A set of taps and dies

[opsec]

Sorry, no link, but as a compliment to blacksmithing tools, a set of taps and dies to cut threads onto things seems like a good idea given the fact that we are awash in a sea of fasteners that depend on threading to function.

[Ryder]

+1 on the taps and dies. I have been dealing with taps and dies for 30+ years and here is my busted knuckle advice. Get even a cheap set and practice with them now. Even the highest quality can break off while using and realy make a mess of the hole you are trying to fix. The cheap sets you can get most places are for cleaning up the threads, not cutting new ones in steel. I have a set from snap on tool company and even tho they are expensive they still can be broken. The thing about a tap set is that you have to have a hole to tap out. This is where a good drill set comes in handy. I like the 'cobalt' alloy drill sets. If you get a metric and american tap and die set you will find that some sizes are slightly larger than the other size. So if you have a 6mm bolt stripped out badly then a 1/4 in tap will go right in the hole and cut new threads. If a fastener is stripped and the hole goes clear thru the material also try putting a longer bolt clear thru and a nut on the back side.

[opsec]

Is there any kind of handheld taps/dies that can be used to cut new threads?

[Eddie]

Is there any kind of handheld taps/dies that can be used to cut new threads?

They're all handheld. There's no need to ask questions you know the answer to.

[opsec]

Is there any kind of handheld taps/dies that can be used to cut new threads?

They're all handheld. There's no need to ask questions you know the answer to.

What I mean is, do you need some kind of metal shop machinery to cut new threads on bare metal, or can that be done with the kinds of taps and dies you find at Sears? I really don't know the answer to this.

[Ryder]

Yes sears sells some decent sets. Almost all tap and die sets are sold for cutting threads in metal. It's just that some sets are much better than other sets. I find I use my taps and dies in general mechanics work to clean up threads more than cut new ones. Some bolts, nuts and threaded holes in metal can be saved by running a tap or die thru them saving the onerous job of drilling and tapping a bigger hole or putting in a thread replacement unit.
  I look on most tools as great to have in a difficult time because they will enable you to repair existing things when the ability to purchase new is no longer there.
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=tap+and+die&Submit=Go
Here are some tap sets. The difference between a $14.99 and a $89.00 set is that the cheap one would work for plastic or wet noodles and the higher price one might work for steel.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=77946&group_ID=1164&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog   Here is one from snap on tools....a little more expensive?
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=9691&group_ID=1149&store=&dir=catalog
Here is a thread file that I find really usefull. The thread file is calibrated in threads per inch so that you can clean up the threads on almost any sized bolt froom 1/4 inch to 2 inch diameter.

[opsec]

I've seen thread files before and never knew what it was for. I think I'll pass on the snap-on set.

[Ryder]

The thread files are available in metric or inch so get two and have most things covered.

[WolfBrother]

WB edited to specific:

I have been dealing with taps and dies for 30+ years and here is my busted knuckle advice.

Whatever happened to the good black cutting oil?

[opsec]

Cutting oil? Would automatic transmission fluid be a close second? After all, it's designed to operate at high temperatures.