Good Tap & Die Set

[Premiershipman]

Any recommendations on a good tap and die set, been thinking about one for a while.

Some ppl say cheapish ones can be good and just replace when they wear out whereas some say pay highly for good quality (which I tend to prefer to do to be honest).

What's the sketch with everyone else, what manufacturer do you recommend ?

(Probably going to be mostly used on mild steel)

Thanks

Shady

 

[Jan]

I've had couple of cheapish sets and they've lasted quite well, but I rarely need to use them. If pushed to the limit they soon lose their edge and can even break - especially the handles. The same goes for 'easy outs' as I broke 2 of them trying to remove a bleed nipple from a brake caliper. This meant that I had to take it to local brake & clutch specialist to be overhauled at 4 times the cost of DIY. If/when I need another set I think I'll get a much better set as it could easily see me out.

 

[atomant48]

I've had couple of cheapish sets and they've lasted quite well, but I rarely need to use them. If pushed to the limit they soon lose their edge and can even break - especially the handles. The same goes for 'easy outs' as I broke 2 of them trying to remove a bleed nipple from a brake caliper. This meant that I had to take it to local brake & clutch specialist to be overhauled at 4 times the cost of DIY. If/when I need another set I think I'll get a much better set as it could easily see me out.

Snap-On had them on special on the truck earlier this month. About 160+ i think which was about 100 or so off.

They are a pretty generic set i think - no doubt made by Craftsman or something, but some of their threading tools ive got in the past are pretty good.

Standing by for the SO rant now.

 

[Rig Pig]

Look for HSS not carbon steel for longer life, Presto are the best in my opinion

 

[wyn]

I've still got a "snap on" metric/imperial set that i bought about 20 years ago....they are still going ok.

I mostly buy reasonable quality sets of three taps (taper/second/plug) in whatever size i use most and odd sizes when needed.

With dies i don't seem to use them as much...so just use the snap on ones.

 

[keithski122]

I've got the snap on metric set in my work toolbox and it has got me out of trouble so many times.It must be getting on for 15 to 20 years old now, replaced a few taps that have snapped.A worthwhile addition is a ratcheting t wrench for the taps.
At home I've got a cheap set, its horrible! Cuts the threads nastily, don't know why I keep it as I always bring my work set home if I need it.

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

Presto Sherwood Former Hahndreiter roebuck guhring and goliath are all good makes. Have a look on Tracey tools are reasonably priced. Other option is to buy something like a Clarke set and also say dormer m5 m 6 m8 m10 etc all the commonly used oNed.

 

[wristpin]

Try these guys
http://www.tracytools.com/

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

Dormer not former in my original post haha

 

[Premiershipman]

Thanks guys for all your recommendations, I will look into the brands suggested for a good set.

Shady

 

[DuffyBB]

Keep meaning to get a new set myself. Cant decide between the large US Pro(iirc) sets on the bay, or a gearwrench set which looks good with the ratchet handles but has less pieces.

 

[migmag]

Tracytools for me too very good gear..