I believe a lot of people have come to the conclusion that the thread restore set from Craftsman is about the best deal as it's not much more than the thread files cost by themselves.

The files by themselves can easily add up to more than the sale price of the set.
I've got several thread restoring files made by General, that I picked up for a buck a piece at the flea market, and an assortment of Snap On thread restoring dies, also of flea market origin. If I were in the market for new, I'd certainly consider this set.

The Craftsman set is made by Kastar/Lang, and the full set is online order only. They are the same OEM for the SnapOn and Matco sets. The warranty on the pieces varies with the branding FYI, so you'll want to pay close attention to that.

As for using them, I hardly ever do. I tend to reach for a small triangle file nine times out of ten. What I like about thread files over single files is you can keep a couple of rows of teeth in the good threads as a guide to keep you on coarse when reshaping the damaged threads. It helps when you are working on something in situ that, unlike bench top work, is difficult to reach or see. For the life of me, I cannot understand the draw to a single edge 60 degree file.
A triangle file has THREE 60 degree edges. Yep, three for the price of not even one.

Though, now that I read the reviews in that Amazon like, I think I might understand.
One reviewer said that it is not actually a file, but instead forces damaged thread material back into place. So it's basically a 60 degree dull file. Interesting idea...
Like a sharpening steel for threads.

I believe a lot of people have come to the conclusion that the thread restore set from Craftsman is about the best deal as it's not much more than the thread files cost by themselves.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=&highlight=thread+restore

Very helpful. Trying to figure out the best way to order this set. This site always amazes me. Thanks for the knowledge. Ive got a couple of the common 4-piece Nicholson sets that I bought on sale about ten years ago. They usually sell for ~$50 and cover the common standard and metric threads. On the rare occasion I need to fix an ultra-fine or other oddball thread I use a regular 60 degree file or one of my many dies. I dont waste time or room with thread chasers.

Thread file: Clean and rework threads with the thread file

In this blog post we would like to introduce the somewhat unknown “thread file” to you.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

What is a thread file used for?

With a thread file, damaged external and internal threads can be reworked manually. But not only that. The thread file is also used to file off dirt and adhesions on the threads of foreign materials.

What is a thread file?

The thread file is made of extra-hardened tool steel and is particularly suitable for use against soft materials such as lead, zinc, brass and even unhardened steel.

Thread files are normally milled and have a square shank. There is space for 8 different thread pitches on the tool. At the two ends of the thread file there are gauges (similar to thread templates) on which you can measure the thread if you do not know the size.

As you can see in the picture below, there are rows of teeth on the thread file which are suitable for the corresponding thread pitches and thread pitches.

With competitive price and timely delivery, GSR sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

The thread files are available in both metric (ISO) and imperial thread versions.

Using the thread file

A thread file can be used in many ways. The two main tasks of a thread file are:

• Cleaning of threads (filing off foreign materials)
• Post-processing of threads (for example: correction and repair of bolts and shafts)

In some cases, an alternative to the thread file would be to recut the thread. However, additional material would be removed during thread cutting. However, this is not always directly necessary.

Metric and inch thread file

• For metric threads with the pitches
  0.8- 1 – 1.25 – 1.5 – 1.75 – 2 – 2.5 – 3 mm (ISO
• For inch threads with the pitches:
  24 – 20 – 18 – 16 – 14 – 12 – 11 – 10 turns/inch (Whitworth)

The thread file in the application

In this example we want to give you a step-by-step instruction for the thread file. In our example you see a tap with material deposits in the thread grooves. The foreign material here has “caked” onto the base material by friction and then built up further. This process is also called seizing.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Get everything you need ready:

• You need the thread you want to machine. In our case a tap.
• A thread file (choose between metric and imperial).
• A vice to clamp and machine the workpiece securely and firmly.

2. Determine the thread of the workpiece:

• What type of thread is it (metric or imperial)?
• Then determine the pitch or threads. Note: You can create both ends of the file like a thread template to determine the pitch. If necessary, you can also use a thread template to determine the pitch.

3. Treat the thread with the thread file:

• Clamp the workpiece firmly in the vice and apply the thread file appropriately. Now try to file off the foreign material by moving the thread file slightly back and forth. The aim is to completely loosen the adhesions in the threads with the file.

Did you like the article? Do you have questions or feedback? Please write to us.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Thread Restorer Files. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.