Thread repair inserts

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Batmanacw

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I spent a good deal of time looking into thread repair inserts today. I don't like the idea of needing lots of special taps to use Helicoil type inserts so I'm leaning toward the solid inserts like the E-Z lock type. I know the Helicoil type inserts are quite strong.

I like that the OD is a normal thread and that it's a full 60⁰ thread and not a modified thread like the Keenserts.

If the thread locker isn't enough I figure it would be easy to tap the insert threads just deep enough to accept the insert with a bottoming tap. That way it gets a bit extra snug as it bottoms out in the threads just below the surface.

I'm looking for feedback before I buy a metric kit off Amazon. Most of the repairs I end up with are metric these days. It's not bad to start there. Eventually I'll buy a kit for SAE and SAE fine thread.
 
Anecdotally, I’ve heard good things about them. A local keensert distributor stopped stocking keenserts in favor of adhesive locked inserts because they held up better on heavy equipment.
 
I am reading alot of stuff these days throwing rocks at Helicoil. Especially spark plug threads in aluminum heads.
I ain't done a bunch, but I have been using Helicoil for my whole life for lots of applications. So far, so good.
 
I think that the application has to be considered when it comes to inserts. Is it a "one and done" repair, or is it going to require that the fastener be inserted and removed repeatedly? For "one and done" there's nothing wrong with a quick and dirty Helicoil. If it's the latter( like a spark plug or an oil drain plug), give me a Time Cert.
 
westerner said:
I am reading alot of stuff these days throwing rocks at Helicoil. Especially spark plug threads in aluminum heads.
I ain't done a bunch, but I have been using Helicoil for my whole life for lots of applications. So far, so good.
Click to expand...
I'm not buying new taps.

E-z lock has thin wall inserts I can order. I think that would be preferable if I want to put a bunch of inserts on the shelf.
 
E-Z Lock inserts were always my first choice for the reasons you have stated, no special taps or tools. Some situations (or customers) might call for something else, but for general use it was E-Z Locks.
 
Batmanacw said:
I spent a good deal of time looking into thread repair inserts today. I don't like the idea of needing lots of special taps to use Helicoil type inserts so I'm leaning toward the solid inserts like the E-Z lock type. I know the Helicoil type inserts are quite strong.

I like that the OD is a normal thread and that it's a full 60⁰ thread and not a modified thread like the Keenserts.

If the thread locker isn't enough I figure it would be easy to tap the insert threads just deep enough to accept the insert with a bottoming tap. That way it gets a bit extra snug as it bottoms out in the threads just below the surface.

I'm looking for feedback before I buy a metric kit off Amazon. Most of the repairs I end up with are metric these days. It's not bad to start there. Eventually I'll buy a kit for SAE and SAE fine thread.
Click to expand...
The only experience I’ve had with Helicoils was 30+ years ago on engine block repair, where they were most commonly used.

My recent experience has been with E-Z Loks, but for static applications where I have been happy with the results. For some sizes, E-Z Lok recommends using a smaller tap drill to insure a snug fit (normal tap). In cases where I was starting with an existing threaded hole, wanted to use smaller hardware and felt that the insert was loose in the hole I have added gel Loctite (red) to get a good bond - the inserts resist hand tool removal after allowing for full cure.
 
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