Customer Reviews

Pro-Grade SAE 40-Piece High-Strength Steel Alloy Hexagon Tap & Die Set - SAE #4 - 1/2"

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I just received mine today and have 2 major gripes already.

Major gripe #1:

Did not come with a chart stating what size bits should be used for what taps - not terribly major since you can find that online, but still

Major Gripe #2:

I just opened the set and the taps came out in a pile because they don't lock into place - Now THIS is a pain for those of us who like to keep things in a logical order, since they won't STAY that way.

Other notables:

The taps are designed to be worked by hand, and have 4 slots for the metal chips. Power taps only have 2 and are easier to use and do not break as easily.

I haven't tapped anything just yet, but I can tell you that these taps wouldn't last long if you're using them in any thick material (over 1/2") or harder metals (stainless steel, cast iron, etc).

I bought these taps because I need a set to tap some holes for a custom computer case I am building and a few other odd mounting projects. If you plan on using these taps frequently or in harder metals, think about this:

Why is this set so cheap when a lot of other tap sets are $70+? Answer: Those sets are higher quality, and will do more than this set will without breaking, and can handle harder metals, etc.

People who should buy this set:

- those who have need of a tap set for occasional projects or who will be working with softer metals (aluminum)

- those who can't justify spending over $100 for the quality version of the same set because they won't use it daily

People who should NOT buy this set:

- Those who's projects involve stainless steel, cast iron, etc because the taps WILL snap (my father has snapped the tips off multiple quality taps performing some repairs to a railing tapping stainless and yes, he does know exactly what he's doing) I doubt these would make it even 1 revolution in before they broke

- Those who will use them every day

IF you buy this product you will need to buy a couple more things.

My first application was to run threads in a carbon steel plate 0.062 thickness.

The threads to be run were 8mm by 1mm

Since the material was so thin I selected the small chuck hand tap tool and it would not hold the tap. The jaws would not hand tighten on the tap sufficiently to effect turning threads. It appeared normal but simply poped the tap out of the jaws.

Then I selected the long bar tap holder which seemed to hold the tap adequately but when it was turned about two turns the thing went "POP" and the pot metal center section adjustment threads stripped out.

Then I went to my tool chest and selected a similar long handle tap holder with no brand name on it and did the work with no additional stress.

IF YOU PURCHASE THIS ITEM YOU ARE GOING TO NEED TO PURCHASE ELSEWHERE AT THE VERY LEAST, THE LONG HANDLE AND THE SHORT CHUCK TAP TOOLS.

I HAVE NOT YET NEEDED TO TRY THE DIE HOLDER BUT IF THAT ONE FAILS THERE IS A CRAFTSMAN HEX DIE HOLDER THAT MIGHT FIT HOWEVER BE PREPARED FOR STICKER SHOCK. TAP HOLDERS OF MERIT ARE USUALLY LABLED "STARRETT".