Repairing Guides

how to install a helicoil and repair damaged threads

by Mr. Taurean Bogan Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Drill out the old threads by selecting the recommended drill size from the thread repair kit packaging. ...
  • Tap new threads into the drilled hole with the installation included in the repair kit. ...
  • Turn the installation tool counter-clockwise to remove the tap from the now threaded hole.
  • Thread the HeliCoil insert onto the end of the installation tool.
  • Set the end of the insert into the hole and continue rotating the installation tool clockwise to wind the insert until it is flush with the top of the threaded ...
  • Rotate the installation tool to drive the insert through the pre-coil body and into the tapped hole in the housing.
  • After you seat the insert to the proper depth, unthread the installation tool.

Part of a video titled How to Fix Stripped Threads With a Helicoil - YouTube
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The tools required for this repair will be a helicoil kit a drill bit a tap socket a punch or aMoreThe tools required for this repair will be a helicoil kit a drill bit a tap socket a punch or a screwdriver.

Full Answer

Where to buy helicoil?

Buy Helicoil 5546-6 M6 x 1 Metric Coarse Thread Repair Kit: Metric Inserts & Kits - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

How to install a helicoil?

Your approach will differ based on what tools you have but in general you want to:

  • Align the insert
  • Thread the insert onto the installation tool
  • Feed the tool with the insert on it into the STI tapped hole
  • Ensure that the helicoil is somewhere between ¼ to ½ turn below the surface. ...

How should you remove helicoil thread inserts?

  • Drill out the old threads using the drill size that is recommended on the thread repair kit packaging. ...
  • Tap the hole using the Screw Thread Insert (STI) tap.
  • Install the insert using the installation tool.
  • For coarse-pitch threads, use the following procedure: Slide the insert onto the installation tool. ...

More items...

How to helicoil damaged spark plug threads?

What Is the Best Spark Plug Thread Repair Kit?

  • Helicoil 5521-4 1/4-20 Inch Coarse Thread Repair Kit. This product is a 1/4-20mm thread repair kit. ...
  • Helicoil 5521-5 5/16-18 Inch Coarse Thread Repair Kit. This Helicoil has a size of 5/16-18 inches. ...
  • OEMTOOLS 25649 14mm Cylinder Head Re-threaded Kit. ...
  • CalVan Tools 38900 Two Valve Ford Triton Tool Kit. ...
  • ABN Spark Plug Thread Repair Kit. ...

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How do you fix a stripped thread with a helicoil?

0:003:34Installing “heli coil” to fix STRIPPED THREADS (fix a thread ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWorks. With a pair of pliers i can grab that piece on the back here and that'll allow us to startMoreWorks. With a pair of pliers i can grab that piece on the back here and that'll allow us to start spinning it. In. Once that's in place we can thread in the bolt that's stripped out.

Do you put Loctite on helicoils?

Apply LOCTITE® 2620™ Threadlocker into the helicoil You might be familiar with LOCTITE® 2620™ as a red, high-strength threadlocker. In this case, the job involved attaching the helicoil to the insert tool provided and then applying LOCTITE® 2620™ to the outside of the helicoil.

How do you install helicoil inserts?

0:566:45How To Install a HeliCoil - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to have the proper tap and this will also say helicoil on there if it's the proper tapMoreYou're going to have the proper tap and this will also say helicoil on there if it's the proper tap size this is an oversize tap made just for these hila calls. So make sure it's the right tap.

How do helicoils stay in place?

The HeliCoil insert itself has special threads designed to grab the walls of the part, and the tang is there to help drive the insert into place. Free running inserts are fully rounded inserts that are slightly larger than the hole they install in.

Is helicoil stronger than original threads?

If a thread is "static" i.e. not likely to be done up and undone more than a few times in its lifetime, we would always say a helicoil type thread is the strongest option.

Do helicoils need special taps?

Heli-Coil STI (Screw Thread Insert) taps are used for general and machine operations. The standard STI tap can be used as a basic tool to create threads ideal for threaded inserts. It is recommended that these taps are used with a CNC machine or other high-precision equipment in order to ensure a proper class of fit.

Which is better helicoil or Time-Sert?

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.

How do I know what size helicoil I need?

0:443:57Thread Repair Using A HeliCoil Insert - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne way to do that is to measure the thread major diameter of the mating bolt. Then measure theMoreOne way to do that is to measure the thread major diameter of the mating bolt. Then measure the thread spacing or pitch using a thread pitch gauge. You want to look for a good fit between the gauge.

Can you tap a helicoil?

The threads made by the tapper used for helicoil is not going to work with the standard size bolts. The taps used are specific STI (Screw Thread Insert) tools. But of course, if you decide the old thread is not too damaged you can use a standard tap and try to fix it.

What is the difference between HeliCoil and insert?

Unlike helicoils which have a slim profile, inserts are extremely large and require a large external thread for installation. The second most common flaw is the removal process. Removal requires drilling out material, bending the key insert and utilizing a screw extractor to remove the insert.

How much weight can a HeliCoil hold?

