Can anyone recommend decent metric tap and die sets?
I read that HSS is the way to go so I found a couple online but am unsure of their quality.
https://www.ausee.com.au/shop/item.aspx?itemid=2381
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/t013
HSS Tap and Die Set
haru on 06/04/2020 - 12:06
Last edited 06/04/2020 - 13:19
Last edited 06/04/2020 - 13:19
Comments
I've found Machinery House stuff is very hit and miss. Wouldn't recommend anything they sell unless you can inspect it yourself and know what you're looking at. I have no experience with the set you linked though.
Do you need to work with imperial threads? Both of the ones you linked are metric only.
Carbon steel is fine for cutting the odd thread or cleaning up existing threads. They will wear out quicker than high speed steel.
HSS just stands for "high speed steel" and all taps and dies are made from this, but like everything, quality is important part.
I am guessing that your budget is around $100 to $200 mark. If you are only tapping the odd thread here and there and in anything up to mild steel, either of those kits would be good enough.
If you are looking at tapping 400 holes or are looking to tap into something harder than mild steel, you might want to consider a better brand and only buy the taps that you need.
I use taps and dies on a daily basis and we predominantly stock "Sutton" branded cutting tools. You will pay a lot more for them, but they tend to outlast the cheaper ones.
And don't forget, if you are going to be doing any thread cutting, get some "Trefolex" cutting compound to make cutting easier.
"HERE" is the same kit, in a different box to the Hare and Forbes kit, and it's about $60 cheaper