Tap and Die Set 60 Pc Harbor Freight Review | How to use Tap and Die

[@machobunny1]

I've been using that set for over 15 years. Ex wife gave it to for Christmas. I've built cars, things that are hard to explain, and I have a professional hobby machine shop at home. When they wear out, I'll get another one.

[@aceroadholder2185]

This set isn't too bad. You will find that most of the taps and dies will rarely, if ever, be used. The trick is to replace worn or broken taps and dies with quality items from your favorite industrial supplier, e.g., McMaster-Carr or Travers Tool. Keep an eye out at yard sales and estate sales for nicer tap handles and die stock. Don't be cheap like Herb. Buy a pint of cutting oil from the hardware store for tapping steel. Buy a can of WD-40 for non-ferrous metals, like Aluminum. It helps keeping the chips from galling to the cutting tool. For Copper get a can of Pet Condensed Milk. Copper is a pain to machine or tap and the butter content of the milk helps a lot. Starting a tap crooked is the best way to break it. Take a block of Aluminum or hard plastic and drill holes as needed for the size tap being used. Place the block over the work and start the tap into the work. Tap drill tables usually give tap drill sizes for a 75% thread. Find a table that gives drill sizes for various percentages of threads. A 100% thread is only 5% stronger than a 75% thread but takes twice the power to tap. A 50% thread will break-off a standard grade bolt in low carbon steel before it strips the thread (if the bolt is screwed into a depth equal the bolt diameter). Very thin sections are often tapped to a 100% thread to give the screw better purchase in the work.

[@Omnis2]

Thanks for this high-quality comment

[@jacobe1942]

Very interesting, especially about the % thread and grip power with each.

[@AiBilly]

Man you know your stuff. I know this is an old post but maybe you are still around, Question: And suggestions, i have small RV water heater tank and the hot water pipe is / was (broke off) attached to a plastic check vale. I kind of messed the thread up getting that out . I`m going to replace it with a brass check valve. would you recommend re-Threading with this set , Anything i need to look out for ? Thanks.

[@sophiapena1538]

Thanks for posting this great video. I recently bought a 2000 Blue Bird All American school bus that I'm converting to a SKOOLIE motorhome. I'm going to all the work myself and videos like this really help educate me about DIY stuff I'm not familiar. Great video.

[@sandrarichardson2713]

I really didn't know what in the world a tap and die set was. But you did an excellent job of show & tell of what it does and how you actually use the pieces in the kit. Thanks a million for that. I am trying to figure out how to remove a broken off bolt in a propane tank. Used the left hand drill and exactor. Does not budge. Put Kroil oil on it for days. No go. Don't dare use any kind of flame---lol. So I searching how to make this work. Thanks again for this video. Really good info. Jesus bless.

[@cdrive5757]

Did you ever get it extracted? Wakodahatchee Chris

[@sandrarichardson2713]

@@cdrive5757 Hey....Well, what finally had to happen is just drilling it all out.....threads and all. It's all cleaned up and I ordered a Heli-coil to put in it. When something is really tedious like this....makes me really nervous about getting it right....I have to be in the mood to do it. lol So I have not tackled tapping new threads for the Heli-coil and inserting that. I also bought the socket set that fits taps. A tap...that is the thing that makes new threads, right? Hope to get that done soon...will try to remember to let you know how it went. Thanks for asking. Jesus bless.

[@cdrive5757]

@@sandrarichardson2713 Well, it looks like I can't help you because you've already done what I was going to suggest. Great job and thank you for your blessings.

[@Phyoomz]

"since metric is of the dark arts" got you a subscriber, bud. 😂

[@JenkinsBoatWorks]

thanks for reviewing this. I've never used a tap or die before yesterday. I actually was able to use the 1/4 die and make a bolt out of bronze rod for a canoe that I'm building. It took a lot of work and time but eventually I was able to thread nuts. Saving a bolt would be easy compared to starting with raw rod. I thought the die holder handle lacked a bit to be desired but for the money and no more than I will ever use this, I'm glad it's in my shop

[@kellydiver]

Thank you for the review. I recently ran into a problem with the way one hole was tapped on a roof rack, and I didn’t want to have to replace the whole roof rack. One tap plus a handle would have cost about a third of what this entire set cost, so I bought the set. Thanks for showing me how to use it. 👍🏼

[@HerbOMatic]

Glad you got the set, it will save you again, keep the set sprayed with oil to prevent rust.

