Tap and Die sets

[andrew winksParticipant @andrewwinks64215]

Hi all, my limited knowledge of metallurgy of taps and dies is being tested, I know that there is HSS and Carbon Steel, in order of quality and durability but what is Alloy Steel with HRC 58-62 ?

I'm in the market for a new metric set, fine and coarse thread, and the above grade steel is mentioned for a kit from Korea. I doubt most general public buyers including myself would understand what this means in terms of quality and longevity and best metals to use with. I want a general use kit that will cut mild steel and the non ferrous with the occasional stainless thread. Comments greatly appreciated. Cheers, Andrew

[andrew winksParticipant @andrewwinks64215]

[Capstan SpeakingParticipant @capstanspeaking95294]

It sounds like Hardness, Rockwell scale C. 58 to 62 is the top end of what you can get from carbon steel.

Steel is an alloy anyway so the title "Alloy" is meaningless.

For light occasional use in soft, low abrasion materials, carbon steel will do fine.

Edited By Capstan Speaking on 19/04/2015 15:09:30

[paul 1950Participant @paul1950]

buy a cheap set and replace the ones you are going to use a lot with Dormer, they are often cheaper on eBay they have a habit of ending up there.

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