Are these for single taps and dies or sets?
Like .... metric 12 MM hole size, .8mm thread width, 2 threads per MM ?
I'm finding it hard to believe that a single tap and matching die has to run us over 100 dollars a set....
I got my tap and die set from Harbor Freight, but of course that's a general purpose set ... it was only 25 dollars though, and had 62 pieces.
The taps and dies in this group buy don't have standard threads, which are single start/lead. These have double starts/leads. That's the reason these taps and dies are expensive. If you were to purchase these on your own, the per piece cost would be
WAY WAY MORE expensive. That's why someone on the forum starts a group buy like this. The more people we have participating in the buy, the better per piece cost we can get. It takes the cost for a M12x.8x2 tap from $160 for a single tap, down to $45 each IF we order 12 at a time.
I have a set like the set you purchased from Harbor Freight. The problem is that set only for single start, or lead, threading. It doesn't have any multi-start threads in it, like these.
As for the sizing designation, I'll use your example and try to explain it. I'm sure that someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
M12x.8x2 is broken down like this;
M = Thread designation, metric
12 = Nominal/Major Diameter, 12mm
x
.8 = The distance peak to peak of the threads
x
2 = Number of starts/leads
Here is a wiki link explaining metric threads.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_metric_screw_thread
One image I attached shows single, double and triple leads.
The other one shows pitch.
I hope this helps everyone without me sounding like a jerk.
