Mr. INTJ wrote:
Howdy folks,

I a software guy groping around in E.E. and M.E. in my spare time. I
have limited access to a machine shop at work, but I want to be able
to do some things at home since I generally end up doing it at night
and on the weekends.

I've looked around at my local hardware stores and on the Internet,
but the sets that I find tend to be too large; e.g. targeted at
automobile engines (SAE?).

Here's what I think I know so far:

- I shouldn't go with a cheap set; the taps will just break (does any
manufacturer guarantee/replace their taps?)

- I'm thinking that if I *either* get a standard/english/imperial *or*
metric set, I'll just end up needing the sizes I don't have, so I'm
looking to get one set with both, or two complimentary sets.

- The work I'm doing is generally smaller stuff - the kind of thing
you'd find in small electronic and electromechanical appliances. I
think this means I should be looking for a set with 2-56 to 1/4-inch
UNC threads.

- Then there's the question of coarse threads vs. fine. Seems like if
I had to choose, coarse would be the way to go, but as with std vs.
metric (above), I worry about constantly needing the one that I don't
have.

- The materials I use are primarily aluminum, various plastics, and
occasionally steel or brass.

Can anyone recommend a good choice in tap and die set(s), and an
online vendor (or a B&M store in San Diego)?

Thanks in advance!

-Mr. INTJ
San Diego, CA

From my experience - buy what you need , when you need it , and buy the
best you can find . I have a set from Horrible Fright , they're just not up
to what I need . Buying by the piece may cost a little more in the long run
, but you'll have quality that is more expensive than most want to spend in
a lump . Spreading it out hurts less bg.
BTW , I'm replacing the ones I use the most with the best I can find ...
--
Snag
Didn't really wanna buy them all twice but ...