Helicoil Harbor Freight (2024)

FAQs

What is the alternative to a HeliCoil insert? ›

However, key inserts provide an alternative to helicoils and they have their own set of inherent benefits and flaws. Key inserts became popular because of the ability to quickly repair stripped or damaged threads without having to discard the original part.

Helicoils provide a durable and permanent fix that lasts the lifetime of the part if installed correctly.

One of the advantages of using a helical insert is that it increases fastener strength and longevity. Free-running coil inserts reduce stress and fatigue while maximizing thread strength and increasing reliability.

Keep in mind that the proper installation depth of a HeliCoil insert is 1/4-1/2 turn below the top of the original hole.

Another disadvantage of helical coil type inserts is that they are sometimes harder to fit than a solid bush. This applies especially In deep or inaccessible holes.

Removing helicoils is a very difficult task, but it can be done with a helicoil extraction tool.

After doing a bit of research it sure seems to me that the Time-Sert is the clear choice for a more full-proof 'permanent" fix. The only advantage to a Helicoil I found, is that it is cheaper. Being in the industry for a little while I have seen time and time again, that cheaper is never better.

But Helicoils are cheap to install and work well. If they are inserted correctly and the plugs are not allowed to corrode in-place they should last a lifetime.

For a pass-through hole, the tab just falls out the other side. However, in a depth hole you need to ensure the tab pieces are removed from the hole.

Use HELICOIL® wherever low shear strength materials – such as aluminium or aluminium-magnesium alloys – are used. In these applications HELICOIL® thread inserts generate heat-resistant, wear-resistant and high-strength thread of the highest precision. No internal thread wear, even with frequent use.

Can you use two helicoils? ›

You can "stack" heli-coil inserts. The threads you create in the hole it will be screwed into means the coils will line up in the threads, so the threads will all be in line, and the bolt will follow them.

In summary, while locking helicoils are generally not intended to be reused, there are some situations where they may be able to be removed and replaced. However, it is important to exercise caution when removing locking helicoils to avoid damaging the surrounding threads or material.

Twinsert assemblies, as the name implies consist of two Heli-Coil® Inserts: an Outer Insert, always Free-Running and an Inner Insert which can be either Free-Running or Screw-Lock.

When preparing a hole to accept a Heli-Coil wire screw thread insert, a Screw Thread Insert or STI tap is used to prepare the hole. The recommended drill is utilized to open the hole to the correct minor diameter. The STI tap is then used to create the proper threads in the piece.

After doing a bit of research it sure seems to me that the Time-Sert is the clear choice for a more full-proof 'permanent" fix. The only advantage to a Helicoil I found, is that it is cheaper. Being in the industry for a little while I have seen time and time again, that cheaper is never better.

Strength: A key-locking insert is much stronger than a helical insert, particularly in high temperature and high torque environments. Ease of Install: A key-locking insert is easier to install than a helical wire insert. Price: A wire insert is much less expensive than a key-locking insert.

The standard or “Free-Running” tanged insert provides a smooth free-running thread, while the “Screw-Locking” tanged insert provides self-locking torque on the male member by a series of “chords” on one or more of the insert coils.

Why are Helicoils Used? Helicoils allow for screws to be inserted and removed without damaging the native threads on a part. Threads can get damaged over time, but helicoils can be replaced if they start to wear. Helicoils expand into the thread they are inserted into and they require a special thread to be cut.