Tap set metric recommendations

[keithski122]

I bought a mac set years ago, same as snap on/irwin.Cost a lot at the time but having all the sizes I need as I needed them has got me out of the poo many times.Thing is I coud probably sell it now for the same as I bought it for 20 years ago.

 

[plewlandsbob]

Laser Metric Tap & Die Set 110pc 4554 | at Zoro

Laser - Metric Tap & Die Set 110pc available at Zoro.co.uk - UK's Leading Supplier of DIY Tools and Supplies'

www.zoro.co.uk

This Laser set, has every fine and coarse thread, from m2 to m18, taper and plug taps. It has M7, M9 and M11 taps. If you look at the full description, it tells , you all the thread sizes in it. For example, it contains, 3 different, M10 fine threads.

If you look on Amazon, you will find the same set , under several names, for a good bit cheaper.

 

[jack-daniels]

Laser Metric Tap & Die Set 110pc 4554 | at Zoro

Laser - Metric Tap & Die Set 110pc available at Zoro.co.uk - UK's Leading Supplier of DIY Tools and Supplies'

www.zoro.co.uk

This Laser set, has every fine and coarse thread, from m2 to m18, taper and plug taps. It has M7, M9 and M11 taps. If you look at the full description, it tells , you all the thread sizes in it. For example, it contains, 3 different, M10 fine threads.

If you look on Amazon, you will find the same set , under several names, for a good bit cheaper.

£65.99

VEVOR 110 Pcs Tap And Die Set Metric Thread Cutting Tool Wrench Kit Tungsten Steel | VEVOR UK

Discover 110 Pcs Tap And Die Set Metric Thread Cutting Tool Wrench Kit Tungsten Steel, Tungsten Steel Construction and High Working Efficiency at lowest price, 2days delivery, 30days returns.

uk.vevor.com

£244 cheaper

 

[Kram]

Laser Metric Tap & Die Set 110pc 4554 | at Zoro

Laser - Metric Tap & Die Set 110pc available at Zoro.co.uk - UK's Leading Supplier of DIY Tools and Supplies'

www.zoro.co.uk

This Laser set, has every fine and coarse thread, from m2 to m18, taper and plug taps. It has M7, M9 and M11 taps. If you look at the full description, it tells , you all the thread sizes in it. For example, it contains, 3 different, M10 fine threads.

If you look on Amazon, you will find the same set , under several names, for a good bit cheaper.

It doesnt have M13 x 1mm, which is, admittedly an obscure combination but I have seen it on several items for that reason. Its also a thread I have used myself by choice, as its the smallest one that a 11IL threading bar can get in.

This shop, Zimi-HK/PMQ234 has just about every combination listed, most are good quality and cheap.

tap | eBay

 

[Trevorleach]

I would avoid secondhand taps from the Sunday markets as all the sellers seem to clean them up on a wire wheel to get rid of the rust and that seems to blunt the cutting edge

 

[Nomad]

Tracy Tools have been good for me, I bought a machinists set (sets of 3 metric taps in a steel case complete with drills) many years ago, it's still my go-to set and none broken yet.
I also bought a large cheap metric set with fine/std/coarse taps & dies, I'm cautious about using it to cut threads but it's great for cleaning up existing threads.
A good quality set of thread files (from the forum) were very useful recently during some restoration work.
Individual 3-piece sets are handy for oddball or rarely used sizes, I have a collection of individual imperial, and long-reach taps bought for one-off jobs.

I'd avoid Machine Mart, I bought a set set there and soon took it back for a refund as one of the sizes I use most was deformed and "dragged" in use spoiling the threads.

 

[Dcal]

I bought a set from a local Motor Factors years ago and it has most sizes I need up to 18mm, including lots of odd ones.
Doesn't have a makers name on it, just say "METRIC Code 74840-1100." on the front and Tungsten on the taps and dies.





Great set and I haven't broken one yet.

 

[Dr.Al]

Looks like I'll be getting a Sherwood Tap and Drill set M3-12 and add the fine thread and larger sizes when I need them. Just need a code for Zoro now

I hadn't realised there was different types of taps. I just grabbed one and used it never considered if the tap was a taper, plug or bottom

Just wait until you hear about long series taps, spiral flute taps, spiral point taps, fluteless taps & serial taps

These are my M6 (coarse) taps & dies:

all in labelled pockets:

Note I use a mish-mash of American and UK terminology as a "plug tap" is the bottoming one in the UK and the second one in the US. I go for the unambiguous option!

 

[keithski122]

Always worth buying quality over cost as you don't want a cheap broken tap in a blind hole.

