Decent tap and die set recomendations...

[rwillett]

Hi,

I'm just returning a Silverline tap and die set to Amazon. All I wanted to do is put an 3 x M4 thread into plastic. The Silverline M4 crossbar and thread set couldn't even stay together long enough for one thread. It fell apart in my hands. Junk, so its going back.

I do need a decent, but reasonably priced tap and die set, I'd prefer M3 to M6 (or M8), won't need anything beyond that but if its a decent set, I might as well take it.

I haven't a clue whats good or bad (apart from Silverline). My late Dad hated them (he used to sell tools and ran a garage, but refused to have anything to do with them). I now know why.

Anyway, I looked on here and there was a thread from 2008 which is a bit old. Any and all suggestions welcomed.

Many thanks,

Rob

 

[jvc26]

Here’s a post from 2020 on this theme: Tap & Die Set Recommendation Needed

 

[rwillett]

Rats, missed that, thanks

Rob

 

[rwillett]

have ordered some stuff from Myfords.

many thanks

rob

 

[shed9]

+1 for Presto, also make sure you have a good cutting fluid. It will make all the difference.

 

[pe2dave]

Tracy tools, tap and die specialist. Devon, UK

 

[rwillett]

Its mainly for 3D printed stuff for telescope usage. Ordered a set from Myfords.

Thanks for the information, Appreciate it.

Rob

 

[Westy619]

Have you tried printing the threads in place?

 

[rwillett]

Hi

Yes. Tried a number of times but even on the slowest speed and the thinnest nozzle and a 0.1 layer, it's not accurate enough on m3 and m4 sizes.

It's a lot easier to print a slightly undersized hole and then put a tap through it.

I can print m6 and higher holes, as well as bolts but the smaller holes are just too fine.

Rob

 

[JoeS]

Presto!

 

[Cooper]

I bought a set of taps from Lidl, as I thought maybe one day maybe I'll need them. Since, I have cut treads in mild steel, brass and plastic. I have been surprised and delighted by them. It has also meant I have a use for a tub off lard left over from lead plumbing. My only regret is that I haven't seen a matching set of dies yet. They are all first cut so not much use in blind holes though. Well worth the fiver.

 

[davefreeman0]

I got fed up with even a half decent "sets" so just buy good quality for the sizes I need. Most sets only have the through taps so I also tend to get the three piece kits with starter, through and blind taps. Got a good selection without the huge expense all at once with loads of taps and dies I'll never use.

 

[Fergie 307]

Tracy tools, tap and die specialist. Devon, UK

I would second that. Buy virtually all mine from them. Don't think they do sets as such but have never asked. And always buy HSS, a bit more expensive but the cheapo sets are usually tungsten which is rubbish, and the sizes are usually all over the place. Only cheap set I have ever found to be any good at all was from Aldi. They are tungsten but pretty accurate so probably not bad for alloy or brass. I was given the set by someone and mostly use them as chasers. Certainly wouldn't try them in steel.