Review/ introduction to: Snap-On RTD48 Master Rethreading Kit U.S./Metric

[six-point socket]

Hi all,

Here's a rather new addition to my stable of tools, a Rethreading kit from Snap-On for U.S. and Metric hardware - RTD48. I bought this after finding that my old kit, I kinda inherited from my Dad, had rusted away over the years and is more or less useless now. Also this old kit was never really meant to restore threading but rather cut threading - so that gave me trouble too (undercutting...) , the few times I had to use it.

I jumped at the chance to get this Snap-On rethreading kit. It comes with both taps and dies, U.S. UNC, U.S. UNF and Metric. And two thread files also U.S. and Metric.

[attachimg=1]

I haven't had the chance yet to use the kit to it's full extent but I have used the M6 die on a damaged bolt I needed to save (because of it's head) and was very satisfied with the result. The threads on that bolt were kinda nicked and some were flattened - the die straightened them back up. Bolt works like a charm again. So two thumbs up for this Rethreading kit.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Peter_C]

I use my rethreading kit some, but the one on the right gets far more use. For repairing spindles and the like the rethreading kit is golden  [thumbs up] Sometimes it is easy to see what a nut size is using the rethreading kits "bolts". Although for thread pitch I use the gauges that come with the tap and die sets.

 

[six-point socket]

Thanks for sharing additional input!!  [smile] :thumbsup:

Hope my kit will at some point show the same signs of use and being well taken care of like yours!

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Peter_C]

Thanks for sharing additional input!!  [smile] :thumbsup:

Hope my kit will at some point show the same signs of use and being well taken care of like yours!

Kind regards,
Oliver

My tools were used professionally for decades. They are not taken care of. They get used and thrown back into their perspective tool box. If they are covered in dirt and grease they "might" get wiped off. I do not clean tools as it takes too long. I used to get pissed when I would be time tracking techs and they were cleaning their tools on the clock. I can understand someone taking pride in their tools and making sure everything is perfect, just not on the shops dime. For a home owner or hobbyist keep em' shiny an purty Snap-on chrome shines beautifully (Except mine that are scratched to all heck from years of use/abuse).

 

[six-point socket]

Yeah, I get your point - completely understandable - still they look great for what they have obviously been through. Also speaks for Snap-On's quality

I have to admit I'm really pedantic when it comes to cleaning my tools/boxes i.e., but as you pointed out - I'm a home owner/ hobbyist and not on anyones clock/dime except my own. I even tried to "rescue" that kit I got from my dad, but it was too late.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Peter_C]

Some tools have to be made or destroyed to get the job done. Nothing wrong with cutting a Snap-on wrench in half, nor welding it to a stuck bolt if need be. The cost of the tool is nothing compared to stopping the job. If it is Snap-on and you break it (I have broken tons of tools, with most being warrantied) getting the job done, so be it. That doesn't mean taking a hammer to a screwdriver, as a better tool should be available. Unless of course you have equipment broken down in the field, then anything goes, with whatever you got.

Now I have been on more Snap-on trucks than most folks, but who can't walk down the isle and just smile at all the shiny tools If only a tool box could be that well displayed. Well they can be, for more money than most would ever spend on tools, let alone just in tool boxes.

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

Some tools have to be made or destroyed to get the job done. Nothing wrong with cutting a Snap-on wrench in half, nor welding it to a stuck bolt if need be. The cost of the tool is nothing compared to stopping the job. If it is Snap-on and you break it (I have broken tons of tools, with most being warrantied) getting the job done, so be it. That doesn't mean taking a hammer to a screwdriver, as a better tool should be available. Unless of course you have equipment broken down in the field, then anything goes, with whatever you got.

Now I have been on more Snap-on trucks than most folks, but who can't walk down the isle and just smile at all the shiny tools If only a tool box could be that well displayed. Well they can be, for more money than most would ever spend on tools, let alone just in tool boxes.

Peter if you need a new best friend let me know lol.  Completely agree tools are meant to be used,  if they get put away dirty so be it.  Tools are not intended to be trophies.

 

[mwildt]

Never really liked the 'files' in such sets, though I do have one some where. Other types that I have used in the past has been of this type.

http://www.nes.co.il/158905/Nes-External-Thread-Repair

Haven't had the opportunity to compare which ones are best.

 

[Kev]

Some tools have to be made or destroyed to get the job done. Nothing wrong with cutting a Snap-on wrench in half, nor welding it to a stuck bolt if need be. The cost of the tool is nothing compared to stopping the job. If it is Snap-on and you break it (I have broken tons of tools, with most being warrantied) getting the job done, so be it. That doesn't mean taking a hammer to a screwdriver, as a better tool should be available. Unless of course you have equipment broken down in the field, then anything goes, with whatever you got.

Now I have been on more Snap-on trucks than most folks, but who can't walk down the isle and just smile at all the shiny tools If only a tool box could be that well displayed. Well they can be, for more money than most would ever spend on tools, let alone just in tool boxes.

Peter if you need a new best friend let me know lol.  Completely agree tools are meant to be used,  if they get put away dirty so be it.  Tools are not intended to be trophies.

There's a line between "use" and "abuse". There's also the issue of making a judgement call and sacrificing a tool intentionally.

I think this boils down to human nature. Some people live at the OCD end of the scale, the other end is careless and clumsy. Most probably fit somewhere in the middle. Personally I "try" to be normal, but I'm haunted if I put a tool away and haven't cleaned it (and oiled, adjusted, sharpened, etc as necessary).

People are different.

I actually like to see well used tools, but hate it when I see someone doing a rubbish job with a tool that's beyond it serviceable life.

 

[Peter_C]

Peter if you need a new best friend let me know lol. 

Well I am about to move away from my bestest friends to St. Paul MN for 5 years. Then I will move back to NorCal.

Completely agree tools are meant to be used,  if they get put away dirty so be it.  Tools are not intended to be trophies.

Most people don't have their trophies stacked 4 deep