The 5 most important features to recognize a good tap set

1. storage box for the tap set: metal or plastic

There are basically two storage boxes for tap sets: the metal box is made of moulded, powder-coated sheet steel. These cassettes replaced the classic wooden cassettes. The market penetration was pushed forward by the company Drillbox in the s. Drillbox became a generic term for this form of twist drill sets and tap sets. With the metal cassettes you should pay attention to the stability of the hinges and the handling of the fasteners as well as the thickness of the steel sheets. It is also important that the powder coating is applied cleanly.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

The other form are plastic cassettes. There are the most different types and variants. PEDO was one of the first suppliers in Germany. The Solingen company made these assortment boxes popular on the German market in the s.

With the plastic cassettes, you can already see during the visual inspection which quality was used as a basis here. The odour sample is important: If the part smells strong, caution is called for. Pollutants could be emitted. Please also remember that plastic that is too hard breaks easily. Therefore models made of soft plastic are to be preferred. With this type the dilemma is to find the right middle between holding and letting go. Sometimes the tools are hard to get out of the boxes or they don’t hold and fly around loose in the box and then get lost. Relatively new are milled multi-part foam inserts that can be combined with standard metal or plastic boxes.

2. holding tools: DIN or factory standard?

First take a look at the holding tools: the adjustable tap wrenches and die holders. They give a first impression of the basic quality orientation. If the die holder has only one screw, then you are dealing with a very simple quality for the other tools as well. In this case you have saved two screws, the tool is outside the DIN standard. Then you can assume that everything else is also not in accordance with the standard. If the handles wobble, even if they are tightly screwed, this indicates a lack of care during processing. That is where we advise: Hands off!

In this blog post we will once again deal separately with the quality criteria of retaining joints: Recognize high quality tap wrenches.

3. material type: HSS or WS?

Another characteristic for basic classification is the material. You cannot see this from the outside. Therefore, you should look at the labeling of the tools. If HSS or HSSG is written on the tools, then it is high performance high-speed steel. If nothing is explicitly written on the tools, then it will be tool steel. For cutting tools, HSS is now the standard, but a properly machined tap made of tool steel (WS) also serves its purpose and is much cheaper.

More about HSS, HSSG, HSSE and HSS-PM can be found here.

4. composition by thread type and thread size: inch or metric?

The most common sizes are taps M 6 and taps M 8. Then with decreasing importance M 4 and M 10, less important M 3 and M 12. This applies to domestic use.

If, for example, you want to live out your passion for repairing agricultural machinery (e.g. tractors), then you should reach a little higher up on the shelf and purchase the sets up to M 20 or even M 24 with the intermediate sizes M 14, M 16 and M 18.

If you are more filigree (model making, jewelry), then the sizes below 3 mm are relevant. The most common set combination here is M 1 – M 2.5. When restoring classic cars, you will not be able to avoid American or English thread types.

Our recommendation: Thread cutting tool set M 3- M 12 as an entry model. For the smaller purse the version with the dies in combination (32 pieces). There you save two die holders and a tap wrench, for the ambitious craftsman then the set with the DIN dies and the HSS metal drills (45 pieces).

With competitive price and timely delivery, GSR sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Visit our SHop:

• 32-piece tap set – Item number: (Go to the shop)
• 45-piece thread cutter set – Item number: (Go to the shop)

When it comes to threading holes in metal or other materials, thread taps are an essential tool. But with so many different types of thread taps available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your project. In this section, we'll cover the basics of the most common types of thread taps.

• Taper Tap: Taper taps have a gradual taper along the length of the tap. They are used to start threads and are the most commonly used type of thread tap.
• Plug Tap: Plug taps have a shorter taper at the beginning of the tap and a larger diameter than taper taps. They are used for threading through holes.
• Bottoming Tap: Bottoming taps have a straight section at the end of the tap, with no taper. They are used to thread blind holes, where a taper tap would not reach the bottom of the hole.
• Spiral Flute Tap: Spiral flute taps have a spiral flute that runs the length of the tap. This design helps to eject chips and is ideal for threading softer materials.
• Spiral Point Tap: Spiral point taps have a pointed end with a spiral groove that runs the length of the tap. This design pushes the chips forward and is ideal for threading harder materials.

Understanding the differences between these thread taps is essential for choosing the right one for your project. In the next section, we'll cover how to choose the right thread tap for your specific application.

The choice of material for a thread tap can significantly impact its performance and longevity. Here are some of the pros and cons of different thread tap materials to help you make an informed decision.

• High-Speed Steel (HSS): This is the most commonly used material for thread taps. HSS taps are affordable, durable, and can be used on a wide range of materials. However, they can become dull quickly when used on hard materials like stainless steel.

• Cobalt: Cobalt thread taps are an alloy of HSS and cobalt. They are more resistant to heat and wear than HSS taps, making them suitable for use on harder materials. However, they are also more expensive than HSS taps.

• Carbide: Carbide thread taps are made from a combination of tungsten and carbon. They are extremely hard and can cut through even the toughest materials with ease. However, they are also the most expensive type of thread tap and require specialized equipment for sharpening.

• Titanium Nitride (TiN) Coated: TiN-coated thread taps are coated with a thin layer of titanium nitride. This coating increases the tool's hardness and wear resistance, making it ideal for use on hard materials like stainless steel. However, they are also more expensive than uncoated taps. 

• Powdered Metal: Powdered metal thread taps are made by compressing and sintering metal powder. They are more wear-resistant than HSS taps and can be used on a wide range of materials. However, they are also more expensive than HSS taps and require specialized equipment for sharpening.

Choosing the right thread tap material depends on the type of material you are working with and the complexity of your project. Consider your budget, the required accuracy, and the amount of use the thread tap will endure. By choosing the right material, you can ensure that your thread taps will last longer and provide better results.

Using thread taps can be a bit challenging, especially if you're not familiar with the process. However, with the right techniques and tips, you can create high-quality threads quickly and easily. Here are some tips to help you use thread taps effectively:

• Use the Right Drill Size: The size of the hole you drill before tapping is crucial. If the hole is too small, the tap will break or not thread correctly, and if it is too large, the threads may not hold. Refer to a tap drill chart to ensure you are using the correct drill size for the tap you are using.
• Use the Right Cutting Fluid: Using the right cutting fluid can make a big difference in the quality of your threads and the lifespan of your tap. For example, using a lubricant like oil or cutting fluid will help reduce friction and heat during the tapping process, which can help prevent the tap from breaking or getting dull.
• Keep the Tap Straight: Keeping the tap straight while cutting threads is essential for ensuring the threads are uniform and straight. Use a tap wrench or holder to ensure the tap is perpendicular to the workpiece.
• Use Proper Cutting Speed: Different materials require different cutting speeds when tapping. It is essential to know the appropriate speed for the material you are working with. Too much speed can cause the tap to break, and too little speed can lead to poor thread quality. 
• Back Off the Tap: Backing off the tap after every turn or two can help break the chips that form during the cutting process. Breaking chips prevent them from accumulating in the hole and causing damage to the tap or the threads.
• Clean the Tap Regularly: After use, clean the tap thoroughly to remove any chips or debris that may have accumulated. This helps prevent rust and corrosion, which can reduce the lifespan of the tap.

By using these tips, you can improve the quality of your threaded holes and extend the lifespan of your taps. It's important to remember that practice makes perfect, and with time, you'll become more comfortable and proficient at using thread taps.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit threading set.