How to Use a Tap and Die Set

A Tap and Die set can either be your best friend or your worst enemy when working on a project. Here are some tips on how to properly use them to clean existing threads or to cut new ones.

Thanks:
CRC Industries:

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Red Line Oil:

Moss Motors:

[AB-otbc]

I was one the last generation of kids to take machine, wood, auto, drafting and metal shop classes and I feel it’s sad that kids don’t have them nowadays. I learned so much from them. I worked as a machinist and machine operator for years and have never forgotten the importance of taking those classes. I use a lot of training to diy around the house and my own personal vehicles. This video shows a good technique for the basics homeowner to use.

[mannymaciel]

Why aren’t we teaching the youth this type of stuff? Thank you for your educational videos. Very helpful.

[davidzamudio]

You are a natural teacher. Thanks for the simple instructions that you show for using a complex tool. Bravo!

[undonememory]

no teacher in my school couldve made this as clear as you did, thanks man

[EazyMac]

T and D has always been an intimidating subject for me for some reason, but your video demystified things and was very clear and straightforward. I look forward to making threads!!

[labtrainer]

EXCELLENT——simple, clear, and direct. Enjoyable to watch, too. Thank you!

[thisisus.]

Hi. Bought my 1st T and D set from local hardware shop, found your video and set to The big 2 tips I found super helpful were 1: tapering the end of the rod and 2: wd40 as lubricant. Worked a treat. Thanks mate from an autumnal Bournemouth, England.

[jassibrar]

I always wondered how these tools worked. I just began working at a fabrication and machine shop as a labourer but the work is interesting to me

[carpo]

thank you for this. Appreciate your time. I am a carpenter, recently began making guitars... and I never thought I would need a tap and die set for luthiery. That said, I am making my own knobs, and need to put in some hex locks to hold those knobs on. Small thing, but important!! I will get a set and try my luck.

[sandrarichardson]

This is what I needed to find to use the old set I have. Never threaded pipe before and didn't have a clue how to even get started. Thanks for making it simple AND doing it right. Will practice a little before trying to do this on my actual pieces of pipe. Jesus bless.

[electricalron]

This is something I was never formally taught either in a classroom or out in the field. I'm a licensed electrician so I only know how to do small stuff like 6/32, 8/ 32, and 1/4 x 20 type material. Thanks for the very helpful video.

[observer]

Thank you for a very instructive video. You made the whole process easy to understand.

[michaelshin]

Thanks for the video.
My car seat bolt stripped but followed your instruction and made my first tap die repair

[londonoalex]

I'm not even a mechanic but I enjoyed this random knowledge. This should probably be taught us in school.

[pgo]

Nice, been about 15 years since I have done any die work. I never learned about a 'Thread Chaser'. Thank You for mentioning that.

[joseywales]

Very good. I've cut a lot of threads by hand and this is solid advice. Lube is your best friend, use a steady / firm grip and pay close attention to how much force you are using, especially when tapping. Taps are very hard but very brittle and will snap easily if you don't pay attention.

[DavidWilson-vxux]

Thanks for a great video. I appreciate vid's that are to the point and clear. No confusion, bad angles, volume problems etc... Well done my man. Thanks for the tips. Good job!

[fryreartechnology]

Awesome video. I been a tool and die machinist for to long and started as a trainer now. I wanted to show and video for my class and this was and is a great video. Nobody feel asleep which was a bonus like yesterdays class when I was training😅. Well done!

[perryberens]

Thanks for making this video. My dusty unused tap and dye set I bought in a yard sale (also dusty and unused) thinking it may be handy one day. Fear of using this tool had not given way to courage til today. Your video removed the fear, and my set will not be that guys at yard sale set. I may wear it out. It's a lot of fun to use thanks for informative video.

[memybikeni]

I use split dies which are good on stainless as they cut several passes as you close them in making the harder metals easier to cut but also work great at chasing threads out.