Tap & Die, Thread Chaser // Cleaner

On the winter target list is tear down & clean the Bigblock for either re-assembling, or sell ....

Questions about thread tools.....
I know there is a difference between cleaning threads and tapping to re-size.
I would like to get a quality set of Tap & Die, with quality Chase & Clean.
However, is this a thing that goes along with
" You get what you pay for "?
Seeing how a set of these would come in handy for anything, not just a single time use, what is the general view of a complete set by brand name?
OR
Should I leave it for the machine shop to handle?
As always, any & ALL responses are taken as educational & helpful.
Thank You...

Get a good set of bottom taps and they will do both. Several good brands are Ace, Snap-on, Morse and several others. just like anything else stay away from junk tools at a bargain bin

I'm sure that quality makes a huge difference. However, I bought an el cheapo from Harbor or one of those places and have had no problems with it at all. My Grandfather showed me how to use the tap and dies years ago and he always stressed going SLOW and backing up often to clean the burrs when tapping threads. I guess your amount of usage should probably determine your purchase. Good Luck and let us know what you decide and how it works for you.

meller

I have some taps and dies from Craftsman and HF and I only use them occasionally and I have broken one or two from time to time. It wasn't because of the tool quality, it was operator error. I got in to a rush and tried to go too fast or forgot to use cutting oil, both of which are no no's. I do have a set of thread chasers from Craftsman and they are different than taps and I use them when replacing manifolds, intakes, water pumps and things of that nature.
IMO, unless it's part of your livelihood I wouldn't pay the money for a top name set.

More important is intended use.

For cutting threads I'd recommend a better tap.

The tap grooves are called flutes. More is better for cutting. At work we have some spiral four flute taps which cut very aggressively, and do an amazing job, the removed metal comes out instrad of jamming up the tap, eliminateing the need to back up the tap every couple turns (normally done to 'break the chips'). Material makes a huge difference also, and for lubricant TAP MAGIC probably can't be beat .

For cleaning threads, fewer flutes seems better to me, especially on aluminum. Two flute taps seem more friendly to chasing threads, and less likely to try and cross thread. It's critical to start the tap carefully. ESPECIALLY ALUMINUM.

The cheapie sets are just fine for cleaning, probably better even.

This is good info!!
The intent would be to " chase & clean " all bosses of the block.
Any problem threads ( boogered, stripped, chipped etc ) I would leave alone, save for the machine shop if I were to come upon such monsters.
I, too, was taught that when working with threads & hand tools, go slow, back off & clean the debris, use something for lube.
Thanks folks, I Greatly appreciate the feedback!!

If your being price conscious ... try Enco.com, it works well for me. Also MSC.com, they both have a wide variety of price ranges

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 34_40

If your being price conscious ... try Enco.com, it works well for me. Also MSC.com, they both have a wide variety of price ranges

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*_*
MSC.com comes up as Mediterranean Shipping Company
Enco.com as an audio // video controll app for computers

LOL!! I get it -- y'all wanna ship my @$$ to a deserted island!!???!!

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DOH!!!

Thank You 34_40

;-)

. Sorry .
Double post