Tap and Die sets

Discussion in 'Tools' started by Toto, Jan 30, 2022.

  1. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    Looking for some steers for a tap and die set.

    Preferably a set with the most common sizes used in modelling. Not sure if metric or imperial would be best.

    Any assistance along with where I could get them would be appreciated.

    Cheers

    Toto
     
  2. Jim Freight

    Jim Freight Full Member

    Messages:
    1,100
    Likes Received:
    875
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2019
    Hi Toto

    I tend to use BA (4 to 8) because I have a large stock of BA screws bought in the 1970s.
    However for repair of more modern items you need metric (2 to 4mm) , for casual users like myself many budget priced sets can be bought.

    Metric easily available on line and tool stores, I bought my metric taps and dies from Lidl of all places.

    I'm sure Rob Pulham could advise easily regarding more enduring sets.

    Jim
     
  3. ianvolvo46

    ianvolvo46 Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    5,331
    Likes Received:
    1,588
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    Loads on Amazon.co.uk 19.99 upwards
     
  4. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    Thanks chaps.

    Some of my kits have the requirement to tap out items and really trying to gauge the most useful sizes ( generally ).

    I looked at the usual sites but some sets have a load of larger sizes that I am not likely to use and hence you are paying for a lot of stuff that will gather dust. I think the smaller sizes for some motion linkages and maybe one or two commonly ( handy yo have ) sizes would be a good buy.

    I seen a set that goes up to I think it was 10 or 12 ba. That might be a reasonable bet.

    I'll hang off and see if there are any more comments for now.

    Thanks for posting.

    Toto
     
  5. Jim Freight

    Jim Freight Full Member

    Messages:
    1,100
    Likes Received:
    875
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2019
    For motion parts you are going to need much finer BA e.g. 10BA -14BA, or metric 1 mm or less, Jim
     
  6. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    That what I was thinking. The set I saw only went as far as either 10 or 12 ba. I would need to double check but I think it was 10 ba. I would rather I got the right set from the off.

    I'll keep searching for one that goes to at least 14 ba if not better. ( or a metric equivalent ... dont suppose it will matter ).

    Cheers

    Toto
     
  7. Jim Freight

    Jim Freight Full Member

    Messages:
    1,100
    Likes Received:
    875
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2019
    Expect the prices to climb steeply as you move into watchmaking territory :scratchchin:

    You would probably have to buy these individually, Rob's your man though.
     
  8. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

    Messages:
    3,881
    Likes Received:
    4,190
    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2017
    I had to buy a 0-10 ba set and then 12ba and 14ba taps/dies as individual items. The cheapest place that I found 14ba taps/ dies was Squires. The rest I bought via eBay. Because we are mainly tapping/threading brass/nickel I didn't feel the need to buy a branded set. And touch wood I have only ever broken one 14ba tap so they are quite adequate for our modelling needs.
    I do have a set of branded metric taps and dies but they only go down to m4. I also have a separate M2 tap set needed for building DJH kits.
     
    Jim Freight likes this.
  9. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    Thanks Rob. I seen the 0 to 10ba on line. I'll maybe just do the same as I have seen a whole load of other sizes separately as you say.

    They dont have to be the best as long as they can do the job without snapping too easily.

    Many thanks.

    Toto
     
  10. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    9,848
    Likes Received:
    5,902
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    I think you need to check your cave - I purchased a 0BA t0 12BA set in July 2020, and I'm sure you got a set as well - light woodern box set
     
    jakesdad13 and Rob Pulham like this.
  11. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    I have come across three Individual taps .... 8 ba, 1o ba and 12 ba which I think were quoted as being the 3 most useful sizes. Cant remember any " set " as such....... wouldn't surprise me though. I will double check just in case. :facepalm:

    Cheers

    Toto
     
    jakesdad13 and Rob Pulham like this.
  12. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    Ohhhhh boy ..... Dundee was right. .... what a historical day ...... he's never right ..... not part of his remit.

    look what I found .........


    yes .........


    taps and dies.

    well that has saved me a few quid. would have been gutted if I'd bought a second set.

    well done Dundee........ just don't get too used to basking in glory though ..... now ...... get back to work.

    toto
     
    jakesdad13, paul_l and Rob Pulham like this.
  13. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    9,848
    Likes Received:
    5,902
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    Who would have thunked it ....... :avatar:

    What we both probably need is the tapping and clearance drills for all the thread sizes we have

    upload_2022-1-31_23-28-6.png

    This should help

    Paul
     
    jakesdad13 and Rob Pulham like this.
  14. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

    Messages:
    3,881
    Likes Received:
    4,190
    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2017
    I can thoroughly recommend Drill Services Horley for drills. They cost a bit more than the usual outlets but they last much longer and cut better in my experience.
     
    jakesdad13, Toto and paul_l like this.
  15. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

    Messages:
    15,419
    Likes Received:
    3,842
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
    Thanks for the recommendation Rob, I'll have a look for their site. :thumbs:

    Cheers

    Toto
     
  16. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    9,848
    Likes Received:
    5,902
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
  17. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

    Messages:
    3,881
    Likes Received:
    4,190
    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2017
    Yes, those are the ones. I was put on to them by the late David Smith (DLOS). I placed one order about 18months ago for around £12 and I haven't had to buy any since.
     
    jakesdad13 and paul_l like this.
  18. Steven Fairweather

    Steven Fairweather Full Member

    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    5
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2021
    jakesdad13 likes this.
  19. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    9,848
    Likes Received:
    5,902
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2015
    Cheers Steve, I'll give it a look.
     
  20. Jim Freight

    Jim Freight Full Member

    Messages:
    1,100
    Likes Received:
    875
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2019
    Thanks for posting that, useful to know that, I have certainly found some terrible drill bits over the years, Jim
     

Share This Page