Mini Tap and Die Set, Metric
If you work with clocks, scale models, electronic products, or other mechanisms that utilize miniature screw fasteners a Mini Tap and Die Set, Metric will be a tool set you will use often. Although there is not a huge demand in the US there are a few professional quality sets available that you will find here.
Not surprisingly mini metric screw threads were developed in Switzerland were they are renowned for their clocks, watches, and their ever famous Army knife. To be able to create those tiny internal and external threads, mini taps and dies were developed by those fine craftsman.
Since we are living in the digital age the demand for mini-sized metric threads has diminished for clock making and repair. Although many electronic products utilize miniature screws that are metric the product is usually replaced rather than repaired. For these reasons mini-sized metric tap and die sets are relatively few compared to full-sized metric tap and dies sets.
How Mini Taps and Dies are Made
Miniature external threads are cut using a threading die that looks much different than their full-sized counterpart. A mini thread die usually consists of a heat-treated tool steel plate that has the most common mini thread sizes cut into them. Not surprisingly, those internal threads in the dies are actually cut using a tap that is slightly larger than the taps included in the set.
Miniature internal threads are cut with mini taps, usually made from heat-treated high speed steel (HSS). Although they are very hard, they are also very fragile and must be used with a steady gentle hand to produce proper fitting threads and to prevent breakage.
My Recommendations
Here are two top quality Mini Tap and Die Sets, Metric Size that are made from High Speed Steel and High Carbon Tool Steel. Either one will do the job they were designed to do.
