I have a '97 F150 SuperCab (Metric)

and a

'93 Harley Heritage Softail Custom (SAE)??

Looking for a tap & die set for OCASSIONAL stuff,
mostly taking loc-tite off my Harley bolts

Q: Are big $$ tap & die kits worth the extra $$.

(I've found sets from $10 to $260)

 

They can be handy to have but unless you like collecting extra tools you probably won't use them that much. They are normally use to cut threads but also to repair threads. You could buy a pair (one metric) of those "thread repair files" that have eight different thread sizes (pitch) on each one. That will cover most stuff. They are relatively inexpensive and good for fixing beat up OD threads. I use a bench grinder with a wire wheel on it to remove Loc-Tite and general crud from OD threads but have used a wire brush by hand. Some taps are good to have but I wouldn't buy a whole set. Just get them as you need them.

 

cost depends. If its occasional, buy the cheap stuff (like chinese or Yugoslavian)

then replace only those taps and dies that dull down with equally cheap replacement bits.

no different than drill bits. Why spend $5 on a bit when a $0.50 bit will do.