Tool accumulation

[chopthebass]

Am I likely to need taps & die's for a Mk4 build? If so, what sizes should I get ? SAE/metric?
I'm not planning doing any major mods from a standard build, as I'm not sure how good my fabrication skills will be!

[68GT500MAN]

Taps and dies are not necessary for a build. I did use a 1/4-28 tap for the firewall on my 33 since I wanted to use SS button-head screws in place of the rivets.
Doug

[Someday I Suppose]

Not needed, but doesnt hurt. Instead of riviting my fuel and brake line clamps I tapped and used a 10-32 screw. I would say if your going to buy a kit go SAE, though you could also just pick up the tap or two that you need.

Scott

[Clyde's Keeper]

I purchased a cheap metric/sae set from Harbor Freight. Cant remember how much but I want to say $30-$40. Figured if they break, I would replace them with better ones as needed. Used the heck out of it on my roadster and other home projects. Haven't broken one yet. Nice to have, never know when you might need it. Just my 2 cents.

Robert.

[MVRight]

Ditto to Robert's post. Got a metric/SAE set from HF with a coupon. Not really needed, but helped cleaning up threads on occasion. Most useful thing so far is the thread count tools as I try to figure out what bolts I need.

[DaleG]

Just wait until you see the need for one and pick it up individually at hardware store, Lowes, or Home Depot. I ended up with 3 different sizes. Chose to use threaded fasteners instead of rivets several times, and also needed a few for attaching e-brake pulleys to the chassis, and ABS bracket to chassis also. Haven't had the need for a die yet.

[Boz1911]

I used a ton of 10-32 and 1/4-20 stainless bolts on my car so those are the primary ones I used. Probably went through a half dozen of the 10-32 taps.

[chopthebass]

Thanks guys. Strong possibility then that I may end up needing a few.
Think I will start the build and see what I need as I go. Sounds like a good idea to screw some things to the chassis rather than rivetting.

[edwardb]

I have kind of a love/hate relationship with the taps/dies from HF. The larger stuff that you only need occasionally is OK. But the smaller stuff and ones used frequently not so much. I have one of the larger SAE sets plus an NPT set that are useful on occasion. Hard to argue with the price on some of those multi-piece sets. I have a small Craftsman 4-40 to 1/4-28 set that I've used quite a lot during my builds. I too did a bunch of 10-32 threads on my builds (e.g. all the clamps on the 4 in chassis tubes for brake and fuel lines) so have gone through several of those. Our local Ace Hardware has Hansen tap/dies, and they seem to be pretty good quality. Just watch the 10-32 taps (of any brand). Make sure to use the right size clearance hole, use the right kind of cutting lubricant, and just take small cuts frequently backing out and clearing chips. Nothing worse than breaking off a tap in the hole your threading and they usually don't give you much warning. Needless to say, don't ask me how I know...

[carlewms]

I found mine at local pawn shop. For the small sizes you can get these from Lowes, etc. But if you need larger then ou need to go to the online stores or Grainger/McMaster.

Check out your local pawn shop...I needed a larger diameter to clean up one of my rear LCA's and I picked it up for $50 bucks; new would have been over $250.

Carl

[Jeff Kleiner]

I've got a drawer full of taps & dies that I've had for decades but if I didn't I'd just pick them up as needed rather than going for a full set because there really aren't many occassions where it's necessary when building these cars.

As for attaching clamps to the chassis for fuel & brake lines and electrical I use the heck out of these, usually the fine thread variety:

http://www.tsjbuilderproviders.com/images/categories/hex-head-washer-self-drilling-screw.jpg

Just drill the appropriate size hole (don't try to drill with the bit point on the screw) add a tiny drop of blue Locktite and run 'em in with an impact driver---no tapping necessary and I've never had one come loose on any of the cars. Easy peasy!

Jeff

[myjones]

Thanks guys. Strong possibility then that I may end up needing a few.
Think I will start the build and see what I need as I go. Sounds like a good idea to screw some things to the chassis rather than rivetting.

You should also see about a set of numbered/lettered bits too. Often when tapping small holes the fractional bits are too big and too small
but the numbered will fall in between. #30 instead of an 1/8" bit etc. this helps with the small self tappers too because they have shallower threads
DB

[edwardb]

You should also see about a set of numbered/lettered bits too. Often when tapping small holes the fractional bits are too big and too small
but the numbered will fall in between. #30 instead of an 1/8" bit etc. this helps with the small self tappers too because they have shallower threads
DB

Very good point. I have had good luck with the HF item #34627. 60 piece set of numbered drills #1 through #60. Usually less than $20 (in a metal case) and even less with the famous 20 and 25% off coupons. I used a set for several years, and recently bought a new one since the old one was getting a bit dull and a couple lost/broken ones. Required to use taps correctly. Plus I keep a chart on the wall next to my drill press of the number drill dimensions. It really handy to measure something with a caliper, get the dimension, and pick the exact index drill required.

[chopthebass]

I've got a drawer full of taps & dies that I've had for decades but if I didn't I'd just pick them up as needed rather than going for a full set because there really aren't many occassions where it's necessary when building these cars.

As for attaching clamps to the chassis for fuel & brake lines and electrical I use the heck out of these, usually the fine thread variety:

http://www.tsjbuilderproviders.com/images/categories/hex-head-washer-self-drilling-screw.jpg

Jeff

I like those! I will have to try to fine a supplier in Canada.

[Gumball]

Your mileage may vary, but depending on the mods you do (if any), you could end up using lots of taps and dies. I have two basic Craftsman sets (one SAE and one metric), as well as a random assortment of those I needed - like the left hand thread 1/4-20 for making the adjustable rods for my mechanical throttle linkage. I suggest buying quality examples, though, as the last thing you want to do is have to extract a broken tap from a hole in your chassis or some important part.