Mac Tool Haul #11: 48 Piece Thread Restoring Kit

[@asmautollc]

One of those sets everybody ends up with. So handy. It really does do a great job. Even the files come in handy and work great.

[@lonestarmopars]

Ha, it really is something everyone seems to have. I had always planned to pick the Lang version up, but this was a pretty good deal. As of recording it was close to paying for itself, here a few weeks later and I'd say it has paid for itself. Definitely saved me a lot of time!

[@marko11kram]

I have the Lang version, same thing, of this. It is so useful to clean threads. Period. I also have the Lang files, and I shuddered at the files clanging into each other so I asked Lang if they could sell me the covers/holders, so I could protect both ends of the files. Lange graciously sent me a set of covers to cover both ends of the file! no charge, just as a customer service. That impressed me

[@lonestarmopars]

Yep, this thing has been great so far. That is cool they sent you the covers...it would be nice if there was a divider in the blow molded case for them. My only real complaint is that the thread pitch is hard to read on some of the file sides. That is cool they sent you the sleeves free!

[@Toolaholic7]

Lang also makes it for Matco and Snap On.The Matco set comes as a 51 piece set. I have the Matco set

[@lonestarmopars]

I think the Matco has a couple of extra Metric pieces iirc...hopefully I won't need them, lol.

[@Toolaholic7]

@@lonestarmopars The Matco set has a 14mm tap and die including a 3rd thread file as the extra 3 pieces

[@SpotOnTrimming]

hmm, I only have ever had to re-tap for my work, we don't use dies. We down cycle our taps, so we use the new taps for as long as they are cutting well, then they turn in to clean out taps. its through tapping and a very particular use case but I am happy to learn these exist. I dipped my foot in to the CAT purcheses. Not sure if it was particular to me or my region, but when i applied for a CAT account, I didn't buy something right away because the online catalog is useless. 1 week later I got a CAT $50 credit. I used it to purchase SAE 5pc impact swivel socket set made in the USA part 2146518. That part had no info on it when I bought it so it was a total roll of the dice, but I landed 1/2" drive 3/4, 11/16, 5/8, 9/16, 1/2 for $98.59. I also purchased what I thought based on the description was going to be the same as snap-on 3 position slip joint pliers--what I got instead was identical to my ancient crescent made in NY 2 position slip joint pliers. If anyone else does this be aware that they also charge shipping even if you pick up at your CAT dealer. Also used the 40% off Icon coupon to purchase their metric impact 1/2" swivel socket set, that came in at around $87 for 13 pieces--yikes.. I know these might not be the best. But others have bought Icon knowing an upgrade was coming and then swapped them / warrantied them out when new ones were available.

[@lonestarmopars]

The stuff I showed in this video is pretty rare...similar application might be a stud for headers/exhaust manifolds. You can get pretty good results on threaded rod with just a nut spun on pre-cut, but now that I have these...I'll just use them. I guess any bolts you are reusing that were just grease soaked would clean up with the dies too. What y'all do at work is pretty smart...makes the best use of the tool. Ha, nice score on the $50 credit and swivel sockets! I do like Snap-On's chrome swivels pretty well. The 12 points are very thin, or the ones at work are anyway...they are old and they may have changed. Nonetheless, those sizes in 1/2" drive, being made in America is a good pickup. Sucks on the pliers...I haven't dove into any of that, mainly haven't had the time. I would like to see the yellow handles in person tho. Icon's impacts seem to be pretty good. I have barely used mine, but got killer deals on the swivels and figured I couldn't go wrong...especially with Metric. The only downfall off the bat is they are kind of thick around the collar, but it will rarely be a deal breaker. I think they will serve you well. If you hate them, keep them as beaters, or in a road box.

[@ToolsMethodsPhilosophies]

Chasers are so much better than taps for automotive DIY. I just got the Lang metric set to save on cost.

[@lonestarmopars]

Yep...they should really be used way more often than people do, but they are a nice touch when you do your own work. Sort of one of those things that helps set your work apart and doesn't take much extra time. Yeah, it is cool they sell them standalone and in smaller sets. Very reasonably priced too!