Looking for a Tap and Die Set
 

Hi All,

Looking for a quality tape and die set without breaking the bank. I don't want the cheap sets from China. It will be seldom used but need precision when it is. I've seen some Snap On 40 piece sets for around $250. Anyone have ides besides that?

Thanks,
Dave

Dave, I believe Snap on might be made by Hanson. Check out Hanson(Irwin) and Vermont American. Mine have lasted well. Always use cutting oil where applicable as that will prolong life and make better cuts.

John

There are a lot of tools, tap and die sets included, that are outsourced and re-branded by the tool trucks. Check out garagejournal.com for a fairly complete list, but I believe JKZ27 may have hit the nail on the head with Hanson.

Watch for snap on t&d on Craig's list . Used for $90 to 100 for a basic set. Found sae and metric (yes I sometimes use metric!!!lol) within a couple of months of looking.

Go on eBay and search "Ace" and "Hanson" tap and die. There are a bunch of great used sets on there. Forget snap on, your buying the name.

Mike

Exactly.

If you find one of the vintage Ace sets (made by Hanson), they will work way better than the new stuff. I got a great deal on a set that had slight surface rust. Cleaned and oiled them up, and they cut clean clean clean.

Even better if you can find local on CL, but sometimes you can get a deal on ebay.

Thanks Guys. Great advice.

Best,
Dave

Just be careful that you are buying a set that has both fine and course thread. Some of the old sets are one or the other.