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.

Heli-Coil^® Kits - Thread Repair Kits & Master Sets

Restore stripped threads easily and permanently with Heli-Coil thread repair kits and master sets. Heli-Coil application-specific thread repair kits make complex repairs manageable and are often the recommended solution by both domestic and foreign automakers.

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.

Insert installation depth is dependent on the presence of a countersink (3/4 to 1-1/2 turns below the surface with a countersink and 1/4 to 1/2 turns below the surface without a countersink). Tangless CoilThread Insert installation is now complete.

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.

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 Time Sert, which was used to install the bolt on the right, is said to be a more durable tool than the Heli-Coil.

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.

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.

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.

Can you reuse a Heli-Coil? ›

In general, locking helicoils are not reusable. Once they are installed, they are meant to remain in place permanently. Attempting to remove a locking helicoil can damage the surrounding threads, which may require further repair.

Free running helical inserts have a thread that is smooth and free running. Locking helical inserts have the same characteristics as free running, but also allow frequent removal and reassembly of screws without appreciable loss of torque and positively secure threaded members against vibration or shock loosening.

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.

HELI-COIL TAPS

The taps supplied with kits and sets are referred to as STI or Screw Thread Insert taps. These taps must be used for Heli-Coil repairs. The STI taps supplied for standard thread repair look like conventional taps and may be used with the same tap handle as conventional taps.

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.

Free running helical inserts have a thread that is smooth and free running. Locking helical inserts have the same characteristics as free running, but also allow frequent removal and reassembly of screws without appreciable loss of torque and positively secure threaded members against vibration or shock loosening.

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.

A helical insert (also called a screw thread insert (STI), although most users call them all by one of the prominent brand names: KATO®, Heli-Coil^® or Recoil^®) is an insert made of stainless steel or phosphor bronze wire, with a diamond cross section, coiled to form inner and outer threads.