Tap and Die Set 60 Pc Harbor Freight Review | How to use Tap and Die

Don't worry about chewy threads, fix them with this cheap tap and die set from Harbor Freight. We will explore it's contents then test it out and go over tapping holes and saving bolts.

The tap and die set:

Drill Bit set in video:

Thread Checker used in the video:

Tap Chart:

Description from Harbor Freight:

Our biggest tap and die set is designed to handle most threading operations with precision.

Cuts and renews external and internal threads to exacting standards
Heat treated and hardened
Precision ground
Alloy steel construction
Compartmentalized storage case
SPECIFICATIONS
SKU(s)
60366, 35407
Brand
PITTSBURGH
Contents
27 taps, 27 dies, adjustable tap wrench handle, die handle, T-handle tap wrench, pipe tap, screwdriver, two thread pitch gauges
Material
Steel
Product Weight
5.2 lbs.
Quantity
60
SAE or Metric
SAE & Metric
Shipping Weight
5.30 lb.
Size(s)
Coarse: SAE 4-40, 6-32, 8-32, 10-24, 12-24, 1/4 in.-20, 5/16 in.-18, 3/8 in.-16, 7/16 in.-14, And 1/2 in.-13, Metric 3-0.5, 4-0.7, 5-0.8, 6-1, 7-1, 8-1.25, 9-1.25, 10-1.5, 12-1.75, Fine: SAE 10-32, 1/4 in.-28, 5/16 in.-24, 3/8 in., 7/16 in.-20, And 1/2 in.-20, Metric 10-1

[machobunny]

I've been using that set for over 15 years. Ex wife gave it to for Christmas. I've built cars, things that are hard to explain, and I have a professional hobby machine shop at home. When they wear out, I'll get another one.

[aceroadholder]

This set isn't too bad. You will find that most of the taps and dies will rarely, if ever, be used. The trick is to replace worn or broken taps and dies with quality items from your favorite industrial supplier, e.g., McMaster-Carr or Travers Tool. Keep an eye out at yard sales and estate sales for nicer tap handles and die stock.
Don't be cheap like Herb. Buy a pint of cutting oil from the hardware store for tapping steel. Buy a can of WD-40 for non-ferrous metals, like Aluminum. It helps keeping the chips from galling to the cutting tool. For Copper get a can of Pet Condensed Milk. Copper is a pain to machine or tap and the butter content of the milk helps a lot.
Starting a tap crooked is the best way to break it. Take a block of Aluminum or hard plastic and drill holes as needed for the size tap being used. Place the block over the work and start the tap into the work.
Tap drill tables usually give tap drill sizes for a 75% thread. Find a table that gives drill sizes for various percentages of threads. A 100% thread is only 5% stronger than a 75% thread but takes twice the power to tap. A 50% thread will break-off a standard grade bolt in low carbon steel before it strips the thread (if the bolt is screwed into a depth equal the bolt diameter). Very thin sections are often tapped to a 100% thread to give the screw better purchase in the work.

[sophiapena]

Thanks for posting this great video. I recently bought a 2000 Blue Bird All American school bus that I'm converting to a SKOOLIE motorhome. I'm going to all the work myself and videos like this really help educate me about DIY stuff I'm not familiar. Great video.

[Phyoomz]

"since metric is of the dark arts" got you a subscriber, bud. 😂

[sandrarichardson]

I really didn't know what in the world a tap and die set was. But you did an excellent job of show & tell of what it does and how you actually use the pieces in the kit. Thanks a million for that.
I am trying to figure out how to remove a broken off bolt in a propane tank. Used the left hand drill and exactor. Does not budge. Put Kroil oil on it for days. No go. Don't dare use any kind of flame---lol.
So I searching how to make this work. Thanks again for this video. Really good info. Jesus bless.