[@sajidrafique375]

@@HerbOMatic I dont want to spend 18 minutes watching..Was this a good set to buy ??

[@pentiuman]

I'm working on replacing an exhaust system pipe - an entire front section at a time, to make it easier (allegedly) so I don't have to weld. You probably know how rusty those bolts get! I've been taking it slow - real slow, and that's been the key, for me anyway, to getting it done without any injury or mechanical mishap. At the back half of the (front) exhaust, I had to cut off the bolts and drill, to remove the exhaust pipe from that part. At the front half, where it was attached poorly to the exhaust manifold by a bolt crossthreaded by the previous dummy owner, I was lucky to have been able to remove the stuck bolt, and planned on using a tap and die set for the first time in my life, to fix the threads. I had already bought a Harbor Freight set last year on sale for perhaps $20 (!), but as I was about to unwrap it, I decided that I had better take it back for store credit and buy a much better quality one somewhere else - a Husky model at Home Depot (H.D.) for $98. And I'm a big cheapskate! Why? Because I felt I was already lucky to have removed the entire pipe I needed to do the repair, and was concerned if I used the Harbor Freight tap and die, I may fail due to its low quality - like, I may break off a die in a hole - bet that would be a nightmare, or I may make crooked threads or something. Note: The Harbor Freight set I had did say it was for SOFTER METALS, and I was unsure what I would be going into, so I played it safe and "invested" in the Husky one at H.D. (lifetime warranty), and fixed the threads in no time. - I'm not saying the Husky model is the best for $100 for everyone - but it's a great choice for me in my smaller sized town. If both my vehicles are down and I need a replacement Husky tap and die part or set, I can bicycle to H.D.

[@HerbOMatic]

Hey Don, this set is great because you get a ton of major sizes for so cheap. If I had a bolt or two in something hard like an exhaust manifold I would probably buy a good single tap from the hardware store or go the route you did.

[@mattr7229]

Never did tap and die before. This video was great. Went out to Harbor Freight, got the kit (with 25% coupon : ) ) and resolved my problem. Thank you!

[@JMayer-rg5nu]

always put a small chamfer on your hole after drilling, it helps with the starting threads. if you have a variable speed drill press, leave stock clamped and swap drill bit out for your tape, put machine to lowest speed and thread right there.

[@BURTBROWN]

Thanks Herb for this test of the Harbor Freight set and the little tip "It's best to have something when you need it!" If I had thought to watch this yesterday, I'd have this set NOW and tomorrow is CHRISTMAS!!!!! LOL!!!! And I won't have this till SUNDAY!!!! LOL!!!

[@MarkusKnowsHow]

Good thing about this.too is Hardor freight back Pittsburgh tools for life.

[@axa.axa.]

Ya not many people realize this is a hand tool with a lifetime warranty

[@boosted2.4_sky]

1:00.. it's also intended to leave in as rust prevention... these are great to stick in your tool boxes and not have to worry about corrosion

[@HerbOMatic]

Is it just oil soaked paper?

[@Urugami45]

@@HerbOMatic It looks like paper that I've found packed with new pistols, called VCI (vapor change inhibitor) paper. It's supposed to keep water vapor from condensing, and causing rust. It's hard to tell if its the same stuff, though. A nice light coating of oil like you did is probably more effective, I'd guess. It might be VPI, or vapor phase inhibitor; it's been a long time.

[@rotarythread]

That is a huge set! We have a tool that does the same (even better) and it works on all thread pitch, inch, metric & pipe. Let me know if you want to review it!

