What are threaded inserts and how do they work?
A thread insert is a small component that sits between the screw and the nut thread. What is it doing there? The tasks of these products can be divided into two categories:
Thread armouring
Armouring may sound like heavy equipment, but in fact it is not only screw connections in extreme environments that can benefit from this measure. The thread insert improves the pull-out strength, protects against wear and makes the thread more resilient - especially in materials with low shear strength such as aluminium, brass or other light metals. This not only makes you more flexible in your choice of materials, but also saves weight and space and therefore costs.
Thread repair
The second area of application for thread inserts is in scrap recovery. Installation enables the repair of a damaged internal thread, for example in the case of stripped threaded holes. The Dimensions on the thread remains unchanged and the load-bearing capacity is even increased compared to the original thread in comparison. With the repair of a thread, you can save damaged components that would otherwise have gone to waste.
Rigid made of steel or flexible made of wire: these thread inserts are available
There are two different types. One variant is a flexible spiral made of wire, the wire thread insert. The other variant is a threaded bushing with a self-tapping external thread for particularly simple anchoring in the receiving material.
BaerCoil® - Wire thread inserts
These threaded inserts are made of stainless steel, Inconel X750 or bronze. Wire is cold-formed into a diamond-shaped cross-section and bent into a spiral shape. The diameter of the inserts is larger than the mounting thread. This creates a radial pressure on the internal thread when screwing in, which ensures a particularly tight fit .
The advantages of BaerCoil® products at a glance
The type free running is ideally suited for all normal applications without exceptional demands on a connection between screw and workpiece. This insert improves wear resistance, thread friction and surface quality and also ensures better corrosion and heat resistance.
The type screw grip offers our customers a screw-locking effect in addition to these features thanks to the polygon shaped windings. This is particularly important where vibrations and shocks put the strength of a screw connection to the test. You can recognise the screw grip type by the red colouring.
The Type NoTang is characterised by its particularly simple installation in the mounting hole. As these products do not require a tang, there is no need to break the tang and then remove the tang from the thread.
How the installation works
Threaded inserts can be installed by hand or with machines. In both cases, you must first pre-drill a core hole diameter or drill out the damaged thread and pre-cut the thread. Then continue with the installation tool. There are two variants here: one for manual use, the other for machine use. Select the tool that suits your application and place the thread insert on it. You can then screw it into the mounting thread. Finally, you only need to break and remove the tang - except for the type NoTang, where this step is omitted.
More from the BaerCoil® range
In addition to the inserts themselves, our product range also includes everything you need to produce suitable threads and for installation. Choose from various items such as Taps for every material or Installation tools for uncomplicated installation. You can find a compilation of all the required products in our kits and for particularly large requirements we also have repair ranges on offer.
BaerFix® - Self-tapping threaded bushes made of steel or stainless steel
These are threaded inserts with a stable base body made of steel, stainless steel or brass. When screwed into a prepared hole, these threaded bushes cut their own thread. This automatically ensures a perfect fit and an absolutely firm hold. Self-tapping threaded inserts are also particularly resistant to vibrations and shocks and are suitable for metal and plastic of almost any type .
The advantages of BaerFix® products at a glance
Threaded inserts with cutting slot are tapered at the bottom. This area springs slightly inwards when screwed in, creating a kind of screw locking effect. This allows high-quality screw connections to be created even in materials with low shear strength.
Threaded inserts with a cutting hole are used when screw locking is not required. Cutting holes instead of cutting slots enable a thicker wall and generally a more stable thread insert, which achieves optimum results even with difficult-to-cut materials.
How to Install
Self-tapping threaded inserts can be installed either manually or using a machine. In both cases, the core hole must be pre-drilled, or the damaged thread must be reamed out. Then, the appropriate installation tool is used. Place the threaded insert onto the tool and turn it into the borehole. The cutting slot or cutting holes will now create the receiving thread. Finally, simply remove the tool by unscrewing it.
More Tools from the BaerFix® Series
Our product line includes not only threaded inserts but also installation tools, machine inserting tools, countersinks and twist drills. To purchase a wide selection of our products with a single click, check out our kits and assortments.
We are also happy to manufacture high-quality threaded inserts according to your individual requirements as custom-made products. For more details and expert advice directly from the manufacturer, feel free to contact our customer service anytime.
Conclusion: Threaded Inserts for Secure Connections
Threaded inserts made of steel or stainless steel are useful tools for reinforcing a thread from the start or cost-effectively repairing a damaged thread. They help save time and money while reducing unnecessary waste. Installation is easy and can be done manually or with machine assistance quickly and efficiently.