Helical Thread Insert Kits(607 Products)

Description

Helical thread insert kits are used to install threaded fasteners in metals, polymers, wood & composites by repairing stripped / damaged tapped holes or creating threaded holes. They are ideal for preventing wear, corrosion and over-torque in automobile, aerospace and maintenance applications. Raptor Supplies offers thread insert kits from brands like AVK, Chrislynn, E-Z Lok, NES, Powercoil & Recoil. They provide more strength, versatility & productivity, as well as decreased downtime & maintenance costs than traditional threaded holes.

Features

  • Helical thread insert kits come with helical inserts, high-speed taps, drill bits, tang break-off tools and installation tools.
  • Most kits have a protective carry case / bag for a simplified storage solution.
  • Drill bits are available in various sizes and are attached to drills to create holes in work surfaces.
  • Taps are used to create threading inside drilled holes and provide a pathway for threaded inserts during installation.
  • These taps are usually made of high-speed steel for structural strength to resist bending / breaking under harsh usage.
  • Threaded inserts are available in 2 variants - free-running (helical) for reduced stress & material fatigue and key locking (alternatively, rock solid) for securing on soft materials.
  • Helical threaded inserts may have a tang / prong at the end of their wire coil body for ease of installation.
  • Some helical thread insert kits have tang removal tools to remove the tang and screw fasteners.
  • The inserts have steel, carbon steel, stainless steel or brass construction for strength, rigidity & corrosion resistance.
  • They are available in various thread sizes, such as UNC, UNF, BSW, BSF, BSP, NPT & Metric.
  • Chrislynn thread insert kits contain free-running inserts having lengths up to twice the insert diameter.
  • Chrislynn rock solid thread insert kits have a key-locking design and a solid one-piece body.
  • Powercoil thread insert kits are made of stainless steel and come with or without a drill bit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the diameter of some helical thread inserts larger than the tapped hole?

Many helical thread inserts have a slightly larger diameter than the required hole diameter. When the helical insert is being installed, its diameter decreases due to applied torque on the insert's prong / tang. However, once the threaded insert gets installed, it operates like a spring to expand outward into the material and provide strong anchoring.

What is the difference between helical and key locking thread inserts?

  • Helical inserts are free-running inserts that allow attachment with metal fasteners without using any coating or lubricant. They are ideal for particle-free environments and can expand after installation to secure themselves in the base material.
  • Key locking inserts form the strongest hold of all threaded inserts on soft metal surfaces using their distorted internal threads / locking keys that prevent slipping or rotating by driving into the surrounding material. They have superior strength owing to their solid, one-piece metal construction, unlike helical inserts that are made of coiled wire.

How to install a helical thread insert?

  • Select a drill bit according to the length of the insert / screw / bolt to drill out the damaged threading up to the required depth.
  • Use an appropriately sized tap to re-thread the drilled hole in the material.
  • Select a Helicoil thread insert and use the installation tool to wind the insert into the hole.
  • Use the tang break-off rod or punch to remove the tang / prong and allow free passage of the fastener. Large-sized holes or spark plug inserts require long-nose pliers to bend the tang in & out alternately until the tang breaks free.
  • The repaired threaded hole is now ready for fastening applications.

How to install a key-locking thread insert?

  • Drill a hole according to the required application.
  • Tap the drilled hole and wind the insert into the hole.
  • Drive the key into the material using the installation tool & hammer.

Can thread inserts be removed once installed?

Yes, some thread inserts can be removed using removal tools that attach to them & unwind them in the direction opposite to that used during installation. Key locking or rock solid inserts can be removed by bending the locking keys out of the material and using a winding tool to remove the insert out of the base material.

What is the difference between helical and key-locking thread inserts?

  • Helical inserts are free-running inserts that allow attachment with metal fasteners without using any coating or lubricant. They are ideal for particle-free environments and can expand after installation to secure themselves in the base material.
  • key locking thread inserts form the strongest hold of all threaded inserts on soft metal surfaces using their distorted internal threads / locking keys that prevent slipping or rotating by driving into the surrounding material. They have superior strength owing to their solid, one-piece metal construction, unlike helical inserts that are made of coiled wire.