GEARWRENCH 114 Piece Ratcheting Tap and Die Set | SAE & Metric | 82812

I had read the reviews here before purchasing and especially took note of the people that reported some gouges in some of the machined taps with this set. I ordered anyway for a couple of reasons. First, this is no small company. It is part of Apex Tools that owns Lufkin Tapes, Crescent Tools, Wiss cutting tools, Nicholson Files and more etc that go back over 100 years. I have all of those tool Brands at home and they have served me exceptionally well for 30-40 years. So, I figured I'd give this set a go and if it was totally unacceptable, I could always return it (thanks to Amazon's service). Bottom-line, its not going back... I'm a home/hobbyist user of Tap and Dies, but I can understand why a Professional who uses these tools in a daily business setting can feel differently about what they need. But for my use at home, this is a great set, and for what you get, a very good price. I could not touch an equally configured Irwin/Hansen set for this price point. I have also used this set and it does a very acceptable job for my needs. Regarding the reports of the small gouges in some of the larger Taps, yes I have those too. But it is only on a couple of the Taps, the gouges are small, and the gouges are not on the cutting edges of the Taps. The cutting edges are clean, in tact and sharp. The very few gouges are on the threaded following surfaces, so that problem (for me) will not affect the tool's ability to cut proper threads. I did find that I needed to clean out a few loosely attached burrs from a couple of the Taps when they were machined. A small brass brush or even the "thread gauges" that come with this set easily dispatched those burrs. I have already used some of the Taps and they cut very well. The accessories that come with this set are quite remarkable and they work well too. I especially like the Tap Adapters that come with this set and they way they lock into the T-wrenches. My only complaint about the T-wrenches is that I can't lock the ratchet into place. You either go forward or backward via the selector flip/switch. If you have done much tapping of harder metals, you know that going forward and back quite often is needed to dislodge the burrs that you cut. I can accomplish it with the flip-lever, it would just be easier (at times) if the T-wrench didn't ratchet. But for cutting soft metal, I love that ratchet and the ability to move the handle without changing my grip is very appreciated. Overall, I think this set is a winner. I understand that it is not an Irwin/Hansen or even higher quality set. But for my use, that is OK and I expect to get many years of use from this set. I already have a much smaller, very cheap quality Tap and Die set that I've owned for 30+ years. Take care of your tools, use some finesse vs brute force, use cutting fluid, etc. and you can get many years even from a lesser quality Tap and Die set. :^) One update (4/23/16): I also purchased the Gator Tools V-Tap Guides that help keep the tap vertical (especially when starting the threads). The Gator Tools Tap Guide is a well made/machined part that earns a full 5-stars all by itself. Unfortunately, for this particular Tap set from GearWrench, on their smaller Taps (the Metric M5 and smaller) and (the Standard #10 and smaller), these Taps will not pass through the Big Gator Tools Tap Guide. That is because GearWrench makes the barrel (above the cutting portion of the Tap) slightly larger. Because of that design on their smaller Taps, it prevents the Tap from passing through the Big Gator Tape Guide. I've looked at these sizes in the Irwin Taps and it appears that Irwin maintains the barrel diameter so that it is not larger than the cutting portion diameter of the Tap. If something like this is important to you, then it may be worth considering Irwin vs GearWrench. I'm still happy with my GearWrench set and have some older Taps that will pass through the Big Gator tool just fine. Just thought I'd mention it as a difference for those considering this GearWrench set.

I bought my (5pc) set back in 2018. I have been remiss in not leaving high praise for this sooner. What it needs to do is simple and it does it very well, other reviews address that in depth. If you appreciate nicely made tools, this is an excellent choice. The operation of the ratchets, the ball locks, and the collets are smooth and rock solid, and the excellent quality of the chrome finish gives this set a high end feel. This is one of those tools that you want to find excuses to use it, because it works so well and feels great in the hand. The storage box is very well made, everything fits nicely, can be removed easily, and drops back in with no fuss. Not cheap, but if you want to step up to something truly nice, this one is definitely worth it.

