aldi bargain

[ross1993]

just been to aldi , found a tap and die set for 14.99 comes with drills, tap wrench and m3-m12 taps and dies

 

[CRB]

?Split dies?
?HSS Taps?

?Is that a thread gauge I spy too?

 

[ross1993]

there not split dies but they are HSS. you spied correctly thread gauge as well has some imperial taps as well and a flat screw driver , heres a better picture

 

[mr migwire]

hmmm maybe worth a punt. it is something I don't use a lot but it would be handy to have a set.

 

[kier]

looks good, nice to have the complete set with drills will try to get one, time permitting

 

[Bill Edwards]

Not used this set myself but generally speaking I'd say that cheap tap/die sets really should only be used for the very occasional job.
The taps aren't taper taps so are a swine to start. The tap handles lose grip and round off in seconds. The taps go dull after a couple of holes. The thread quality can leave a lot to be desired.

Handy for the odd hobby job, but be aware of their shortcomings.

 

[ross1993]

taps are tapered but , your right , cant imagine the thread being that good without the second tap and the plug tap.It it was a spur of the moment purchase ,i dont expect them to last very long , just thought it be handy for a few little things in the future

 

[Bill Edwards]

Cheapies have helped me a time or two. Price up getting the 3 taps of OK quality for each of the normal sizes and the amount you have to spend can make your eyes water!
Hence if you don't need them much my approach is a cheap set for the less common sizes and for the odd sizes you use a lot (e.g M8 etc) it's worth buying better ones as needed - along with a wrench.

The trouble with the slightly tapered taps is that apart from thread quality using just one is a compromise between getting it to start and going far enough into a blind hole for the average hobby job.
Result it you need a lot of pressure to get it started and keeping it straight can be awkward.

 

[skotl]

I spent ~£40 on a (non Aldi) set a few years ago. I thought it was a bit of an extravagance, but i probably use it every couple of months now and it's a godsend.

Just having it available opens up a whole bunch of possibilities. The most common use is hacksawing a bolt the the exact size that I need knowing that I can tidy up the thread afterwards.

 

[Bill Edwards]

The most common use is hacksawing a bolt the the exact size that I need knowing that I can tidy up the thread afterwards.

One easy way is to screw a nut on, chop it to length and put a chamfer on with a file. The nut then makes sure it is right as it screws off.

 

[steveo3002]

got one of these today on the basis its better than nothing

whats the little chuck thingy for ?

 

[brightspark]

got one of these today on the basis its better than nothing

whats the little chuck thingy for ?

for holding the taps with a small bar through it .its quicker to use than fannying on with 2 hands and more versatile than the large tap wrench holder on bottom of piccie, the sets would be ok for cleaning most threads up and doing drilling and tapping on stuff that isnt important if they snap but i wouldnt use them on a job that i had just fabricated and spent half a day on making for the sake of an extra few quid with a quality known brand one

 

[Normsthename]

I've bought Tools from Aldi before not expecting anything great because of the price.
But I have been pleasantly surprised with them

Andy

 

[ross1993]

I've bought Tools from Aldi before not expecting anything great because of the price.
But I have been pleasantly surprised with them

Andy

thats what i like to hear