Help!! I need a 9/16 -18tpi die for making a breech plug.

[Rolf]

I plan to thread the barrel breech using a plug tap, bottom tap and tap drill from TOTW:
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/partDetail.aspx?catId=0&subId=0&styleId=0&partNum=TAP-9/16-18-B

TOTW does not sell dies.

I've been surfing around on eBay, looking for a 9/16-18tpi split die for threading patent breech plugs. Prices and specs are confusing.

1. What is the difference between a right hand die and a left hand die?

2. Whats the difference between a 9/16-18 X 1-1/2" die and a 9/16-18 X 2" die?

3. Would any of these dies be suitable for the job? If so, which would you recommend? If not what would you recommend?

http://cgi.ebay.com/9-16-18-UNF-Right-Hand-Die-9-16-18-/120741030960?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1cb9ec30

http://cgi.ebay.com/9-16-18-X-1-1-2-HSS-LEFT-HAND-ROUND-ADJUSTABLE-DIE-/300395745933?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f0fb528d

http://cgi.ebay.com/9-16-18-NF-HSS-Thread-Die-/310266736912?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item483d56b110

http://cgi.ebay.com/9-16-18-X-1-1-2-HSS-ROUND-ADJUSTABLE-DIE-/300395454972?pt=BI_Tool_Work_Holding&hash=item45f0f6e1fc

http://cgi.ebay.com/9-16-18-X-2-HSS-ROUND-ADJUSTABLE-DIE-/300471529660?pt=BI_Tool_Work_Holding&hash=item45f57fb0bc

Best regards
Rolf

[alyce-james]

Rolf; Good morning. Question 1) Right hand or left hand thread. 2) 1 1/2 or 2 refers to tool holder size used to hold die in use. 3) I would not use a left hand thread die. I would just pick up a die at my local hardware shop here in town. Good luck.

[Ky-Flinter]

Rolf,

The tap from TOW is right-hand thread, so you will want a right-hand thread die, so that the threads match.  All the dies you linked to on eBay are round, so you will need the corresponding size handle to turn them.  Dies are also commonly made in a hexagon outside shape and these can be turned with an adjustable wrench or a hex die handle.

-Ron

[Captchee]

 you dont  want the left hand die .
 As was said the size is for the tool used to hold the die.

As I stated before in another thread . The problem with hardware store tap and ies is that often their tolerances aren’t  the best .Frankly they don’t need to be .because their main  use is for simply taping or rethreading  bolts . Thus the  your plug may be alittle lose in its fit .
 But if you face the plug correctly  so that it seals at its face .   It will tighten down  and you shouldn’t have any real issues .
 But as I said in my other post , I prefer to by matched sets .. But I guess I should also have explained that  the reason for this was  that  the cost of the adjustable dies  used to be 3 to 4 times what they are now .

 The first die on your list also strikes me as probably a cheep Chinese made die . So your tolerances maybe   a little off ,from your Tap .But the plus  that I have found to these dies is that often they don’t have a Chamfer on both sides . Also their pitch is often  consistent  so you can start with one side and finish with the other . Thus getting all the way to the bottom of the  breech shoulder .
  They do work .
 
 The Plus to the adjustable die’s is that you can take up these  tolerance issues by adjusting the die so that it match’s the tap. But as you can see , your going to pay a lot more for that type of die . But IMO it well worth it in the long run                                       

[Dphariss]

Search MSCdirect.com for 9/16-18
 This is a top quality die there are others on the site as well
http://www1.mscdirect.com/cgi/NNSRIT2?PMAKA=88421524&PMPXNO=2250566&cm_re=ItemDetail-_-ResultListing-_-SearchResults

I like split dies since I can then adjust the diameters.

Dan

[billd]

Rolf,   Why can't you use metric dies and taps?

Bill

[Fred_Dwyer]

Grainger's got them from $12 to $95. I guess you need to make only 1 cut so a cheapy should do.

[Rolf]

Bill,
it's hard to find large metric taps and dies in Norway that don't cost an arm and a leg. The barrels I want to use are caliber 0.40, width 7/8".
Rayl makes barrels this sze and uses plugs that are 9/16" (0.563")x 18 tpi. I figure if he uses it, it's safe.
The nearest metric size is either M14 x 1.5 (0.551" x 17tpi) or  M14 x 1.25 (0.551"x 20tpi). Only taps and dies this large I've found are high quality industrial grade. The cheapest  tap + die I've found costs $210. If I buy abroad, I might as well buy USA taps and dies.

Best regards
Rolf

[DutchGramps]

Try http://www.tracytools.com/; they have an amazing collection of taps and dies. They cost GBP 3 per tap, and GBP 5 for dies. I found there all the taps and dies I needed for my 1942 BSA WDM20. BSW, BSF, M, BA, CEI, UNC, UNF, BSP for a fraction of the cost normally asked

[Ky-Flinter]

..... The nearest metric size.... 

Rolf,

I don't think you would, but I have to ask.  You're not considering using a metric plug in an SAE threaded barrel, are you?

I'm sending you a personal message.  Check your inbox in a bit.

-Ron

[Rolf]

Nope, Ron. Got to have the same type of threads on the barrel and the plug.

Best regards
Rolf

[El Bango]

Rolf, You need to go to a  machine shop supplier like Enco,or MSC,or Rutland and buy your taps,dies,cutting fluids,tap handles, die stocks,etc., through them. When you say 9/16-18 x2" the 2" represents the diameter of the die stocks required, so in order to eliminate multiple purchases decide on a size and stick with it.Also always buy a split die because they can be adjusted larger for a tight fit.Especially helpful for fitting breech plugs. Michael

[Rolf]

Thanks for the input. I've ordered a tap and die from Tracy tools , UK . Hopefully I'll get them this week. I got an email from Blackley . He says my breech plugs are cast, so should I get them in a couple of weeks.

Best regards
Rolf

[Rasch Chronicles]

Leraned a whole lota stuff I didn't know before!

Thanks fellws!

Best regards,
Albert “The Afghan!” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
Hunter and Angler Fact Sheet

[jim meili]

Toolsavings, LLC out of Chicago is a good place to get taps and dies. For a one time use their quality is just fine.
For example I needed a 12 x 56 die to make a replacement front sight for an original 1858 Remington revolver and they had it in stock. Cost about 6 bucks plus shipping. Made overseas but worked great for my one time use.

http://www.toolsavings.com/

Also made me a 51/64 x 17 tap with a lead on it for fitting some English breechplugs to a set of barrels.
Very good to work with.
Jim