Do you actually need to cut new threads, or just restore damaged ones? 'Cause I have a HF tap and die set, but almost never use it. :silly: I get way more use out of my thread restoring set:
My thing with cheap tap sets is the possibility of breaking a tap in a hole... Then you're kind of extra screwed, lol.
I use the snap on set at work, but I also didn't pay for it.
The best taps and dies are made from High Speed Steel look for "HSS" etched on the shank cheaper taps and dies are High Carbon Steel "HSC" and the real junk are Carbon Steel.
For cutting new threads you really need HSS taps --- in theory you need the three tap set (starter, intermediate and plug taps) for each size but for pretty well all automotive repair work for years I have gotten away with just two or even one tap rather than the full set for for most size.
Watch out for different metric thread pitches from different manufacturers Nissan for example tend to use finer pitch threads than Ford
If you want to chase (clean-up and repair) damaged threads Hex Die Nuts that can be used with a socket wrench or ring spanner are easier to use than tradditinal button or split dies are on male threads on studs and bolts.
" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)
Maybe I should ask about the difference between a thread chaser and a tap?
I remember looking into this a few years ago and a machinist forum slamming us auto mechanics for using chasers. They said that a tap does the same thing and more if needed and that chasers are just cheap taps.
Thoughts? I like the idea of that Lane kit Tyler posted.
I have a metric T&D set that I got like 10 years ago from AutoZone or something but at work last week I ran into an SAE hole that was buggered up.
Chasers are just blunt taps but they are intended not to cut but more push damaged threads back into shape I have no hesitation in using a chaser in cleaning up damaged spark plug hole but if was using a tap I would be much more cautious.
" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)
Tutti57 wrote: Maybe I should ask about the difference between a thread chaser and a tap?
This is 50+ year old stuff my father taught me, so things may have changed...
To me, a tap is something that will let you put cut threads into a bar of steel, after drilling the appropriate hole. It's all I have, all I've ever used, but I suppose it could be a bit aggressive if you were just cleaning up some threads. I really want a set of thread chasers some day since I do so little fabrication.
"I'll never know it all but I'm willing to settle for knowing where to find the answer!"
A longtime back we were Chrysler UK dealers and had the misfortune to have the French Chryslers as part of the range we sold. The USA would eventually get a re-engined version of one model as the Horizon but the engine in the French versions was a Simca design that was very prone to the spark plug threads galling and cross threading s a result we made it standard practice to run a chaser down the plug hole every time a spark plug was changed.
" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)
I ended up getting a snap on thread chaser set a couple of weeks ago. It is probably the same exact kit as the Lang set, only life time warranty. I think I paid $130 for it. I was set on the Lang set but was on the truck, and it was on sale, and, you know. I had the itch to get some new tools since the last ones I ordered haven't come in yet.
