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
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
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
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
Expect the prices to climb steeply as you move into watchmaking territory You would probably have to buy these individually, Rob's your man though.
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.
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
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
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. Cheers Toto
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
Who would have thunked it ....... What we both probably need is the tapping and clearance drills for all the thread sizes we have This should help Paul
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.
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.
Hello If anyone needs drills there is a special offer at MSCdirect. 1mm - 5.9mm in 0.1 Increments. https://www.mscdirect.co.uk/QUDAA-25050H/SEARCH:KEYWORD/product.html £11.99 and larger sizes 6mm - 10mm in 0.1 increments search for this QUDAA-25041M £34.99 Its a special offer. No idea how long it lasts regards Steve
Thanks for posting that, useful to know that, I have certainly found some terrible drill bits over the years, Jim