| Author | Message | ||
     Greg_e |
So I've decided I need a good tap and die set for various things. I've tried to use the Harbor Freight junk for serious work, and always end up ordering the size I need. Trying to get my tools organized and getting a "full" set of decent taps is on the list. The Irwin stuff is sold through many places and appears to be decent, but wanted to check here. Going to also check out sets from Enco and see what they may have assembled. Any other brands I should look at? Any brands I should stay away from? Not looking for production level quality here just need something decent for those times that I need to hand tap a hole. Not so hot on all the dies, don't need to thread a rod often so it just seems to add expense. I have nice tap wrenches already, and guide blocks too. I did buy the OEM branded rethreading set the other day, tired of screwing around trying to get old loctite out of holes and don't want to run a thread cutting tap through the holes because it can enlarge the holes. Yes my Harley has some areas where the hamfisted goon has used way too much loctite that I now need to clean up. | ||
| Fast1075 |
I have 40+ year old Hanson taps and dies that still work. If the new ones are of equal quality, they will be good. | ||
| Stirz007 |
Irwins are tool steel, Chinese made - on mild steel, you might only get about 10 passes before they are toast (often less than that). I've been transitioning to these (long life option) as my old Craftsmans wear out or break as they last about twice as long: http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-taps/=11q78hg | ||
| Tootal |
If you can see what you're buying I suggest buying gun taps or 3 fluted taps. They are easier to start straight and stronger than a 4 flute. Greenfield was always a good brand but haven't bought any in a while. I would also try and stay with US or European made. | ||
| Ducbsa |
If you are chasing threads and not cutting new ones, a set of these might be what you are looking for: http://www.amazon.com/Lang-Tools-2581-26-Piece-Res torer/dp/B00DTEFSWY?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&re f_=ox_sc_sfl_title_11&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER I don't have any, but it is on my list to get soon. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I saw that headline and thought... must be an MMA fight think. Never heard of that Irwin guy, but I feel bad for him. | ||
| Robertl |
My dad has sold cutting tools for over 40 years so I asked him and awaiting a response. Might take a day or two. Typically they will carry different quality because that is what customers want but he is always honest with them about the quality. http://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Threading/Tap-D ie-Sets?searchterm=tap+die+set&navid=4287923965#na vid=4287923965&searchterm=tap+die+set SELECT-A-SALE: SAVE UP TO 25% ON ORDERS OVER $199 AND SAVE UP TO 30% ON ORDERS OVER $249. ENTER CODE: PICK25H OR PICK30H I'll update as soon as he responds. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Reep, I thought the exact same thing. pmsl. | ||
| Greg_e |
Enco sells Interstate and Irwin in sets, individual taps from a few different brands as most machine shops won't buy a set and call it good, they will buy the sizes needed for a contract. I may need to piece meal a set and see how that compares in price, at least I could drop the dies and cheapo tap wrench. No matter the tap (good or bad), I found good tap wrenches make the work better. After trying some cheap Interstate brand wrenches I bought Starrett, worth the money for me, and I only do hobby stuff. | ||
| Bsd |
Irwin is good stuff. They are the ones who make the tap and die sets for snap on, matco and mac. | ||
| Zac4mac |
You'll never go wrong with Starrett. I have a few pieces in my chest over 100 years old. One day on a joyride, I found a Starrett inside and outside calipers in the middle of the highway. Z | ||
| Robertl |
Irwin is made in the U.S. Hanson is now owned by Irwin. Rubbermaid, or rather NewellRubbermaid, is the parent company to both. He said most are going to be carbon steel but different grades, reflected by the price. Irwin should be a step up from the HF stuff. Cle-Line would be the top level (but that stuff is pricey). Hope that helps, Robert | ||
| Greg_e |
Thanks. Anything that I need to be cobalt or some such will be a single purchase, the carbon should be find for most of what I do. Just need to look around and see what brings me the sizes I think I need. | ||
| Stirz007 |
So I went back and double-checked some Irwin stuff I had - sure enough, package says "Taps made in USA, drill bits made in China" I stand corrected. | ||
| Thumper74 |
www.tooltopia.com is great. I have a good relationship with my 'tool guy', but his prices can be a little high. If I'm shopping around, I check Tooltopia.com and see what he can do. I have some Irwin bolt extractors and I love them. Great stuff. |