[@darrensmith9407]

Clear video, good audio, excellent how to tutorial...A+ 👍

[@mattdathew2794]

so perfectly explained men & with a good voice, thx

[@erikwilson7622]

Just picked this up and thought I would look for a vid. Nice job on the instruction! Needed for some minor gun smith. Having worked with Aluminum before, having to drill and tap, and shape a bit, that is one hard metal to work with!!! I can see you having issues with the smaller tap.

[@Breezer56]

I have this kit and most the time it will get you by. The biggest issue is the first time you pick it up, many many taps will fall out of their respective places and its a mess. This is EVERYTIME you pick it up. Yep, that sucks....

[@MrFredsDIY]

Nice review! I have this set as well and “it works”… I find that the handles on both holders come loose a little too easy though.

[@HerbOMatic]

I wonder why that is?, perhaps the threads are not a precise as they could be. I notice it too.

[@strapper2112]

Very thorough review. I’m on my way to pick one up now. Thank you.

[@HerbOMatic]

Awesome strapper, glad I could help. hit that sub for more tools!

[@colvinator1611]

Thanks for the video, excellent presentation. With the dies though, what about cutting a thread from scratch on plain bar ? Mind you, I've always understood the closed dies to be thread cleaners and not thread creators. Colin UK 🇬🇧

[@Xcerptshow]

2:20 those look like mechanic prayer beads. :D The smaller tap was harder because you had shorter handles with less mechanical advantage.

[@tristantaus4556]

I bought myself a 40 piece set I got scared because none of my bolts matched to it until I read about metric and SAE (standard). My set is metric but I did try it on a broken bolt and damaged nut, it's nice. As practice

[@HerbOMatic]

Rolando, that's why I grabbed this particular set it covers most of both SAE and Metric. Keep learning, it's a blast and things fixed with your own hands feel better.

[@JulesMechanics]

Nice‼️‼️ Neva thought I needed this still now

[@HerbOMatic]

Jules, thanks Man! Sub for more cheap tool reviews!

[@ajsironworks3937]

Bought this today. Hoping I can start tapping things and fabricate cooler stuff. Good video thanks for explaining things so well. Didn’t know what thread combs were. Learned a lot.

[@HerbOMatic]

Adam, that means alot to me! Tapping holes can really expand your fabrication envelope, it's a decent bit of kit. Stay tuned we'll go over all the tools I own over time.

[@felixf5211]

Adam, solely as a FYI, it's called a thread pitch gauge. While I won't comment on the quality of this set, I would suggest that you seek out tapping videos done by machinists. I know, there's a plethora of videos just like this one essentially showing the same thing. That's not really how it's done. There's the choice of tap, the type of cutting fluid, the size of the hole (

[@ajsironworks3937]

@@felixf5211 wow thanks a lot. Appreciate the response and ya I’m just scratching the surface and this helped. Thanks.

[@sailawaybob]

I had a coupon last week for this tap & die set actually had it in my hands and put it back unsure of the quality I wish I had watched your video , I have a few good taps I"ve bought over the years but wanted the set . no big deal I think it was $10. off so I'll wait they are good to have but seldom used. great review and I agree the sizing kit is great I have the set and beat trying to figure bolt and nut sizes.

[@unsunghero3168]

Honest and to the point 👉, thank you!

[@paratyshow]

👍☑️ Love the reviews but comedy is your superpower! Tks Herb

[@Stripping_Bolts]

Bought this at harbor fright without knowing how to use it, great video. Subbed

[@HerbOMatic]

Thanks Jack, it saves time, I used it just the other day!

[@TheUncleRuckus]

While you can chase threads with a round die, that is not what they were designed to do, they were designed for cutting new threads. For chasing threads you want a Hex die, there hexagonal shape lets you get a normal wrench on them to chase bolt or screw threads.

[@HerbOMatic]

I hadn't known that!

[@axa.axa.]

@@HerbOMatic that's because it's not true. This hearsay got legs from being perpetuated by Abom79.

[@carpo719]

thanks herb, subbed and appreciated!

[@CT9905.]

I purchased this kit just to have a tap and die set if needed.

