Helicoil Harbor Freight (2024)

FAQs

What is the alternative to a Heli-Coil 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.

Before You Get Started

Installing a Heli-Coil is a drill and tap process.

Tap the hole using the Heli-Coil tap supplied in the kit. Check the size on the shank of the tap to be sure it is the right size. Tap the hole to sufficient depth to ac- commodate the insert length and bolt or screw being used.

Though their depth is short and inherently weak, Heli-Coils are often made of strong materials, like stainless steel. They work well with aluminum, plastic, and other softer materials.

The coils are wider than the tapped hole. They are inserted into the hole, and as the bolt is screwed down, the coil expands, creating a tight, firm seal against the threads. When properly installed, helical inserts create a permanent bond that is stronger than the original bolt fastening.

This means there is far less surface area in contact and friction will no longer hold the insert in. Consequently the insert then begins to wind out as the thread is undone. Another disadvantage of helical coil type inserts is that they are sometimes harder to fit than a solid bush.

The coils of the insert are compressed during installation as the insert is threaded into the housing. Like a coiled spring, the compressed windings of the installed insert attempt to expand against the walls of the threaded housing.

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.

The short answer is no. STI tap dimensions are designed specifically for use with E_Z Coil™ inserts.

What is the difference between Heli-Coil and threaded insert? ›

While the Acme Keylocking Threaded Insert is locked into place in the parent material by its locking keys, the Heli-Coil® insert depends on friction to keep it in place. This is not always enough to handle the job and can come out. Heli-Coil® inserts have tangs that need to be broken off after installation.

Heli-Coil STI taps are available in several styles to tap into both blind and through holes in various material compositions. As with all Heli-Coil taps, the class of fit of the final Heli-Coil assembly is determined by the class of fit of the tapped hole.

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.

Helicoil inserts are held in by swedging the top by hitting a spreader tool with a hammer. Time Sert is held in by using a threaded install driver which finishes the bottom threads by cold rolling and expansion of the bottom portion of the insert.

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.