 

[bricol]

Always worth buying quality over cost as you don't want a cheap broken tap in a blind hole.

Not sure you want an expensive one broken in a hole either

Agree on quality though - quality tap, used sensibly, with suitable lube, in the correct sized hole, will last years in DIY use.

Don't lend 'em out - lent a mate a 1/2" UNF one which he promply lost - he thought it might be a couple of quid for a replacement . . . when he discovered it wasn't, he had a better look for mine

 

[Joe 90]

If buying as you need is this what you buy rather than the 3 hand taps.

Pardon our interruption...

 

[scottmk1]

Those Laser etc ones are a bit hit & miss. I had a set and all was good apart from the M8x1.0 tap which ******** up thread or two before I realised that the tap was at fault and not my drunken workmanship. I'd personally avoid things like that and stick to Presto, Dormer, Hall etc for taps

 

[keithski122]

Another thing I discovered was that using a good lubricant helps to stop tap breaking, I use trefolex paste.

 

[brightspark]

Another thing I discovered was that using a good lubricant helps to stop tap breaking, I use trefolex paste.

it stinks but is good i bought a gallon can of rocol 40 years ago from autojumble for 15 quid 40 years ago still using it smells nice as well

 

[timgunn1962]

They don't sell sets and they don't have the non-preferred sizes, but I've bought quite a few taps from UKDrills and been pretty impressed with them.

First purchase was in person, as we were working nearby and were having serious problems with apparently-undersized threads cut with "Eventus" taps bought from RS. The ones from UKDrills sorted that.

They certainly seem to be real HSS, whereas a lot of the cheaper sets claim to be "Alloy steel" or "Tungsten steel" and perform like they are made of cheese. UKDrills are my go-to for site drills and taps now, IMO hitting a very sweet spot on the priceerformance curve. For a set of 3 HSS taps (Taper, second, bottoming) in each of M3, M3.5*, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8, M10, M12 and M14, you are looking at under fifty-three quid delivered (though their ratchet tap wrenches are good value too and you'll probably also want to look at their drills).

Buy Taps & Dies Online at UK Drills - All Sizes Available

Single hand taps or hand tap sets, Tap wrenches, Die stocks all in stock with FREE next day delivery

www.ukdrills.com

*M3.5 may seem odd, but it's a standard thread for electrical back-boxes. My experience has always been that if you have the tap, you won't knacker the thread in the back-box next time you change a socket ot light switch. If you don't have the tap, there's a good chance you will, then spend hours or days trying to source a tap. If you try brute force and ignorance, you usually break off the threaded tab and have to change the back box.

 

[fizzy]

If buying as you need is this what you buy rather than the 3 hand taps.

Pardon our interruption...

I have bought several of these but as sets - very handy. Nice and sharp and cut a lovely thread. Great to have all 3 and I order the tapping drill bit to go with it.

Presto 3 Piece Metric Tap Sets HSS Hand Tap Includes Taper, Second & Plug Taps | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Presto 3 Piece Metric Tap Sets HSS Hand Tap Includes Taper, Second & Plug Taps at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Robotstar5]

*M3.5 may seem odd, but it's a standard thread for electrical back-boxes. My experience has always been that if you have the tap, you won't knacker the thread in the back-box next time you change a socket ot light switch. If you don't have the tap, there's a good chance you will, then spend hours or days trying to source a tap. If you try brute force and ignorance, you usually break off the threaded tab and have to change the back box.

I have one of these in my toolbox just for that

 

[MetalMonkey]

I have one of these in my toolbox just for that

I've got the C.K M3.5 and M4 in mine for the same reason.
I don't suppose they are made from all that great tap material, but then the stuff they are rethreading is usually only made of cheddar!

 

[Agroshield]

If you try brute force and ignorance, you usually break off the threaded tab and have to change the back box.

Most of the ones I delve into are either mono-screwular from the start or come pre-stripped by the previous inhabitant.

These are good to know about:

The Back Box Repair Clip - Pack of 5

The Back Box Repair Clip - Pack of 5 A unique push together 2 piece clip system, overall dimensions 18mm x 8mm, 0.25mm. Comprising a sprung, calibrated and tensioned steel plate against a 1mm galvanised metal M3.5 thread, clips securely to a back box with room for face plate adjustment

www.electrical4less.co.uk

 

[MickeyW]

I am lucky to have a local drill and cutting tool specialist, Drill Service Ltd https://www.drill-service.co.uk/ They also operate an online shop and will post stuff out at sensible prices. Just buy taps as you need and store in a generic plastic organiser box.