UNBOXING AND REVIEW OF HARBOR FREIGHTS NEW ICON METRIC TAP AND DIE SET 

If you do a lot of cleaning and reconditioning of threads, then thread files or thread chasers are a better way to go. Taps and dies tend to cut the damaged threads, removing metal. After removing the metal that interferes with the mating threads, it will go together, but you risk losing a lot of strength. Thread chasers aren't sharp, so they push the damaged threads back into proper alignment. After chasing, assembly often requires more torque than after rethreading, but the connection is usually stronger.

how've these held up this year? saw you had some of the Irwins as well - i've been looking at these two sets - any recommendations? thnx for the review!

Good evening, Thanks Justin! I'll keep an eye on the bolts on our chipper blades. Have a good one, Ben 😎👍

Looks like a nice set Justin

Hi Justin, as you mentioned there does not seem like much of a cost difference between the two sets. The ICON appears to be a much better set. Thanks for sharing. Dan 😊

My guess is the first blade was tapped m8x1.25 (coarse pitch) and the rest were m8x1.0 (fine pitch). 😏

I need a new set. Ive had one from harbor freight a smaller set ina crappy box that the cover came off and i lost most if the parts for it. Thankfully i did find the 3/8th tap last night.. and tapped the mounting bolt holes for my Jeep J10 bench seat so i can finally put the seat in. I noticed that tap also took dmg on tje first 2 or 3 threads on it. And that was used in mild steel on a floor pan nut. The metal on your and ny set is probly jist weak steel. Harbor freight is the only place i really buy my tools.. ive had great luck with most of them.. especoally ny flux welder ive had for 7 years. But the only tools i do hate from harbor freight. Is the drill bits. Those yellow titanium drill but sets they sell are TRASH.. ive broken tons of them from drilling mild steel

Horrible Fright is the last place I would buy taps and dies. I learned through experience that they have trash cutting products. As a machinist I have found that the names Hanson, Irwin, Cleveland and others are the better choices. The stuff from HF is almost always dull and sometimes even has chipped cutting edges. In short, you got lucky that you got that far with that rubbish.