Please recommend me a small tap and die set

[tatsumi]

For cutting threads in non hardend steel, Metric My old set had past it now and in need of a set for a small job.

many thanks,
Ian

[Webber]

I bought a cheap crappy set. The dies are holding out so far but one of the taps shattered so I was recommended a Sherwood and it cuts really nicely.

Hth, Del

[tatsumi]

Thanks Del I'll check them out mate

[ANDYLASER]

Might be worthwhile just buying the ones you need for the job. A couple of good ones will be better than a box full of cheap ones.

[earthman]

How small of a set are you looking for? Thread sizes for pocket clip screws for example?

[caskwith]

I have bought sets in the past, they are really only useful for cleaning out pre threaded holes or damaged threads. Best thing to do is buy the taps you need, you will find a great many half decent taps and dies on ebay for reasonable prices, I always buy mine as a set of 3 (starter, 2nd and plug/finish) and do the job properly.

[paulm]

I got some Sherwoods ( I think, the name rings a bell !) from Cromwells, seem decent quality and work well. Buy only the sizes you need as others have said.

Cheers, Paul

[tatsumi]

How small of a set are you looking for? Thread sizes for pocket clip screws for example?

For this just an M4.

I've been getting taps (for loveless style bolts) for the sizes i need up to or around a tenner each but i figure a new full set will always be handy to have to hand.
Good advice mind on getting what you need as for what i need theres only four or five sizes i would use.

Caskwith is there a brand you tend to stick with?

Those sherwoods do read well but can only find them in bag sets do far, will have a better look later on

[FGYT]

have a look in cromwells and buy good quality in the sizes and types you need (ie taper, 2nd & plug ) you only need taper if your threading thro thin stuff etc as you just keep going till its past teh taper and you only need plug if your doing blind holes

most sets are rubbish unless your paying a lot of money

[timgunn1962]

Depending on what you need, it's usually better to buy individual taps and dies of good quality. HSGT (High Speed Ground Thread) or HSS-Co (High Speed Steel with Cobalt) are usually what you want when it matters.

Most of the cheap sets are CSCT (Carbon Steel, Cut Thread) and neither the material nor the geometry is a patch on the good stuff. Occasionally you'll see "tungsten steel" on a cheap set. Dunno why; from it's performance, it seems to be some sort of cheese.

If you are at the stage of needing a starter set for upgrading with real stuff as you go on, I have always had good service, and much better quality than the prices would suggest, from Tracy Tools. Most of the stuff I've had from them has been CSCT.

If you are ordering from Tracy Tools and you've ever broken a screw and used an easy-out, you'll really appreciate their left-hand drill selection at a fiver.

http://www.tracytools.com/

[David.s]

We use a Gearwrench set in the garage and it does us fine, not very expensive either.

[caskwith]

No particular brand i stick with, if I was doing production work I might go with someone like Hertel or Guerhring but I have been doing very well with Ebay sets, also of particular note is ARC Euro Trade, their non-brand endmills, drill bits and taps have been very good for the price.

[jerbal]

Look for Dormer taps, they are a good brand. Most firms that make good drills will also make good taps and dies.

[Tom_W]

If you want good tools look on eBay for LAL.if it is for hobby use Cromwell 'Sherwood', if it is for plastic - anything that isn't damaged. Use lots of tapping fluid (failing that - cooking oil)
T