[TheForge] Tap & Die

[David E. Smucker]

I recently purchase a set, made by Irwin -- Hanson, made in USA, which seem to be similar in quality to Greenfield.  The dies are hex shape.  I think I got it on sale from MSC.  I would not worry about "new parts" provided the dies are standard shape, either hex or round.  You can buy one off replacements from most machine tool supply houses that will fit your handles.  As to the taps, almost all replacement taps will work and are standard square drive. 

The best way to keep from breaking taps is to make sure they are always started straight.  And that they are sharp.  A small starting block with a right angle clearance hole the size of the tap is a real help.  If a tap is dull, throw it out or use the steel for something else, much cheaper to buy a new tap than try to remove a broken one. (We all have broken taps, unless we never tap any holes.)

Dave Smucker


From: Peter Hirst 
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 8:05 AM
To: Sponsored by ABANA 
Subject: [TheForge] Tap & Die


I am looking for a good tap & die set for the new shop. MOst of my applications are SAE between 3/16 and 5/8" or so, with some NP 1/4 and 1/8 and the oddpball NPT 1/8 27 used for lamp parts.  I would really like a new old stock Vermont or Greenfirld set, but have been advised against anything I can't easily get new parts for.

Any Suggestions?

Peter Hirst
Keziah's Forge
1150 Queen Anne Road
Harwich Mass


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