[JenkinsBoatWorks]

thanks for reviewing this. I've never used a tap or die before yesterday. I actually was able to use the 1/4 die and make a bolt out of bronze rod for a canoe that I'm building. It took a lot of work and time but eventually I was able to thread nuts. Saving a bolt would be easy compared to starting with raw rod. I thought the die holder handle lacked a bit to be desired but for the money and no more than I will ever use this, I'm glad it's in my shop

[kellydiver]

Thank you for the review. I recently ran into a problem with the way one hole was tapped on a roof rack, and I didn’t want to have to replace the whole roof rack. One tap plus a handle would have cost about a third of what this entire set cost, so I bought the set. Thanks for showing me how to use it. 👍🏼

[pentiuman]

I'm working on replacing an exhaust system pipe - an entire front section at a time, to make it easier (allegedly) so I don't have to weld. You probably know how rusty those bolts get! I've been taking it slow - real slow, and that's been the key, for me anyway, to getting it done without any injury or mechanical mishap. At the back half of the (front) exhaust, I had to cut off the bolts and drill, to remove the exhaust pipe from that part. At the front half, where it was attached poorly to the exhaust manifold by a bolt crossthreaded by the previous dummy owner, I was lucky to have been able to remove the stuck bolt, and planned on using a tap and die set for the first time in my life, to fix the threads. I had already bought a Harbor Freight set last year on sale for perhaps $20 (!), but as I was about to unwrap it, I decided that I had better take it back for store credit and buy a much better quality one somewhere else - a Husky model at Home Depot (H.D.) for $98. And I'm a big cheapskate! Why? Because I felt I was already lucky to have removed the entire pipe I needed to do the repair, and was concerned if I used the Harbor Freight tap and die, I may fail due to its low quality - like, I may break off a die in a hole - bet that would be a nightmare, or I may make crooked threads or something. Note: The Harbor Freight set I had did say it was for SOFTER METALS, and I was unsure what I would be going into, so I played it safe and "invested" in the Husky one at H.D. (lifetime warranty), and fixed the threads in no time. - I'm not saying the Husky model is the best for $100 for everyone - but it's a great choice for me in my smaller sized town. If both my vehicles are down and I need a replacement Husky tap and die part or set, I can bicycle to H.D.

[mattr]

Never did tap and die before. This video was great. Went out to Harbor Freight, got the kit (with 25% coupon : ) ) and resolved my problem. Thank you!

[BURTBROWN]

Thanks Herb for this test of the Harbor Freight set and the little tip "It's best to have something when you need it!" If I had thought to watch this yesterday, I'd have this set NOW and tomorrow is LOL!!!! And I won't have this till SUNDAY!!!! LOL!!!

[JMayer-rgnu]

always put a small chamfer on your hole after drilling, it helps with the starting threads. if you have a variable speed drill press, leave stock clamped and swap drill bit out for your tape, put machine to lowest speed and thread right there.

[boosted._sky]

1:00.. it's also intended to leave in as rust prevention... these are great to stick in your tool boxes and not have to worry about corrosion

[MarkusKnowsHow]

Good thing about this.too is Hardor freight back Pittsburgh tools for life.

[MrFredsDIY]

Nice review! I have this set as well and “it works”… I find that the handles on both holders come loose a little too easy though.

[rotarythread]

That is a huge set! We have a tool that does the same (even better) and it works on all thread pitch, inch, metric & pipe. Let me know if you want to review it!

[darrensmith]

Clear video, good audio, excellent how to tutorial...A+ 👍

[erikwilson]

Just picked this up and thought I would look for a vid. Nice job on the instruction! Needed for some minor gun smith. Having worked with Aluminum before, having to drill and tap, and shape a bit, that is one hard metal to work with!!! I can see you having issues with the smaller tap.

[mattdathew]

so perfectly explained men & with a good voice, thx

[Breezer]

I have this kit and most the time it will get you by. The biggest issue is the first time you pick it up, many many taps will fall out of their respective places and its a mess. This is EVERYTIME you pick it up. Yep, that sucks....

[tristantaus]

I bought myself a 40 piece set I got scared because none of my bolts matched to it until I read about metric and SAE (standard). My set is metric but I did try it on a broken bolt and damaged nut, it's nice. As practice