Muzerdo 86 Piece Tap and Die Set Bearing Steel Sae and Metric Tools, Titanium Coated with Metal Carrying Case
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Unlike other tap and die sets made of low carbon steel, the Muzerdo tap and die set is made of high carbon chromium bearing steel, which is significantly stronger.
So far, it's cut beautifully, but it won't get much use in the College Sculpture Studio. For rethreading, I didn't get them. This is an outstanding collection. The only issue is that a set of dies in its tray sits directly over the taps, as someone else pointed out. The tray is also made of thin, flexible plastic that sags when lifted. You can probably guess that students will not return it or throw it away. It's possible to put the tray inside the lid and leave it open.
I just tried it, and after about five revolutions (with cutting fluid), the tap shattered.
I see what you're saying about how they move around. However, this is a fantastic tool that has already proven to be extremely useful to me. The inside plastic tray is flimsy, but the tool itself is in excellent condition.
Selected User Reviews For Muzerdo 86 Piece Tap and Die Set Bearing Steel Sae and Metric Tools, Titanium Coated with Metal Carrying Case
Although I agree that the lower tray is difficult to access, I did not purchase this set for the case. So far, I've only used a few different sizes of taps and dies, but they've served me well. Despite the fact that I've worked in construction for 40 years, I don't own or operate a professional shop; instead, I fix things on my own, such as the front end of my golf car. These are of good quality, and I expect them to last me a long time. Many of them will never be used, but they are now available in case I require them. It's ideal for the "prosumer" or "home gamer," as I like to call them.
For the past 20 years, I've made do with a small Craftsman set of 12 pieces. I needed a 6 mm and didn't have one, so I gave in and purchased this. I had previously considered two SAE and MM Pittsburgh sets from Harbor Freight, each costing around $90, but I wasn't sure I'd be satisfied with the quality. I read the reviews on this one and tapped out my bicycle frame with that 6 mm tap as soon as it arrived. I was blown away by how well the tap worked; it didn't seem to clog at all, but I do use proper technique. It comes in a nice metal case, which I like. Some people complained about the taps being in plastic trays, but I think they're fine, and I like that you can pick up the case with the lid closed without everything flying around inside. Overall, I'm pleased with the set, and I expect you to be as well. br>br>Another thing to keep in mind when using ANY tap set: br>Because taps are made of high carbon steel, they are brittle in general and will break off in the hole if not replaced. To clear out the shavings, go back and forth a few times. You must avoid using too much turning pressure, especially if the tap is small. It's time to turn the tap back out if it feels like it's binding. Use a lubricant that isn't too thick.
I've used this set for repairs a number of times now. I can't speak to their long-term durability because it's not something I use on a daily basis, but it's done its job admirably. The case is well-made and organized. br>br> If I had one complaint, it would be that getting to the tools is a chore. There are no notches to allow you to get underneath the taps or dies to remove them from their plastic tray recess. The tray itself is flimsy, and it's difficult to remove the top tray to get to the bottom one underneath because there are no handles or notches in the tray to allow for a firm finger grip when pulling it up and out of the case. br>br>For my purposes, which are very rare and infrequent repairs, it is unquestionably a good buy for the price, but if this is something you need to use on a daily basis, the tray system would be extremely inconvenient. br>br>However, because of the quantity and variety of sizes included, I would buy this again if I needed a set.
Several times a year, I'll have a general automotive or hardware need for a tap or die. I can usually get what I need from my workplace's small model shop or a friend. I needed two dies for my most recent project, which I assumed would be included in a standard kit, but no one I knew had them. Because the cost of these two dies with a handle was 50% of this kit, I decided to double down and get the other 83 pieces. I'm glad I took the opportunity. I'm finding a new need every week now that I have them. br>While it is unquestionably a high-quality set, the case inserts could be improved. I can live with it as a regular Joe. br>Here are a few thoughts that might be useful: (1) Place the die tray on top of the other items. The finger grips are present on mine, but not on the tap tray (despite the fact that the site photo shows them). (2) Expect a few of the smaller taps to fall out of place when carrying or storing the case vertically, as mine came with a tap tray on top that was difficult to remove. It will be easier to store if the clear plastic covers are left on. Again, the site photo depicts a good fit for each piece, but that was not the "case" with what I received.
To use the Tap set, you must first remove the entire set of dies, which is nearly impossible to do. There was no way to grip the die set in its flimsy plastic holder, and the first time I tried to lift it out, it all fell out, and it took me half an hour to sort it out and reassemble it. In the metal case, the Tap and Die sets are stacked on top of each other. There's also no way to remove the Die set from its plastic holder in order to use the Tap set. Why did the manufacturer use the flimsy plastic holders instead of the metal case? This is a horribly designed product! br>In addition, one of the case's latches was bent and would not open without the use of a pry bar.
The pieces appear to be of good quality for the price, and I prefer the metal case to the plastic case. However, the flimsy and cheap thin plastic inserts, as well as the lack of any pull tabs or anything, make pulling the flimsy tray out to access the die bits nearly impossible. If you use these bits on a regular basis, you'll kick yourself for not buying this set sooner. br>br>In order to make things easier, I added some fabric pull tabs.
For the money, this is a good set. The storage isn't ideal, but it's rarely if ever that way, unless you pay a lot of money for a set you're afraid to use. br>br>I try to keep things like this together, with all of the original packaging, so they're ready to use when I need them. As a result, I have to keep things like this hidden from others in order for them not to throw away packaging, which would be a waste of money. Treat the tools with respect, and then whine when they aren't available. br>br>In this set, the taps are in one tray, which is covered by a clear top, and the dies are in a second tray, which is also covered by a clear top. The metal box is difficult to remove the nested trays from. It's a minor point, but it's there. The plastic used to make the trays is a little thin. But let's get back to the set's attractive price point. br>br>Useful set of good quality. It's something I'd buy again if the opportunity arose.
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