Finally, I have a comprehensive set of taps and dies for everything from 4-40 to 3/4 NC and NF, and metric from 3 to 18MM. Just as important as having a big set of taps and dies is having somewhere to keep them. The case is very good for keeping it all in one spot. There are a couple of extra storage wells for miscellaneous/extra taps and dies too. The tap T-handles are very comfortable in the hand. They ratchet just like a normal ratchet wrench and switch between forward and reverse the same way. It would be great if there were a neutral/non-ratcheting selection too. Generally I go 1/2 to a full turn when tapping, and then go back 1/4 to 1/2 a turn to break loose the chips. You have to switch the ratchet to go in reverse, and again to go back to continue tapping. If you have to make or chase threads in a tight spot with limited access that feature could be very handy. Drilling or tapping something on the shop table or in a vice the ratchet feature doesn't do much for me right now but it may grown on me. Don't get me wrong - I love these T-handles and highly recommend them. They are by far the most comfortable I have ever used. If GearWrench sold an accompanying drill bit set for this tap and die set that would be great. I already have several complete sets of fractional, numbered, and lettered drill bits, but they are in their own little boxes. Having another case like this dedicated to all of those bits together would be outstanding. I haven't seen that set offered by anyone though. Something else I would buy in a minute would be a full set of taps and dies like this one, but from 3/4 to 1 inch and 18mm to 25mm. Anything bigger than that is a bear to hand thread but 7/8"-14, 1"-14, M20x2, and M24x3 are pretty common in my shop.

7yrs Update: Still recommend this to my friends and family. 5 stars. This tap and die set definitely paid for itself. I have used it to repair cross threads with every major car or mechanical projects. I am sick and tired of sale people telling you that their tools are an investment. To me, an investment is something that pays for itself over and over. Anyhow, I finally found a tool set that paid for itself. I bought this Tap and Die set because I was building up my tool collection. Last summer I was helping my younger brother overhaul his car and this tool set came to the rescue when we accidently stripped holes for the oil pan bolts and suspension components. This set help fixed our mistakes and minimize our down time. the cheapest mechanic we found would charge us $50 to tap each hole. This doesn't include the time waste on removing the pieces or towing the entire car all together. I am giving this product a 5 stars due to the pros and cons below: Pros: -great set for weekend warrior DIYers like myself. -standard and metric size. all the popular common size you can find -has ratcheting device. great for tight spaces where you can't do complete turns -comes with a high quality carrying/storage case. everything is labled -has "EZ" outs (aka extractors) Cons: -expensive but this investment will pay for itself -warranty is only 1 year -not made in the USA I hope you find this review useful. thanks for reading Some tips: use some cutting oil/fluid. it will make the job easier and helps protect the tools -use the die set to help clean out your rusted bolts. no need to buy new bolts. -this set compliments any time-sert, big-sert, or hexicoil repairs. We used the ratcheting device to repair our engine head bolts/studs

I'm a home user that doesn't do a ton of tap & die work, but wanted a solid kit. After reading the reviews and being an owner of some GearWrench tools that have performed well I decided to go for this kit. The kit itself isn't anything spectacular. The case is a basic run of the mill light-duty plastic case. It will be more than adequate for living on a shelf or a toolchest and coming out periodically. If you're looking for a daily use, job-site case, this one isn't it. While relatively middling, the case does hold all the parts securely in place. It shipped from Kentucky to Alaska to reach me (and who knows before it landed in an Amazon warehouse) and when I opened it, only one die had fallen out of it's holder. The tools themselves are solid. I inspected the taps and dies for damage as other reviewers have noted, and found some minor cosmetic issues, but nothing that would effect the outcome of their use. Put simply, some of the edges on the tools may not be pretty, but they will give you threads that bite and hold. I've used one of the "damaged" taps already and it had no problem taking a bolt after. In terms of sizes the distribution is pretty broad, though there are a few sizes missing that some folks may want. Most of my needs I can work with what's in the kit without needing to worry about a certain specific size, but if you need something specific I'd check first. As for the ratchet tools, I haven't made much use of them yet, but they've performed well so far the two times I have. The work I was doing didn't require a lot of force put on them, but they remained solid when some pressure was applied and there was no slipping, grinding or seizing. In all for the home user I would recommend this as a good set for most needs and a great set for a starter kit. I don't have any regrets about purchasing.

