Cheap made in China tools.

[KenBTexas]

Was swapping wheels and tires on my cubs this week. (more on that long story latter)
After I got the lug bolts out (is that what you call them??).
Cleaned up the bolts on a wire wheel and proceeded to chase the threads in the holes.
I have several tap and die sets, but the only one that had a 1/2-20 was a set from Harbour freight.
This is what it looked like half way thru my third hole.
Could have easily buggered up my hole beyond repair.
But a trip to Ace and an Irwin (made in USA from imported materials).
And I was able to salvage the hole.
Lesson learned

[NJ Farmer]

Always buy American Tools! Made that mistake years ago.
Can’t even buy Craftsman Tools anymore.....Snap-On is the only way to go.

NJ Farmer

[Stanton]

It's sad, but true. Whenever I go to an auction, I'm on the lookout for any older American tools.

Perhaps as our economy shifts and changes, some more companies will start producing tools at home. We can hope.

[radioguy41]

It's sad, but true. Whenever I go to an auction, I'm on the lookout for any older American tools.

Plus yard sales and flea markets. I've been stocking up on taps & dies for a couple of years now. I also always keep an eye open for old specific application tools like cylinder hones (make sure the stones are good) and valve keeper tools, etc. This Wednesday I found a 1990 Craftsman 1.25hp dustless belt sander still in the box with the manual for $35. Beats the bejeebers out of what you can buy today. My current Craftsman belt sander is finally beginning to act up after nearly 40 years of hard use. I doubt any of the new ones will hold up that long. Yes, vintage tools are worth the hunt.

[Slim140]

While that tap is crap, did you use any kind of cutting oil? Dry taps don't work well, no matter where they're made.

[bofahs]

Also, taps do NOT like rust. Typical taps are made for cutting, not scrubbing. There are "Thread Cleaning Taps" made for this work. Not cheap, tho.

[BigBill]

I have a thread restorer kit from snap on. Plus inch and metric taps n dies.

[brewzalot]

Also, taps do NOT like rust

Cleaning out the hole/threads first with a wire tube brush on a drill, followed by a blast of air can really help a poor quality taps work load.
Lubing the tap as Shane said is very important too.

[KenBTexas]

Also, taps do NOT like rust

Cleaning out the hole/threads first with a wire tube brush on a drill, followed by a blast of air can really help a poor quality taps work load.
Lubing the tap as Shane said is very important too.

never thought of pre-cleaning holes... thats a good idea..
I always use some oil, one kind or another (not cutting oil like I should)

[BigBill]

While trying to loosen the large bolt that holds the seat post on the final extention. The cheap import sockets were first. I cracked every socket. I broke every brand of socket known to man on the bolt. A 3/4” dr on a breaker bar and a piece of pipe didn’t loosen it. Even heating the area with 2,000 of torch didn’t work. I finally with using surgical accuracy I cut the head of the bolt off, ground it flush, redrilled and tapped it.

[Clemsonfor]

Tap and dies are more of a precision tool that is best to be American made. But honestly 5he hand tools that HF has now a days is good. I have plenty of Pittsburgh stuff and I can't think of more than a few adapters that I busted and those were where I was putting like 3/8 on a 1/4" drive and cranking hard on it. Never busted a socket or wrench from them. They even have that more pro line that looks even better and for way more money but I bet there good as well.

Things like electric tools and precision stuff you get what you pay for there.