Tap and die set

[keithski122]

After having a huge amount of my tools stolen I'm in the need for a new metric tap and die set, I don't want individual pieces. Previously I had a mac tools set which is the same as snap on and really just a rebranded irwin hanson set. I'd like to get similar and could get the same set but its £25 more than I want to spend(£175ish), though if I have to I will. Does anyone know of comparable sets ?

 

[brightspark]

try tracy tools

 

[keithski122]

try tracy tools

Don't think they do a single set that has the same range of threads.

 

[hotponyshoes]

What range of threads are you after?
I've got this set from Linear


Metric, m3 to m12 but standard threads only. 3 of each size (1st, 2nd, bottom)

 

[keithski122]

What range of threads are you after?
I've got this set from Linear


Metric, m3 to m12 but standard threads only. 3 of each size (1st, 2nd, bottom)

Much the same but the set I had before had two pitch sizes for some. Its not for anything in particular but for that get you out of the poop moment which the set I had got me out of the poop many times. I do already have a thread chaser set.It needs to be a decent set as I already have a cheap and nasty set and there is nothing worse than a cheap and nasty tap and die set.

 

[Seadog]

After having a huge amount of my tools stolen I'm in the need for a new metric tap and die set, I don't want individual pieces. Previously I had a mac tools set which is the same as snap on and really just a rebranded irwin hanson set. I'd like to get similar and could get the same set but its £25 more than I want to spend(£175ish), though if I have to I will. Does anyone know of comparable sets ?
View attachment 482666

It's identical to the Blue Point set, as sold by Snap On. I bought mine in the early 80s. Carbon steel, unless they've upped their game.

 

[winchman]

Plenty of sets about but the Snap on set has fine threads as well which I why I have mine, assuming the Irwin set is the same quality as the old Snap on was supplied by Hanson tools which I believe Irwin bought out?

 

[keithski122]

Irwin hanson made them and rebranded them for both snap on and mac, great set.If you do a bit of searching on tinternet its surprising who you find makes their stuff, ie williams makes there screwdrivers, lang make the rethreading sets and I did find out who makes their pry bars the other day.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Linear are very good quality taps, its probably more of a workshop set than a get out of trouble set though. I've got a snap-on set that is handy for that. Only 2nd cut of each size but has got quite a few different threads. Mainly automotive sensors etc and quite a few are odd american ones I'll never use.

If I could predict which threads I'd actually need (and use) I'd make up a custom kit box to hold them. As it is, I've got the snap-on set for the cars/farm stuff, a metric set like the liner one in the fabrication shop then a couple of drawers/boxes stuffed with them. They are sorted into metric, Imperial, and 'others' and I just go rummaging when I need one.
You can guarantee I'm then looking in at least one other box to find the wrench.

Iv also got boxes of stuff like helicoils and keyserts where I keep the taps and drill bits to suit so there are quite a few duplicates.

I've also got boxes of new ones that I've never got around to sorting out. Probably 300+ of them!

 

[Agroshield]

I use Völkel individual taps and dies and they have always been good value:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Volkel-3-12mm-HSS-Tap-Die/dp/B00EO4LY80

GWR Fasteners seem to stock other set options, but at higher prices than you suggest.

 

[Beanwood]

How about: Pre-owned Snap on
(Nothing to do with me)

 

[keithski122]

Bit wary of buying secondhand as you can't really tell what damage the taps have, a lot of the secondhand sets go for similar money as new and most have been used in a trade situation so are filthy(I do like to look after my stuff).

 

[Misterg]

a lot of the secondhand sets go for similar money as new

Donkey's years ago I was looking through the tool stalls at the Pembrokshire agricultural show. One stall was selling Chinese tap and die sets in a red plastic case for £X. There were a pile of them there all wrapped in cellophane. A few stalls down was the same set, opened and with oily thumb prints on it for £X+5. I'm sure that they had a steady supply.

 

[Kram]

After having a huge amount of my tools stolen I'm in the need for a new metric tap and die set, I don't want individual pieces. Previously I had a mac tools set which is the same as snap on and really just a rebranded irwin hanson set. I'd like to get similar and could get the same set but its £25 more than I want to spend(£175ish), though if I have to I will. Does anyone know of comparable sets ?
View attachment 482666

Will it be for repair andncleaning existing or, fabricating parts and cutting new threads?


Currently ArcEuro have good, reduced prices on both their HSSE machine taps, and their HSS dies, both in fine and coarse threads, spiral point and spiral flute.

HSS dies are relatively rare, most sets will be HSS taps and carbon steel dies, my experience is carbon steel dies dontnlast very long, easily blunted.

SP/SF machine taps are generally bettter steel and last longer than the common set of three hand taps, quicker to use and only one tap. The only disadvantage is you still need a bottom tap where you need maximum full thread depth.

While you have to buy them individuallly you would likely save a lot buying one if each over buying a whole set. Put the money saved to a halfords £25 tool box to keep them all nice as a set.

 

[Jasper42]

Would these be any good! HSS tap and die!

HSS Metric Tap and Die Set - M3-M12 - Arc Euro Trade

HSS Metric Tap and Die Set - 32pc - M3-M12. Set of 3 taps each size: Metric Coarse - M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10 and M12.

www.arceurotrade.co.uk

 

[brightspark]

Would these be any good! HSS tap and die!

HSS Metric Tap and Die Set - M3-M12 - Arc Euro Trade

HSS Metric Tap and Die Set - 32pc - M3-M12. Set of 3 taps each size: Metric Coarse - M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10 and M12.

www.arceurotrade.co.uk

i have a set of those there just all badged up /mine are machine mart along with a host of other names they hold up quite well . used mine a lot

 

[Kram]

The dies being HSS are likely better than most. The taps being plain HSS hand taps I wouldnt bother with, I much prefer machine taps. I have never snapped a machine tap but a few hand taps!

Buy individually, a set of spiral point, spiral flute, and a cheap bottom tap for the odd time you need maximum fully threaded depth. They sell them individually at a good price.

 

[Joe 90]

Is that the same set for 92 dollars and free postage?

IRWIN Tools Metric Tap and Hex Die Set, 41-Piece (26317) save up to 59% today

IRWIN Tools Metric Tap and Hex Die Set, 41-Piece (26317) , show your elegant, show your style, buy them now. Embrace the glamorous life today!

www.irwin-tools.com

 

[indykid]

Is that the same set for 92 dollars and free postage?

IRWIN Tools Metric Tap and Hex Die Set, 41-Piece (26317) save up to 59% today

IRWIN Tools Metric Tap and Hex Die Set, 41-Piece (26317) , show your elegant, show your style, buy them now. Embrace the glamorous life today!

www.irwin-tools.com

Their registered address is the LUX pot shop in Seattle.

Caveat emptor

 

[indykid]

Would these be any good! HSS tap and die!

HSS Metric Tap and Die Set - M3-M12 - Arc Euro Trade

HSS Metric Tap and Die Set - 32pc - M3-M12. Set of 3 taps each size: Metric Coarse - M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10 and M12.

www.arceurotrade.co.uk

Three tap sets like that frustrate me because the taper and second taps don't cut full depth threads. Fine if you're tapping a huge or trapezoidal thread, but completely unnecessary on anything M3-M12. If you want the lead of a taper tap to square up the tap in a through hole, it doesn't need to be 2 operations.

That said, I've bought a couple of sets lightly used off ebay for the HSS dies and while not fantastically finished, the dies do cut adequately