cutting direction and then 1/8 against the cutting direction to break-off the removed metal.

You also buy the correct size drills for tapping and clearance, here is a link to a table of the correct sizes http://www.engineershandbook.com/Tables/tapdrill.htm.

[lloyd]

As stated above, buy only what you need and get starter and bottoming taps. Bottoming tap is needed quite often...

[Titus A Duxass]

As stated above, buy only what you need and get starter and bottoming taps. Bottoming tap is needed quite often...

For info. a Starter Tap is the same as a Taper Tap.

[lloyd]

For info. a Starter Tap is the same as a Taper Tap.

True. Just always called it a starter as it starts the taping process. Is there a technical name for second taper tap?

E D I T: some taps cuts a tapered thread... IE interference thread, like pipe thread.

[Titus A Duxass]

The Wiki (a dangerous place) gives the following:
Bottoming tap or plug tap.
Intermediate tap, second tap or plug tap.
Taper tap

[ringo]

All very good info this - thanks guys. I will pop into halfords and check out the guarantee situation...

Ringo