[@andreh.dupuis8475]

these starter kits are ok for experimenting but as soon as you really need to get work done you’ll be better off with just the few you really need at a higher quality.. similar to router bit kits.. 😊

[@stevemullaghy1625]

I'm picking one of these sets up for $20. Looking forward to trying it out!

[@HerbOMatic]

It's worth every bit of $20!

[@axa.axa.]

OP is probably taking about the inferior carbon steel set that sells for 20$. Good luck OP

[@petefromhillcountry3268]

I have that same set. The 1/4 20 tap broke in the first hole I worked on. Got a Bosch replacement and it worked fine. I think this set is okay if you don't plan to do much tapping with it. Be prepared to replace some of the more commonly used taps with better quality ones. Just my2 cents...

[@HerbOMatic]

It's definitely not the best set in the world but it is an extensive set for the money. I used it just the other day to tap 3/8-16 holes in steel, it was slow going but it went! Thanks Pete!

[@Ionlyexistpardner.]

You made a scary situation into something educational.

[@HerbOMatic]

Thanks Nelson, what part was scary?

[@Ionlyexistpardner.]

@@HerbOMatic I broke the coil while tightening one of the bolt of my new exhaust manifold. The bolt just keeps on turning after that. It was fixed now. I ended up replacing the washer with a thinner one just to chase the remaining coil.

[@bonez6349]

I purchased this and had to use the 1/4 tap and right off the thread's on the tap got damaged within the first two turns... Yup I was disappointed but I guess I'll replace that one if needed again...

[@JayJay-rm8ru]

I didn't like case the taps don't hold in tight and can move around it would be nice if they stuck good in there

[@Gunbudder]

you didn't answer my ONE question!!! What is that part on the die holder that looks like a Longworth chuck??? is it just meant to help you keep the die straight???

[@AXNJXN1]

GREAT overall video! I too also have the Thread checker tool; VERY useful!! However, I’ve been burned buying both the SAE and Metric sets. As a big HF fan, ‘these’ Tap and Die sets are complete, unarguably, total trash. The metals are too soft, they really need to be Taper taps since most will be using that kind of formula with these cheap kits and the handles are literally the weakest and cheapest thing you could assemble which often, and has for me failed after numerous replacements. It’s just garbage. Your luck potential using these are less than 10% on anything. Buy WHAT you need individually and a proper handle. These are just junk and you’ll be going back to HF innumerably to get replacements.

[@kenburnette1121]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@davidskaggs9914]

I screwed up a couple of bolts that I was setting in concrete. Need to rethread tops of them. Also got one that is spinning in it's hole so I might use epoxy?

[@jonathaneglinton5378]

Great video, very informative.

[@HerbOMatic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@drengskap]

You know, I don't think I've ever heard an American use the word 'knackered' before! As a Brit, I know exactly what you mean, but is that a commonly used term where you live? I'm assuming you're American, because of Harbor Freight, but maybe that exists in Canada too?

[@benten6301]

I crossed thread my Ford truck Triton 3V 5.4L Expedition Timing bolt hole. I was able to chase and fix one of the hole using a thread chaser. The other hole I am not able to work with thread chaser. Do you think a tap 8 1.25 pitch would be my next more aggressive move to clean the thread. ?

[@JCtheROD]

Good video, thanks!

[@HerbOMatic]

You're welcome!

[@pablodelacruz9536]

Is very good thanks.

[@sengvang2274]

Love it and it come with lifetime warranty so u can aways take the broken one back and exchange for a new one 😂

[@olitomesek9677]

Metric is best. Holl for tap 0.8.

[@20796mayur]

nice video, thank you, like and subscribed!

[@gsgidney]

Cool video! Can anyone help me out? I'm looking for a nut with at least a 2 inch diameter hole... I'd like to file the threads (coarse thread of course) in order to make a device to cut threads on a wooden dowel. I've pretty much seen all the videos on KZbin, and I really don't want to make a screw box that would require precisely having to line up a file to make them. Just seems to be. Bit easier to make a tap and die from a larger nut and bolt

[@HerbOMatic]

You could do that, but a 2 and 1/2" nut cost $60 bucks each!