Eliminates inconsistencies caused by interference fit studs. Available for both straight and step studs, #10 through 1/2" UNC and UNF. Meets AS1229, AS3080, 3081, 3082, 3083....Thread SizeMax Locking TorqueMin. Locking Torque 15th Cycle1-1/8(1.1250)-7900 lb-in137.0 lb-in1-1/4(1.2500)-71000 lb-in165.0 lb-in44 more rows

How much pressure can a HeliCoil take?

HELI-COIL® Pipe Thread Inserts are precision formed screw thread coils of 18-8 Stainless Steel wire cold rolled into a sharp crescent diamond shaped cross section having a tensile strength in excess of 200,000 psi and a smooth surface of 8 to 16 micro inches.

Will Loctite work on stripped threads?

Loctite® Form-A-Thread® It restores worn, stripped or damaged threads and eliminates future corrosion, galling, seizing, and rust, and allows up to 128 ft. lbs. of torque between -65°F to 300°F. It permanently repairs stripped threads and fasteners in five minutes (up to SAE Grade 5 English and 8.8 metric).

Which is better HeliCoil or Time-Sert?

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.

Is Green Loctite stronger than red?

Green is stronger; red might give way in a high stress area. They are quite different products with different purposes.

Is red Loctite waterproof?

Loctite Threadlocker Red 271 is moisture resistant and protects threads from leaks, rusting, and corrosion while eliminating the need to stock up on expensive lock nuts and washers.

Why do you need to put anti seize on a new thread?

It will seize up if you are not careful. Another reason why you need to put anti-seize on the new thread is that it will catch all the new metal scraping. 9. Insert the new thread in the spark plug hole.

How to reinstall spark plugs?

Reinstall the spark plug wiring and start the car. 1. Remove the spark plug wiring. To gain access to the spark plugs, you will have to remove the valve cover, spark plug wiring, any additional wiring that might be in your way, and finally the spark plugs.

Why do you need loctite on a spark plug?

The reason why you need to apply Loctite on the new insert is that you want it to stay in place when you remove the spark plug. Place the new insert into the spark plug hole and use a spark plug to push it all the way down. Use a spark plug wrench to tighten the spark plug.

Can you use helicoils on aluminum?

Do Helicoils work in aluminum? Yes, you can install Helicoils in an aluminum engine block as long as you follow the instructions and perform the installation the correct way. Since the Helicoil is metal and the engine block is aluminum, you will have to use anti-seize to ensure no seizing will occur when you are installing the new thread.

Do spark plug threads need to be closed?

Before you start repairing the threads on the spark plugs, you must make sure that the valves inside the cylinder are closed. This is super important because later on when you start working on the damaged spark plug threads, you’ll get metal shavings to fall down into the cylinder. The valves open and close when the crankshaft rotates.

Step one: research

It’s been years since I’ve had to address stripped threads, and the first time I’ve experienced with the issue on personal equipment. During a my tenure as a mechanic in top level service departments at premier bike shops, I’ve solved a multitude of problems, but since I’m rusty I took a step back to assess my options.

Installing a Helicoil thread repair kit

The first part of the repair is to properly prepare the hole. This aspect of the repair definitely the most nerve-racking of the process, as it consists of drilling out the old threads. Fortunately, there’s quite a bit of documentation online, making it a straight forward fix for a handy and experienced home mechanic.

Fast forward: 3 months later

I’ve been riding the fork with the repaired brake post threads for a few months without issues. The steel insert is arguably stronger than the stock threads in the fork.

What are HeliCoils?

A HeliCoil, otherwise known as a screw thread insert or helical insert, is a registered trademark of STANLEY Engineered Fastening. It has a stainless steel wire that has a diamond-shaped cross-section and repairs stripped thread in hard metals such as steel or soft materials such as wood or plastic.

HeliCoil Applications

HeliCoils work with an array of strong and soft materials and are also available in a variety of diameters. Due to this, you can use the inserts in an assortment of industries, including:

How to Install HeliCoil Thread Inserts: Instructions

You may be wondering how to install HeliCoil threaded inserts. Luckily, each repair kit has a set of specific HeliCoil instructions along with recommended drill sizes. The following is a general guide for a HeliCoil install:

What is helicoil insert?

HeliCoil inserts provide stronger, more reliable threads than the original tapped hole and at the same time, eliminate the possibility of thread wear, corrosion, galling, seizing and rust . How helicoils work.

What happens when threads are stripped?

When threads become stripped, worn or damaged for any reason, the strength and reliability of the bolt is greatly reduced. Potentially dangerous situations are eliminated when the damaged threads are repaired with HeliCoil inserts.

What parts are needed for a Getac A series?

The parts required for the Getac A-Series (A320, A740, A760, A770 and A790) kit include an extraction tool for the old/damaged HeliCoil and a set of tools and inserts to install new Time-Sert HeliCoil replacements. The Time-Sert replacements are recommended as they are self-locking and have a shoulder flange. The next three pages documents the kit and tools followed by the replacement procedure. The tolls are available from Amazon or other tool suppliers.

Can you fix a protruded door screw?

This might happen to the door screws as well. The protrusion is OK as long as there are no components on the inside to touch.

Can a Getac A320 be cross threaded?

In actual operational use, sometimes the Getac A320, A740, A760, A770 and A790 captive screw can be cross threaded and damage the HeliCoil insert and that is why this procedure was developed.

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