Hanslow

Can anyone recommend a decent Tap and Die set? I've looked into it a bit and understand that HSS sets are better than carbon steel so would prefer a HSS. Don't want to spend too much as they'll be for a smallish job, but with potential for future use. I know I could just get the one(s) I need, but would prefer to buy a set and have more to hand should I need them at short notice.

Looking at spending less than 100 quid, preferably nearer 50.

Website links for buying any recommended would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if you want to dispel any myths about HSS, carbon steel, tungsten steel, etc. please feel free to do so

TopBanana

Having had a tap snap, all I'd say is don't skimp!

wayne9t9

Agreed, definitely don`t buy from Aldi or poundstretcher

Hanslow

LOL they weren't even on my list of 'shops' but consider them well and truly forgotton about!

Account deleted by request

I'd definately recommend HSS - I have had some bad experiences with carbon steel.

I have bought most of my tools recently off ebay - i would try starting there.

hth

chop


also - from what I have seen HSS ain't that much more than steel.

Hanslow

Thanks chopper. It's just trying to find a decent set that's the problem. Thought I'd see if people recommended any in particular. There seem to be plenty of carbon steel ones around but I've heard about lots of snapping going on with these

paulr

What job do you want them for,its not the sort of thing you would need very often.Would you not be better off borrowing the ones you need rather than buying a set.

Pumpkin

I'd recommend using Tracy Tools for drills and for taps & dies. Fast and cheap and good quality.

http://www.tracytools.com/

Both metric and loads of imperial sizes, mostly in stock.

Hanslow

Paul, whilst I'd like to borrow some, don't know anyone near me who has any.

I firstly need to rethread some metal threads that have been cross-threaded by my monkey hands Secondly, I might be doing a little light metalwork at some point in the future that may (don't know for def) require threading of some holes. As I don't know for definite how much use they'll get, I want to get a decent value for money set (but not a cheap and nasty one).

I've got numerous tools that I use now and then, but it's a godsend having them when I need them

I'll have a look on there thanks Pumpkin

Account deleted by request

Have you tried screwfix ?

I'll have a dig on ebay and see if I can find any.

Definately stay away from carbon


chop

Pumpkin

Tracy tools are usually really good. They have cheap but good ones and really cheap ones for where you just need an obscure size to do one thread. There is a small minimum order charge but it is small.

CrisPDuk

I've always used Dormer for taps, dies and drill bits, I usually only get breakages when butcher gets involved

rr_ww

www.machinemart.co.uk

Robbie200

'Car Mechanics' mag had a test of tap 'n' die sets in last months issue. The winner was Draper 79205 at £69.99, runner up Draper 79203 at £33.50.

Recommended for quality the Sherwood SHR-086-9990k at £111.61 (call 0116 2888000 for a local supplier)

Hanslow

I'm sure I looked on their website last week and they didn't do HSS ones I went into Nottingham as well and purposefully checked as they have a shop there.

I'll have a look at those you mention as well Robbie

Might go for the Machine Mart ones now that they appear to have some, or that I can now use their search properly

David_Wallis

the screwfix set is ****.

www.tapdie.com or .co.uk cant remember..

cromwell tools have some nice ones

Id just buy decent taps for the ones you need, realistically how often are you going to use the dies? (other than for cleaning threads)

Hanslow

Probably not that often, but you never know

I'll avoid Screwfix then

Thanks David

ben44

Try to avoid machinemart aswell unless your loaded and don't care about quality

Best bet is to go for a local supplier. I'm Essex/London based and would use LTW (01375 676667) or XR's (01708 524469) Neither will sell you sh!te. Started to use Havering Engineer Supplies as well recently, but don't have their number to hand. I would imagine they would all post to you.

Hanslow

Right, I'll cross commercial 'public' places off the list then

Thanks all for the tips and info. Might hit the yellow pages and see what engineering type places are local to me.

Big Den

You may find that some tool hire centres will have these available. If it's just for a one off then this may prove a cheaper option and IMO most hire centres usually have good quality kit as they need it to last even if abused.

Den

r32

Try Cromwell Tools, good reliable Company, I can recommend them. Have a look at their web site...... they are headquartered in Leicester. Then pick what you want / can afford.

Hanslow

Cromwell look good and not too far away from me (well a Saturday out anyway ). Do they have a walkin place where you can pick up?