Old Tap & Die set

[cobrae]

I'm cleaning up where an old barn fell and I found this wooden box with a pretty large sized tap & die set. The box is broken up I think I can fix it but I can't find much info on the set other than just that its a "Little Giant"

I'm just curious if anyone may know how old it is if its actually worth saving or just put it back out in the new garage as it is. I was planning on cleaning it up for the old guy either way but just be nice to know what it is.

[scottg]

 Want to part with it?

 Most versatile and desirable dies ever made. With the super adjustablity of these dies, you can cut threads for obsolete thread patterns when nothing else, save a metal lathe, can.
 
 The taps will be toast. The dies might be too. Or they might be saveable with a lot of work.
   But its worth a try.
 
 Want to part with it? :)
   yours Scott

[johnsironsanctuary]

I have two sets from the late thirties-early forties made for Sears by Greenfield.  Those inserts work very easily.  The guide bushings make sure that you are on the shaft correctly. They work much better than modern one piece dies.

[cobrae]

I'm cleaning em up a bit right now. Just messing around with em. They are cleaning up pretty good. The cutting edges are sharp as sin still not sure how. I will take some more pics in a bit. I would have to ask the guy if he would be willing to part with it.

[humber2]

That's a massive set.

I've never seen a triple layer box before. Did you find the lid too?

I scored a double layer one cheap as the seller only saw the top row and thought it didn't contain much.

Do I see 1 3/8" on the die set?

You won't cut that in one pass unless threading plastic.

Ideal project for a gallon of evaporust.

[leg17]

I'm just curious if anyone may know how old it is if its actually worth saving or just put it back out in the new garage as it is. I was planning on cleaning it up for the old guy either way but just be nice to know what it is.

Absolutely worth saving!
Great find.

[cobrae]

I just went out and did a quick look around and couldn't find the lid. It may be there buried if it is I will find it lol if not I will just make a lid. Uploading a video right now.

[cobrae]

Here is the video

[wvtools]

I bought one of those at an auction recently.  I will have to go out to the barn later to be sure, but I think it is a Greenfield Tap and Die Little Giant No. 5 set (the lettering on the end of the box is still pretty good).  The large size tap handle in it is a No. 8, which is a monster.  I am hoping to get it cleaned up in time to take it to the flea market this weekend.  I have bought and sold a lot of tap and die sets over the years, and it is by far the largest set I have had.

The box on mine is also in pretty bad shape.  That is a lot of weight for one box with the 3 layers.

[cobrae]

It is. I have a metal box thats a bit bigger that I may just put the wooden box inside. The bottom tray is bowed from being in the weather so long.

[humber2]

From the 1935 GTD Catalog looks like you have the #50 set.

If I found one I'd want to have steel cap boots on before I tried to pick it up.

Top image details the 650 set which has a stock for each size, #50 on lower image.

[humber2]

Bad luck re the boxes lads......

[eddie hudson]

A few years ago I rescued a set that was just going to be dropped into a dumpster. The box is excellent but the top was already dumped. At least now I can figue out which set I have.
Thanks.

[john k]

That is a great stand by set.   As said, essential for restoring old machines and tools.  The Little Giant name was used several times over the years, and was not associated to the blacksmithing trip hammers of Little Giant fame. 

[ron darner]

Mental picture: Mr. Wile E. Coyote orders an Acme Little Giant Triphammer, and attempts to use it to tenderize a Roadrunner . . .