Decent tap & die set?

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Dalemac · #1 Post by **Dalemac** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 2:43 pm

Hi All,

I was adjusting the chain tensioners last night and the bolt head snapped clean off. A neighbour gave me a hand with a stud extractor but the bolt snapped again, almost flush to the swingarm itself. Only option was to drill it. I now need to retap the thread so i can put another bolt in.

Does anyone have any reccomendations for a decent HSS tap and die set, as it is something i haven't bought before and have no idea what is good and what is bad.

Thanks,

Dale

wayno · #2 Post by **wayno** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 4:08 pm

That all depends on what you want to spend, the prices vary wildy. If you're just tapping out one hole in aluminium and don't intend on using it very often I'd be tempted to buy a single tap (cheap off ebay) and a wrench.

Dalemac · #3 Post by **Dalemac** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 4:31 pm

wayno wrote:That all depends on what you want to spend, the prices vary wildy. If you're just tapping out one hole in aluminium and don't intend on using it very often I'd be tempted to buy a single tap (cheap off ebay) and a wrench.

Thanks, i've just brought a 8x1.25 tap made by presto. (£6.25)

I've also bought a generic HSS tap and die set for £40 like you suggested I won't be using them often so no point in spending silly money.

Wally · #4 Post by **Wally** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 5:02 pm

I have bought taps from this supplier, quality seems Ok and delivery was quick with free postage.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-0mm-M8-x-1- ... 23262eedff

Wally

Willopotomas · #5 Post by **Willopotomas** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 7:35 pm

Presto are pretty good. And as Wayno said, just buy them as you need them. Set's can be expensive, and you'll seldom use half of it.. If at all, ever. Personally, I'd go for the fluted tip (aka machine) tap. Less pissing about and you can shove it in yer drill.

Willopotomas · #6 Post by **Willopotomas** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 7:39 pm

Forgot to add.

If you're chasing a thread in a blind hole, use a 'plug' tap. This'll make sure the thread is cut/cleared all the way to the bottom of the hole. If it's a through hole, then a 'second' tap will be fine.

Dalemac · #7 Post by **Dalemac** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 9:51 pm

Cheers all.

Its the swingarm adjuster on the left side so not a blind hole, second should be fine then :D

#8 Post by **mangocrazy** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 10:18 pm

If you see an Aldi or Lidl tap & die set on special offer, the quality of those is not too bad at all. Not Presto quality, but not rubbish. Use that as a base and then buy specials as and when you need them. I've found Tracy Tools good for obscure taps and dies.

Falcopops · #9 Post by **Falcopops** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 11:39 pm

I know you have it sorted now, but Helicoil are my first thought in these situations.

Dalemac · #10 Post by **Dalemac** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 8:28 am

I've never used a helicoil before either, from what i can gather this involves using an even bigger drill bit to make way for an insert which is then tapped?

Dale

Falcopops · #11 Post by **Falcopops** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 1:49 pm

The Helicoil drill bit is included AFAIK and it's just big enough to ream out the old threads and a tiny bit more then the supplied tap runs a thread for the insert that you screw in and return the hole to the original specs.

Good kit

wayno · #12 Post by **wayno** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 2:38 pm

What you would basically do (the sizes aren't right, but just to mega simplify it) is to drill and tap the ruined M6 hole with an M8 tap, the helicoil insert is M8 outside and M6 inside. Then when you put the insert in you end up with a nice shiny new M6 hole.

The drills, taps and inserts are in a set and are specific sizes (so don't get your normal drill and taps out just yet).

Dalemac · #13 Post by **Dalemac** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 3:39 pm

Ahh, makes sense. thanks!.

Looks like removing/lubing these blots is going to be something I am going to have to do every time iIdjust the chain to keep them nice and free!

Dale

Willopotomas · #14 Post by **Willopotomas** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 7:31 pm

Get some PTFE based anti-seize compound. It's not cheap however. We use it at work on the high pressure lines. Copper slip is ok, but the Blue Goop sticks around longer.