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Advice needed on tap and die sets

Submitted by grant_macneill on Fri, 09/01/2015
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I've acquired all of the wrenches & sockets I'll need for my early 50s bikes

Now I am looking at tap & die sets for cleaning up worn threads and what-have-you on my 51 Norton ES2 and plunger B33.

and frankly I'm confused about what I might need.

I rarely use a tap and die but if needed BSF or CEI would be impossible to borrow locally... so I would like to add whatever I might realistically need to my tool box.

here in Canada I can acquire two complete sets which include bottoming taps; CEI and BSF but the prices are high compared to regular metric and imperial kits. ( 240 pounds sterling for both kits...ouch !! )

My question is; Realistically, would I need both CEI and BSF sets ?

Hypothetically, would I expect to encounter both CEI and BSF threads on my 1951 Norton ES2 ?

Any advice would be appreciated

Grant MacNeill, Toronto.

Submitted by john_hawden on Fri, 09/01/2015

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if youre on a tight budget, just buy what you need. The 26 TPI cycle thread seems to be the one which I have used the most in 5/16" diameter, both tap and die. Also1/4" whitworth tap is useful for cleaning threads on the engine / gearbox casings. i dont think BSF is commonly used. Stick to 26 tpi cycle thread.

Submitted by peter_mcdermott on Fri, 09/01/2015

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I agree with what John says, the 5/16" and 1/4" BSCY 26 tpi threads are the most commonly used on Nortons of that era. The addition of perhaps 3/8" should see most jobs covered. If you are only cleaning up existing threads then carbon steel taps and dies are quite adequate. I find Tracy Tools offer excellent service and value for money.

Your BSA would probably require BSF which are more readily available. Although 1/4" BSCY and BSF are both 26tpi, the former has a 60? thread form, the latter 55?. Hope this helps.

Submitted by eugene_brolund on Sat, 10/01/2015

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Hi Grant, as an owner of a '53 ES2 living near Cleveland, Ohio USA & understand what you mean. I agree with Pete & John. I can highly recomend:

British Tools and Fasteners very near you in Lyons New York. They have an extensive selection of British taps & dies as well as nuts, bolts, King Dick tools, etc. Be sure and print out their thread chart for the garage:

Feel free to email me if you ever need anything, as I am not far from you & I will be attending the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group rally again this year. In addition to being a Wassell distributor, I repair magnetos & dynamos.

Cheers,

Skip Brolund

sbrolund@yahoo.com

Submitted by grant_macneill on Mon, 25/05/2015

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Previously Pete McDermott wrote:

I agree with what John says, the 5/16" and 1/4" BSCY 26 tpi threads are the most commonly used on Nortons of that era. The addition of perhaps 3/8" should see most jobs covered. If you are only cleaning up existing threads then carbon steel taps and dies are quite adequate. I find Tracy Tools offer excellent service and value for money.

Your BSA would probably require BSF which are more readily available. Although 1/4" BSCY and BSF are both 26tpi, the former has a 60? thread form, the latter 55?. Hope this helps.

hello Pete. It has been some time...I must get these tap and dies this week to clean up some threads. I got sidetracked as I've been riding my 51. ES2 daily... ( it's running great by the way ! )

I will take your advice and order what I need from Tracy.

A whitworth 1/4" tap for cleaning out crankcase threads was also recommended but I am confused.

Tracy offers BSW. 1/4" 20 TPI... Plus something called Whitform 1/4" that is offered in various TPI ; 24 TPI , 25 TPI , 26 TPI etc

Can you tell me what I should get ? BSW Whitworth or Whitform ? I'm thinking the BSW 1/4" 20 TPI must be the historical thread that applies to 1951 era Nortons but can't find any confirmation or explanation on line.

any advice would be welcome

thanks, Grant MacNeill in Toronto

Submitted by paul_knapp on Mon, 25/05/2015

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You need BSW.Whitform refers to the actual thread profile, angles, depths and radii's............ 26 TPI is cycle thread and used in variouse places on motorcycles. All British Standard.

 


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