I'm a heavy equipment mechanic and was looking for a comprehensive set of tap&dies that wasn't going to break the bank but wasn't going to break apart on me either. This set really caught my eye and read all the reviews. Some of the reviews scared me a bit but there was enough positive that a took the plunge. Oh and I caught this set on sale (deal of the day) for only $140!!! Even at the $215 price this set looks to be a steal!! The taps and dies are even laser etched so the sizes won't just wear off when you clean them with brake clean or whatever. Some reviews were commenting on the taps having burrs or threads having gouges in them. I've seen nothing of the sort on my set besides a little metal left over on just a few taps from the machining process. Nothing that a brass brush or a die from this set can't take care of. Also heard the ratchet tools fell apart on a few people. They seem pretty well made to me but I'll probably use my own ratchet and tap sockets most the time anyways. This should be the last tap&die I ever buy since my work will replace as they eventually break. I'll put this set through it's paces soon and update the review on my findings. In the meantime I would definitely recommend this set to any professional or home mechanic looking for a great set without paying way too much. Edit: 3/26/21 So it's been over 2 years and I haven't broke any taps yet! I've also used the ratchet wrenches a dozen or so times and they've held up fine (did not fall apart like others) I can't believe all the people that has given 1 star reviews because this set has been outstanding for me. Maybe it's just bad quality control or something but I must've really lucked with mine

Had a collection of single taps and an el-cheapo tap and die kit from an auto store that I used for years. Stuff was just okay but always had issues with something and often couldn't find the right size and had to change my plans. Got fed up and said "you know, you use these things all the time, get yourself a good set." So I bought this. Could not be happier! Very nice case, excellent span of taps and dies, multiple handles, thread gauges, etc, all very easy to assemble and comfortable to use. I wasn't that sure about the ratchet feature on some of the handles (since I like to make a turn and back off a little as I cut) but it hasn't really bothered me. Frankly the taps/dies are so nice I don't have to be so gradual, I can just spin them down and its beautiful. Honestly don't have any complaints. There's some taps/dies I will probably never use, but having the range available is still a plus. I keep thinking it would be cool if there was a little compartment to put a bottle of 3-in-1 oil, but that's not really an issue. Short point: If you need a solid tap/die kit, get this one.

I tap holes literally every day at work sometimes up to 1 1/2 inch thick carbon steel. First downfall. The large ratcheting tap handle fell apart when I pulled it out of the box the first time. The bearing fell out, then the directional switch, spring, and retaining pin followed. I was able to put it back together and it does work, as long as you keep it right side up, flip it over without holding the bearing and it falls apart. Contacted customer service, was told to take as many pictures as possible, send them along with an email explaining in detail the problem. Once that information is reviewed, I’ll be informed of their decision on whether I can send it in for repair or replacement. Seems a bit involved for a lifetime warranty. I use it rarely so I’ll deal with it for now. Second issue is more personal and doesn’t reflect the product in anyway. Taps do and more importantly the WILL break eventually, it’s inevitable. The shafts on most other taps are a bit longer, so when you break and replace one it doesn’t always fit in the tap storage section in the case. If you use these taps properly (cutting oil, backing out and clearing chips and when tapping thick steel back it all the way out and blow it out with an air hose) they are are as good as any other tap you’ll buy. As always, I’m satisfied with GearWrench brand.

Can’t fault it. Only issue is self inflicted and that’s that the ratchet changes direction as I hold it too close to the switch. Ratchets have been around long enough now for designs to have moved on to stop this happening but other than that am very pleased

You'll find any thing you need in this set. The quality is impressive. The thread size range is amazing and different handles make it easy to use in any condition. I bought it in black Friday deal with an unbelievable price.

Really good quality. It was missing a piece and a refund was offered if I returned it which would have been most inconvenient as i use it for work. Really annoyed that I couldnt just have the missing piece sent out. Or assurance of repurchase at my original special price. So no gripe on the gear, just the poor handling by amazon.

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Tellement plus pratique que les systèmes habituels avec des porte-filières ronds, là, aucun risque que la filière tourne ou tombe de son logement, et le système de cliquet permet d’être encore plus précis au démarrage du filetage. Pareil pour les tarauds, juste difficile de trouver la boite mixte avec métrique et anglo-saxons. Sinon, c’est vraiment un très bel ensemble.