Originally Posted by
axle182
In the case of soft screws, I cant recommend a thread tap enough, on a new build. I've built hundreds of new kits, and used high grade screws, and have had a few bad screws really slow you down when trying to screw into new plastic. I started to use a thread tap on new parts, and its amazing. So much easier to put together! Ebay has any size you need, dirt cheap.
In total agreement. It's probably better not to thread the holes all the way thru though. I generally just tap the first 1/2 to 3/4 and self tap the last bit.
For a mini, you only need a 3mm tap. So with a tap handle and tap, it will only set you back a few $$$ and make life so much more pleasant on the initial and subsequent maintenance builds.
While you are there, acquiring a 3mm die is a good step. I use it to clean the loctite off screws and clean up screws that have been shortened.