Reco's for decent tap/die set?

[dave 911]

I've come to the realization that owning a 36 year old car requires one to have a tap & die set .

Is the Harbor Freight set any good? I know you usually get what you pay for, and I know Snap On is the way to go, but the car hobby fund only has so much in it and with so many other items on the wish list I have to be choiceful....

Any other reco's? Craftsman?

[fastfredracing]

I bought the large craftsman sets a long time ago, and they have worked well for many years. Cannot say if they are still the same quality though.

[yel911]

+1 for Craftsman.

[red-beard]

Make sure you get a metric and SAE set. I have the HF set, and they work fine for occasional use.

[dave 911]

so we need both metric and sae for our 911's? (when it comes to nuts and bolts, I just make sure they match and they work, I don't know alot about the numbering/designations systems....)

[craigster59]

I bought the Craftsman years ago and it still works great although I don't use it often (don't snap/ misthread bolts like I did in my younger days of wrenching).

[9dreizig]

Originally Posted by dave 911

so we need both metric and sae for our 911's? (when it comes to nuts and bolts, I just make sure they match and they work, I don't know alot about the numbering/designations systems....)

Not really,, I don't recall a single SAE size on a Porsche

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by dave 911

so we need both metric and sae for our 911's? (when it comes to nuts and bolts, I just make sure they match and they work, I don't know alot about the numbering/designations systems....)

No, but you have SAE stuff all over your house. Better to buy the SAE and METRIC set.

[dave 911]

Originally Posted by red-beard

No, but you have SAE stuff all over your house. Better to buy the SAE and METRIC set.

Makes perfect sense .

I like your quote also.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by 9dreizig

Not really,, I don't recall a single SAE size on a Porsche

Not to argue the point, but as a trivia point. There ARE indeed some SAE bolts on every car sold in America. The seat belt bolts are specified by the US Government. Of course the wheels are measured in inches both diameter and width.

[azasadny]

Harbor Freight is for tools/things that will only be used once... if you know what I mean...

[on2wheels52]

Bought Snap-On standard & metric sets over 30 years ago (the free hats were the clincher). Haven't had many decent sets come through the pawn shop, but might be worth looking around.
Jim

[NY65912]

I've had and used a Magna brand set for both SAE and metric for the past 30 years. They might still be around. They 30 years ago the cost approx. $70.00 each. Vermont American is a decent set as well. Grainger carries a few sets at different price points.

[Jim Bremner]

Do not re-use any bolt that's bad enough to run a die over. Bolts stretch, toss them.

bolts are cheap, damaged parts aren't let alone bolts failing on critical items that are safety related.

[pete3799]

I bought this set (actually both sets metric and SAE) about 6 years ago.
Only had to replace 2 taps so far.
Grip-On Tools Tap and Die — 45-Pc. Metric Set | Tap Die Sets| Northern Tool + Equipment

[sc_rufctr]

Are you sure you need a full set?

I've bought taps and dies individually as needed and have a complete collection for most of the threads on a 911.
About $150 spent over the years but buying individually means you can get higher quality taps and dies.
I buy from a local manufacturer (Made in Australia Suttons).

I've also bought Starrett tap wrenches and Moore a Right die holders. (second hand)

I wouldn't go for a cheap Chinese or Taiwanese set. Their quality sets are good but as a consequence about the same money as anything you'd buy US or UK made.
Japanese taps and dies are another good option.

[yetibone]

I've had a Hanson set for a looooong time. I think they are made by Irwin now.

[mossguy]

I've got a Harbor Freight set that has served me well.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

Do not re-use any bolt that's bad enough to run a die over. Bolts stretch, toss them.

bolts are cheap, damaged parts aren't let alone bolts failing on critical items that are safety related.

I'm sorry, but I disagree. I run a die over most sets of threads to clean them before reuse. When I rebuild a transmission, I run a die over the threads of all of the studs. I also run a tap through all of the nuts.

These are not stretched! If they were pulled hard enough they would pull out of the magnesium or aluminum well before permanent deformation.

[sc_rufctr]

James

Snapon sell dies that a designed to clean a thread only... They're not sharp like a regular die.

I have Snapon metric thread file. It has 8 sides (4 on each end) with a red plastic slip on handle. (I can post a pic if you want)
I've cleaned lots of bolts with it but you can also remove any damaged areas so the nut spins on smoothly.