Case for Metric Tap & Die Set (Irwin/Hanson 12 pc) by cbc

Last crawled date: 3 years, 1 month ago

This is a case for the Irwin/Hanson 12 pc metric tap & die set. Like alaubhan I found the factory packaging just wouldn't work for keeping the tools. I liked his "Tap / Die Tray for 12 Piece Irwin Hansen Metric Set" http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:161622 but I wanted something more portable and tossable.
The case has what I am calling a tap side and a die side. Two versions of the tap side are provided, with a hanger and without. (the picture shows it with the hanger)
There are some limitations with this case because of the nature of 3D printing. I would print both sides at 100% infill. It really doesn't take much longer and the snap fits of the taps will be sturdier (depending on your printer some adjustments to the tap fits may be required). The tall die holders can be fragile so be careful. I have found sliding the dies in from the side works pretty well. I rarely use a die anyway. Also be careful about opening the case by lifting on the latch tab on the die side, that works the weak grain of the tab. The case should open if you press in on the tap side just below the tab with your thumb. Some filing of the tab may be required to get the engagement just right. It should close with a satisfying click and open with a moderate press.
For hinge pins I used 4-40 x .5 cap screws. I suppose because it is a case for metric taps I should have use M3's. Those should work as well. I drilled and tapped the hinge knuckles on the tap side for the screws and drilled tight clearance holes on the die side knuckles to pivot on the screws.
You can also see in the photo the "Handles for small taps (sae and metric)"
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1701162