Topic: Internet Metric Tap & Die Sets

[Accolay]

Are they any good? I mean, like the $9.99 sets you can get from no-name brands. Are all the other brands just made in China anyway, and more expensive because the brand-name slapped on the box?

I usually try to get the best I can afford with warranty etc. Perhaps if it sounds too good to be true it probably is?

http://www.dpciwholesale.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=2525

[bryanj]

OK for cleaning up damaged threads but not for cutting new ones,

for that you need 2 or 3 pice tap sets and split circular dies both with decent cutting paste and oodles of care and patience

[crazypj]

OK for cleaning up damaged threads but not for cutting new ones,

for that you need 2 or 3 pice tap sets and split circular dies both with decent cutting paste and oodles of care and patience

and they have to be high speed steel.
 In my experience, better sets have more accurate thread form.
 Buy individual taps and dies in the sizes you need.
 Its cheaper in the long run.
 3 piece set is taper, second cut and plug for taps.
Round split die means you can adjust it for different thread 'fit'
 You will need, 6x1, 7x1,(6mm helicoil tap) 8x1.25, 10x1.00, 1.25, 1.5mm.
 You can get by for a long time with just 6mm and 8mm taps and die.
I like Victor machinery exchange in New York.
They have some nice obscure stuff (odd sizes, etc)
 Still haven't found 1/8" Whitworth dies anywhere in USA though (at least not HSS ones), carbon steel is worthless IMHO and severely overpriced from people here who have them.
 Maybe I'll have to get them from Tracey Tools in Devon

PJ

[Alan F.]

Buy individual taps and dies in the sizes you need.
Its cheaper in the long run.

+1  Especially if you can get them locally with a warranty.  Don't pay for sizes you'll never use.

[r6100mph]

Looks like an identical one that i picked up at harbor freight for $10 bucks on sale.  It's not a bad set, but don't think I would be doing any head or engine work with these.  I don't trust cheap stuff like this when you need precision like threads.

Follow the guys above and if you are doing engine or head work, pick up individual quality tap and dies for the sizes you need.  I found Irwin makes nice individual tap and dies.

just my 2 cents