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Tap & Die Set - help

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JPSmit

JPSmit

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I tried to reasearch this (I know we've discussed it before - but to quote Winnie the Pooh, "I am a bear of very little brain.")

I need to chase out my bolt holes. What set should I get?

Canadian Tire has them ranging from $10 (three taps SAE - in the Auto section) to $150 (in the hardware section) and individual ones and I'm confused.

And, do I even need dies?

HELP!
 
Re: Tap & Die Set - help

JP, for what you're describing as the intended use you need thread "chasers" not taps/dies. There's a difference: taps and dies cut threads, chasers clean 'em without any parent material removal.

EDIT:
...must be gettin' slow in my dotage... "Yeah, what Jeff said, too."
 
Re: Tap & Die Set - help

JP, there's a good thread on this in the tools section:

https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/250864/

I wound up with a Craftsman set (about $150 or so). Covers all the SAE sizes I would need. For just chasing some threads, a cheaper set should do you okay. If you're ever going to really cut threads, spend more. I've heard that breaking them off in holes is a real pain!

I've already used 1 tap to fix a bunged up captive nut, and the corresponding die to fix the screw I had tried to fit into it with a bit too much force -- it flattened the threads. Useful tools, really glad I have them now.

Edit:
I'm sure Doc's right, but I was able to get what I needed from the tap/die set I have. I'll have to get some thread chasers one of these days as well...
 
Re: Tap & Die Set - help

It really depends on the application the fastener is used for. If it's a "mission critical" hole like a head-bolt, you don't want to introduce a stress riser by cutting the threads. Most of the non-load bolts/holes on body stuff and trim bits it wouldn't make a lot of difference.
 
I didn't think there was ever much debate on tools, Doc. The wisdom seems to be "get the good stuff." /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

(and I agree...)
 
And CheepToolz can cause you injury, too. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
 
JP, if you are just chasing threaded holes, there are three sizes that will do about 90% of the jobs on our cars. 1/4" x 28, 5/16" x 24, and 3/8" x 24. A #10 x 32 can be useful. For blind holes, make sure to get bottoming taps, as they will reach the bottom of the threads, where a plug or taper tap won't. Dies are nice for chasing external threads, but aren't absolutely required.
Doc has a valid point about using "chasers" rather than taps, but sometimes hardened carbon deposits require the use of a tap.
I've got a bunch of used, somewhat dull, taps that I use for chasers.
Jeff
(Doc, sorry about that. I inadvertently deleted the original post when I was going to add the bit about dull taps and chasers. You beat me to the chaser part. Debate away!!)
J
 
Now I'm gettin confused! Can we start over?? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

No debate on cheap tools. They'll bite you every time.
Jeff
 
Re: Tap & Die Set - help

heheee... MASS CONFUZZLEMENT!!!

All better now.

WHEW! Durn-near 'real time'! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/crazyeyes.gif
 
Re: Tap & Die Set - help

I'm too tired today to follow the edit stream in real time... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
 
Most of the bolt holes are fine thread. I use a well used tap chucked up in a rechargable drill. Makes quick work of the holes. If its a bolt I think I might have back off in the near future I put a bit of antisieze in it. Most of the dies that I have ever seen in kits are chasers only. If you need to cut threads you need a real threader (looks like a pipe threader)
 
regularman said:
I use a well used tap chucked up in a rechargable drill. Makes quick work of the holes.
Click to expand...

It can make quick work of the tap when it bottoms out and snaps, too! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
Jeff
 
I've a couple of "kits" here wot say "Snap-On" on 'em... not a chaser in the lot. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

I'd stand down from using any power device to clean out a threaded hole with a tap, but that's just me.
 
Bugeye58 said:
regularman said:
I use a well used tap chucked up in a rechargable drill. Makes quick work of the holes.
Click to expand...

It can make quick work of the tap when it bottoms out and snaps, too! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
Jeff
Click to expand...
Well, you gotta be careful. Set that slip dealy on the drill. Most people learn the hard way. I have broken way too many taps in my day.
 
My 2 cents on the subject are that more often than not, "chaep tools" wind up costing you more in the long run!!! Use the right tool for the job at hand!
 
Bugeye58 said:
I still prefer to "feel" my way with a tap. And, even chasing threads I use lots of oil.
Jeff
Click to expand...
Probably safest. I only use the drill on through holes. Like all those 1/4 28s on the fenders etc. I drill and tap holes a lot at my regular job as a maintenance tech. It just speeds up the job a little.
 
Sometimes tools can't be bought because the money for purchase is not there. If this is the case for a tap and die set you can get one at Harbor Freight is pretty cheap. The one thought I have is in the usage. If you look at a tap, you can see 2 or 3 open areas (flutes) with no threads. This is the area that gets the debree when you are cutting or cleaning the threads. When you are doing this and you feel the tap binding up, you can back out the tap and clean the flutes of the debree and start again. I've used a set of tap and dies for years and had no breakage. Personally, I use a cordless on screw sizes and a wrench on the larger sizes. Chasing captured nuts is the only way to go.
 
Re: Tap & Die Set - help

regularman said:
I only use the drill on through holes. Like all those 1/4 28s on the fenders etc. I drill and tap holes a lot at my regular job as a maintenance tech. It just speeds up the job a little.
Click to expand...

Ah-HA!!! Through-holes!! That makes more sense! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
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