[@gsgidney]

@@HerbOMatic agreed, just can't find any that are "course" threaded... Or any for that matter. The lowest thread count would be the best, but I don't know what that would be... The nomenclatures have me all confused 🤔.

[@drengskap]

I think you'd be better off learning to cut screw threads on a wood turning lathe. Dies or even nuts of that size are uncommon and expensive, and I don't think that's the way that threads are cut into wood anyway. Lathe work is the way to go for what you have in mind.

[@limeallens6160]

what about working with the nut? another video?

[@HerbOMatic]

Did I not chase the threads in a nut?

[@derrickmeade1328]

For the 7/16-14 what is heli coil size to match that?

[@billsmith1770]

not real impressed by the quality (replaced several taps w/better quality ones from flea markets , thrift stores , etc though i never broke a original) , but i've used mine several times over the years , and it has always done the job . i seem to need it about every 2 weeks in my handyman shop . rescued a lot of bolts and threaded parts , and made several new parts w/it .

[@brianruane8505]

Ill never understand why you dont use METRIC...its vastly easier, and far less risk of mistakes! I know you mentioned SAE...but metric is the way forward!!!

[@usernamemykel]

SUPERB!!!

[@HerbOMatic]

Thanks a lot!

[@antcontreras]

knackered? buggered? A brit in disguise?!

[@MitzvosGolem1]

Never use these Chinesium metal taps on critical parts. I just broke one just cleaning up threads deep in engine block .

[@kennymartin379]

What kinda oil u putting on that

[@HerbOMatic]

LPS-2 or Liquid Wrench L212 are both good candidates just don't use original WD40 or anything else that dries. You want a film of oil that sticks around.

[@hardcorvancour]

Tapping some holes 😅

[@mustainunzirambera5346]

I want to buy

[@emilianorobles5418]

How much is this tap and die set 60 pcs in a box?

[@gabrielmerza6904]

$45 but on sale they can go for $30 on parking lot sale.

[@robertw1871]

I’m a cheap set or no set guy lol… most of that set I’d probably use never or once in my life… be nice to have something

[@HerbOMatic]

Roberty, I hear you. I love having all the different tools even if I only bring some of them out to play with a few times a year! Stay tuned for more tool reviews!

[@Vernonnn]

5:03 SUBBED If it works keep it going!!

[@huie601]

So you said the 1/4 20 tap wasn't as sharp...could it be the difference in leverage from the handles? I'm only asking coming from a machining background 15yrs ago anyways haha.

[@axa.axa.]

Ya this guy gave no quantitative evidence for this. Could've ran one tap crooked for all we know.

[@SalimKhan-ti5vs]

कीतनै के हे टूल्स

[@tomycodd]

The dies should be hexagon rather than round so you can use a wrench or socket if you need to.

[@HerbOMatic]

That's a good idea, the included handle works pretty well.

[@Dawkman72]

I was under the impression that the "Pittsburgh" hand tools have a lifetime warranty so if a tap/die breaks they will replace it. Anyone know different?

[@alpamehta4391]

Date

[@joshuastucker661]

If a tap wears out take it back and replace it with the lifetime warranty

[@johnnybeddi547]

best video for tap noobs

[@LSturboguy]

check the threads on the tap mine were turned over got no idea what there made of it isn't carbon steel dont buy these 60 piece set as there rubbish

[@tshoveltuski8273]

Must Be cheifin more than herb brah hahaha

[@dustinandtarynwolfe5540]

Ill tell you how to use that set, toss in in the garbage where it belongs and buy a halfway decent set

[@brucedale4465]

The harbor freight set is junk, save the money and buy a real quality set??? I learned the hard way!

[@kylehittner9216]

Interesting. I avoid harbor freight a lot but I did buy this set and I’ve built and repaired A LOT of stuff with it. Hasn’t let me down yet.

[@JoseRodriguez-hx6wk]

Good demo.Very well explained.🧰👍

[@mikemaben7485]

Thread chaser ?