Thread die or chaser?
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Senior User
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newbie question
What is the difference between a "thread chaser" and a "die"?
I can buy tap and die sets everywhere, but get strange looks when I ask about thread chasers. Are they the same as a die? If not, does HF or Sears (or ...) carry them?
Bob
I can buy tap and die sets everywhere, but get strange looks when I ask about thread chasers. Are they the same as a die? If not, does HF or Sears (or ...) carry them?
Bob
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: spartanburg, SC
thread chasers clean the threads.
a die or tap cuts threads.
both pretty much the same to me.
maybe theres some difference in ther hardness or shape.
I don't know the difference. i think jegs or summit has them.
but i have a toolbox full of taps so i don't need a thread chaser.
a die or tap cuts threads.
both pretty much the same to me.
maybe theres some difference in ther hardness or shape.
I don't know the difference. i think jegs or summit has them.
but i have a toolbox full of taps so i don't need a thread chaser.
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Guess I should have been more specific... I need to clean up the shock mount bolt on my rear axle, which is why I was talking about a die instead of a tap.
So, being more specific, what is the functional difference between an "outside thread chaser" and a "die"?
I think I can use my die, but under the risk of removing a bit of thread if I'm not very very careful (?????)
Bob
So, being more specific, what is the functional difference between an "outside thread chaser" and a "die"?
I think I can use my die, but under the risk of removing a bit of thread if I'm not very very careful (?????)
Bob
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Corbett, Oregon
Typically, a thread chaser is designed to clean, or chase, existing threads. They are not designed to cut new threads. I don't know if it is the hardness or quality of the steel or if the difference is in the design of the teeth. might ba a little of both.
Roger Carter
Roger Carter
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From: Racine WI
you can buy a thread chasing file also, which is sqaure and has about about 8 common threads per inch specific bolts
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From: None of your business
Are the tap and dies from Sears an good for making threads. If not, who's are. Been considering a set and want something that will last. THis is for hobby use not commercial/industrial.
Mike
Mike
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Corbett, Oregon
I agree with otto and eehoepp. I have found Sears/Craftsman taps and dies to be marginal, but adequate, for a home shop. Any tap or die will work better and last longer when used with a good tapping or cutting fluid.
Roger Carter
Roger Carter
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From: Atlanta GA
I bought a set from NorthernTools for about $70 and it has been okay. DO use a lot of fluid. I broke my 1/4 tap and had to replace it with one from ... Sears 
Fluid, backing the tap out to clean out the metal pieces, slow and straight, are the name of the game to make marginal dies/taps work like good ones.
The better ones cost about $300 and are made from very hard tool steel and are worth every penny if you use them all the time or have to put threads into solid blocks of metal.
Fluid, backing the tap out to clean out the metal pieces, slow and straight, are the name of the game to make marginal dies/taps work like good ones.
The better ones cost about $300 and are made from very hard tool steel and are worth every penny if you use them all the time or have to put threads into solid blocks of metal.