What's the difference between a "tap and die" set and a "thread restorer" set?

TheMightyGoat · 06-29-2009, 06:16 PM

Craftsman 48 piece "thread restorer" kit: $69.99.

Craftsman 37 piece "tap and die" set: $84.99.

Why is the first one so much cheaper? It has more pieces and they're both Craftsman. Are the taps poorer quality? I notice there's no warranty listed for the first one. I really like the idea of being able to put a socket wrench right on the tap 'cause any time I use one of those tap handles the ****er always rounds out and I have to finish the job with Vice Grips. Seems like the taps would be more expensive to manufacture that way... but it's the cheaper ones with the hex ends.

supes82 · 06-29-2009, 06:21 PM

Looks to me like the "Thread Restorer" kit is not made to cut threads, its just made to repair already exiting threads. The Tap & Die kit will cut threads.

I could be wrong though.

TheMightyGoat · 06-29-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supes82

Looks to me like the "Thread Restorer" kit is not made to cut threads, its just made to repair already exiting threads. The Tap & Die kit will cut threads.

I could be wrong though.

That was the only explanation that came to my mind, but then it made me wonder, why would the kit that is not designed to cut new threads contain taps that will accept more torque? (Socket heads, no stupid tap handle.)

**EZAces** · 06-29-2009, 06:29 PM

They are made to handel more torque be cause you might try useing them on grade 8

TheMightyGoat · 06-29-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EZAces

They are made to handel more torque be cause you might try useing them on grade 8

And you wouldn't do so with a tap that can cut its own threads, and presumably is harder?

The only time I've had a reason to cut new threads so far is when I was drilling and tapping the receiver of a rifle to mount a rail.

**Dr. Marneaus** · 06-29-2009, 06:44 PM

well if you were wanting to cut new threads...i wouldnt use the thread restorer kit, seeing as it says

"Never use to cut new threads or to renew hardened threads."

and if you were looking to restore threads, i wouldn't use a tap and dye kit.

So, the difference is exactly what it says, one restores damaged threads and the other one is for making new threads.