KastarMaster Thread Chase Kit (971)

Received the "Lang" branded product (Lang is transitioning away from the Kastar branding for its tools). Outside label and inner components list indicate "made in U.S.A." origin... AND the grey plastic storage unit is HINGED... plastic, but not the so called "lifetime" type that ultimately fails over time!*The thread chasing taps and "die nuts" appear to be well machined with no obvious defects/dings on their machined threaded surfaces.*Overall appearance in terms of lack of "machining marks" and burrs is quite good to excellent.*This set has more components than some, and covers popular SAE Course, SAE Fine Thread, and Metric size fasteners, with each type a different color for ease of identification.*There will certainly be instances that a "desired" thread configuration isn't in the kit, but for most of us, this kit covers virtually anything we typically have to deal with in terms of chasing threads (within the size range this kit covers... 1/4" to 5/8 " SAE and similar sized Metric). I would loved to have seen #10 size fasteners covered, but really can't complain... none of the other "sets" I've seen over the years included them either.* The only "negative" is a very minor one for me... The stamped size identification on some of the smaller die nuts is a little hard to see without magnification. Keep in mind that the smaller dies leave little room for marking purposes, and the black colored "SAE fine thread" ones don't provide for contrast in color.That said... each die nut item has its own "storage indention" in the plastic tray, that is sized according to the size of the nut...AND the fractional or metric size is clearly observable on the tray in raised numbers when the dies are removed...plus the fine thread/course thread/metric thread aspect is already identifiable based on the component color. Should not EVER be a problem except for the most picky of users!Finally...AND THIS IS A BIG ONE:As some other reviewers have already mentioned...TOOLS OF THIS TYPE ARE NOT FOR CREATING NEW THREADS! If you need this utility... buy a tap and die set!Items like this LANG produced set are primarily for "chasing" existing threads. I use the Chase Taps for helping to remove dried thread locker and thread sealant from female threads... as well as moderate corrosion and rust. This is useful to assure that new threadlocker or sealant has a good surface to bond with, and also helps minimize any negative impact on torque requirement (especially for inch-pound specified fastener situations). A shot of compressed air, or a "spritz" of brake cleaner to degrease the threads completes the process. The Chase Dies are ideal for removing excessive debris (rust, dried thread locker, etc.) from bolts... and are useful for helping to "rehabilitate" slight ding type defects on the threading. Keep in mind that trying to rehabilitate damaged hardened fasteners, alter an existing thread pitch, "re-thread" a badly damaged bolt, or try to extend the threaded depth of a hole is ABUSIVE to the product. AGAIN... these are not highly hardened tool steel items intended for cutting new threads. They do a GREAT JOB for their intended purpose, and allow the user clean up existing threads without cutting away material (and thus adversely impact fit or strength). Tools such as this are designed to "complement" a good tap and die set...NOT replace them!"Well done" Lang Tools...this set is precisely what I need... my old set had fewer sizes available and over the years was "missing a couple" due to loss or simple misplacement!

These Lang thread restorers/chasers are about the best you'll get for your money, and Lang is well known for making some of the best thread chasers on the market. No missing pieces and everything seems well machined. The machining on the shafts of a few metric taps are a little bit uneven. It's not enough that I worry the tool is compromised in any way, but it was enough to notice and hope the manufacturer will take note and attempt to improve quality as all manufacturers should when a concern is raised.It's important to know what these are for. These are not for cutting new threads, but for restoring threads that may be rusted, dirty, or slightly damaged. If your threads are completely ruined, you'll need to use a threaded insert or drill and tap the hole to a larger size.You can use a wrench or a socket on these, but be gentle. I would recommend a small 1/4 drive ratchet if possible as it will prevent application of too much torque. You don't want to break these as it will make your situation more frustrating.There isn't much information listed about the warranty. Keep in mind that these are technically consumable items, over time and enough use, they may need to be replaced. That said, based on the reputation this brand has as well as the testimony of other customers, I have confidence the seller would replace them if there was an obvious defect within the lifetime of the tool.Overall, I'm happy. If I have issues with these in the future I will report back.

This set is excellent! I already had a set of taps & dies, and never thought I'd need chasers; however, since chasers don't cut new threads, it's much easier to not cross-thread when using these.-> Another excellent feature is that the outside is a hex, which allows you to use standard SAE wrenches and sockets with them (yes, SAE, even for the metric chasers, which is kind of silly); this is something you can't do with taps & dies, and makes them so much more practical to use in awkward locations. (as does the difficulty to cross-thread them)When you have rusty nut & bolts, etc, these allow you to clean up the threads, to allow you to easily remove the bolt (once you break it loose), or reinstall it.I recommend this particular set, since it's well priced, and has the best selection of sizes of any set of these that I found on Amazon.I highly recommend these to anyone!

I bought this Thread Restorer Kit just because I needed one size thread chaser to clean up the threads on my 4 Runner front hub. I was doing a full brake job on it and when I removed the old rotor I found one bolt, out of 6, missing that holds the rotor to the hub. I bought a new bolt and found out why the bolt was missing, I could not get the new bolt to screw in correctly, the threads were damaged. So I reasoned for a little more than having my local mechanic repair the threads, I could buy this kit and do it myself. Worked like a charm, just go slow and use some kind of cutting oil or lubricant. I feel like this one repair really paid for the kit, and now I have a pretty complete kit for future repairs. Good quality and nicely packaged. I would highly recommend this to anyone that needs to clean up some threads that are not stripped.