Orion Motor Tech 80pc Tap and Die Set in SAE and Metric Sizes, Metric and Standard Tap Set and Die Tool Set for Internal and External Threading

Works well got the job done

Well constructed.

I get a bit detailed here but you might learn something about this set. I needed to tap some thin bar stock for a repair. I never had a complete set of taps and dies since when I was in the automotive and heavy equipment repair fields the different shops I worked in bought them for us. That is definitely unusual in most shops. Since I had experience but didn't want to break the bank I was looking for an inexpensive fairly complete set of metric and SAE threading tools. This kit came highly reviewed here but is not a top quality one, as some others said the tap handle is loose and I reckon the die handle would be too. The carrying cases will keep the components in the box but they don't snap in place; keep the thin sheet of foam so the case holds the components in better than it would without. I'm thinking about gluing the foam to the lid. There is no tap and drill chart nor a chart for cutting threads on bar stock included so you have to look it up elsewhere, and you do need to have a good 115-piece lettered, numbered and fractionated drill bit set to complete a quality job. For example, the 5/16 by 18 tap requires a letter F drill bit to complete a quality 75% thread cut. I feel that would hold thread locking compound if needed. The only pipe thread tap and die in the SAE set is 1/8 NPT, it would be nice if it included at least a 1/4 NPT set. The 5/16 by 18 tap doesn't have the size printed on it (I haven't examined the rest of the sizes) but experience helped. There are no bottoming taps included so the set wouldn't work well for blind holes. If you don't force it, countersink the threads a bit (I used a 5/8 bit by teasing my drill trigger) to clear away burrs and add some relief to make threading the bolt easier, work with nothing harder than mild steel, use plenty of oil (It didn't take a crazy amount) and turn back and forth regularly (sometimes meeding a full turn) to clear out the metal chips it'll suit general use.

I am a machinist,and these are high quality for home and even for a business. I read the reviews and I find whining about the blow formed case very minimal reason.The readable stamped size is very comparable to all taps and dies .Even the high end MSC supplies are not any better at labeling .So get over that too. The way they ship with the taps on the bottom is the reason they fall out. When you get them reverse that and you will be happy for the rest of your days. DO NOT EXPECT THESE TO TAP STAINLESS STEEL. No taps do that very well. Tap oil is a must always. Special tap oil is required for S/S. Even aluminum require a different tap oil than mild steel. Taps break and it is mostly the users fault. If any part of this set is lacking its the handles .My experience with similar handles . The body of these can break , being cast white metal. The blow formed tool organizer, is an insert. Not the case, that is metal.

I used it to unclog the air vent hole on my steam radiator. Somehow my previous air vent was attached to the radiator with less than one turn. Thus, I used this kit to open up the hole and it worked very well. It might be no big deal as what was stuck should be just some rust, which was crushed even without use of oil. Still without the kit, I wouldn't have done it.

I suppose for the price it might not be bad, but for workmanship and overall quality it is really poorly made. I paid more than the current price by 23%. I remember vaguely thinking it was priced somewhat high but got it anyway. I has come in handy a few times and nothing has broken yet. For a tinker hobbyist I think it is okay but if you have the $$ keep looking.

Used them already, nice

Well, I guess im surprised. The very first time I tried this out this morning and the tap snapped on the first hole with just hand force working it into the hole. I honestly couldn't believe it. It was maybe a quart inch in and it just broke. Not like an aggressive snap it just gave up the ghost at the first hint of resistance. So I would recommend spending a little more on a higher quality set.