Wheres the "bang for the buck" tapping sets
 

Where to get a good, cheap tapping set? I want 4-40 6-32, id like to have a nice little set, also do you just put them on your drill? Thanks! 8)

towerhobbies has a set that does small metric and small SAE threads, and it also includes the correct size drills. You never put a tap into a drill it will break super quick. you have to use a tap handle and use the 1/4 turn rule. turn it a quarter turn forward then turn it back 1/4 turn, failure to do this will result in broken taps. or you can look at a local hardware store. i use the set form snap-on that will do 4-40 to 1/2" and 3mm- like 15mm, but that was $300

heres the tower ones

standard taps http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXK370&P=ML

and heres the metric set

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXK370&P=ML

Harbor Freight -> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45766

60pc set $20 + ship

* Thread size, coarse: SAE 4-40, 6-32, 8-32, 10-24, 12-24, 1/4"-20, 5/16"-18, 3/8"-16, 7/16"-14, & 1/2"-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
* Thread size, fine: SAE 10-32, 1/4"-28, 5/16"-24, 3/8"-24, 7/16"-20, & 1/2"-20; metric 10-1
* Handles: adjustable tap wrench handle, die handle, T-handle tap wrench, 1/8" NPT pipe tap, screwdriver
* Pitch gauges: two
* Heat treated carbon steel

I have this one from harbor freight
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39391

And will be getting the metric equivalent today or tomorrow.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39384

They work pretty good and if you break one take the whole thing back for a new one. I've only broke it once and I've done literally hundreds if not thosands of taps with it.

I'd suggest doing it by hand at first.
But you can use a drill, But its how I broke my first one. Didn't stop and back out when I should have. Also get some cutting oil it helps a bunch.

No such thing as good AND cheap unless you find some old machine shop closing their door. The HF and other cheap crap will likely break the first time you really need it. Getting out broken taps stinks but is doable.

Well, I didnt mean cheap cheap.

Ok. Well, cheap means different things to different folks lol. Pick up the sizes you need from Grainger etc or any other industrial supply house. In the case with taps, economical = spending a tad more but being able to count on it when you need it. Most of the time for cutting fluid I use my lil oil can of motor oil that I keep near the lathe.

nothing wrong with the harbor freight stuff, I use it for rc stuff all the time. beats 100+ for nice set.

This place has a all kinds of taps,just type taps in the search.
Plus a whole bunch of other stuff!
http://www.mcmaster.com/

I have to say , those are pretty nice combo sets, and look quality also. I just went to local Ace Hardware Store ( the LHS ) and picked up the ones I need in the Hanson brand ( think quality ) like 6-32 , #3 machine , and I think a #6 or somthing like that. If you already have a drill bit set that's all you need, but if you want matching bits for the taps, I'd say that Great Planes set is perfect.

K thanks, I was looking at those earlier before I posted this I am going to start practicing welding 3/16 solid rod into stuff!

As far as the HF's being cheap. I broke one then went to my screw place (Tacoma Screws) and picked up a new one. First shot out it broke. So I think it really hit or miss with most products.
Just something to think about.

Try the vermont american line. Lowes used to carry them, but I couldn't find them the last trip I made. They have a limited lifetime warranty that actually works.

i got mine from harbor freight. and dont drill the taps or dies. when you tap or die you start a tread and back off. in other words, tap about three full turns and go through the thread to make shure that you dont make a messy thread. also you can use a drill but if you do that the tap will break. these taps and dies are soo strong they can becme very brittle. you can drop them and they can break. the reason to be so strong is so you dont have to sharpen the taps and dies. oh ya btw the taps and dies are made a tamperd steel