
How to use a Helicoil kit
- Clear the damaged thread using the drill bit provided in the kit.
- Using the tap provided, cut the new threads into the hole, using a small amount of cutting oil or cutting fluid for lubrication.
- Place the insert on the installation tool and position it so that the tang fits into the slot at the end.
- Begin winding the new insert into the hole, twisting until it is secure. Stop when it is about half a turn below the surface.
- Unscrew the tool and the insert will remain securely in place.
- Insert the breaking tool provided and give it a sharp tap with a hammer to break the tang off the end.
Full Answer
How to properly install a helicoil?
The Solution
- Drill the stripped hole per manufacturer’s recommendation. To start, you’ll need to drill the hole based on instructions provided to you by the manufacturer to ensure a proper fit.
- Tap the drilled hole with the tap specified in the helicoil kit. Tapping is what cuts new threads into your hole. ...
- Apply LOCTITE® 2620™ Threadlocker into the helicoil. ...
How to repair damaged threads using a helicoil kit?
You only need basic tools when using the repair kit:
- 3/8" long extension
- 1/2" socket wrench
- 1/2" to 3/8" adapter
How do I 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. ...
Where to buy helicoil kits?
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- Helicoil 5521-7 7/16-14 Inch Coarse Thread Repair Kit 4.6 out of 5 stars 72 $20.54 In Stock. ...

How do you install a helicoil kit?
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 you use a helicoil insert tool?
3:255:17How to Use & Install Helicoil Thread Inserts | Fasteners 101 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you have to apply pressure as you do it it should be down just about 2 turns from the top. AndMoreAnd you have to apply pressure as you do it it should be down just about 2 turns from the top. And that's what it is ok. So there it is. And once they're in there. It's hard to back it off.
How do you use a helicoil spark plug repair kit?
11:1614:26How To Helicoil Damaged Spark Plug Threads - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFeel it come to a stop. There. This is aluminum and the threads are very fine so you'll be careful.MoreFeel it come to a stop. There. This is aluminum and the threads are very fine so you'll be careful. Now with the anti-seize on the spark plug spark plugs should just come back out.
How does a helicoil stay in?
0:123:42Thread Repair - How to install a Helicoil - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can rethread use the tool install the threads. Break off the little Tang. And your threadsMoreSo you can rethread use the tool install the threads. Break off the little Tang. And your threads are fixed.
Do you use 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 deep should helicoil be?
Pro Tip – The proper installation depth of a HeliCoil insert is ¼-1/2 turn below the top of the original hole.
Can you fix a stripped spark plug hole?
0:372:45How to Fix Stripped Spark Plug Hole in Your Car - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it'll reach down and straight and then it can rethread the hole. You just stick it in the hole.MoreSo it'll reach down and straight and then it can rethread the hole. You just stick it in the hole. Start turning it to start. It. Then very slowly turn it to cut the threads.
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 you repair a blown out spark plug?
4:4428:40Ford 4.6L 5.4L 6.8L 2v Engines Blown Out Spark Plug Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNew threads into that cylinder head until it bottoms out on the eclip.MoreNew threads into that cylinder head until it bottoms out on the eclip.
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 you have to break the tang off a helicoil?
Tang Break-Off Tools The driving tangs of Heli-Coil inserts must be removed to eliminate their interference with the end of the assembled bolt.
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.
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.
How do you install inserts?
2:0910:06Foolproof Threaded Insert Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese one simple ways is simply take either a section of a bolt or some threaded stock of what theMoreThese one simple ways is simply take either a section of a bolt or some threaded stock of what the internal threads are this is quarter 24 thread and simply put a couple of nuts jam them.
How do you use threaded inserts?
1:5314:40How to Use Threaded Inserts for Wood, Metal, and 3D Prints!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the it has these coarse blades on the outside that really bite into the wood and cut well. AndMoreSo the it has these coarse blades on the outside that really bite into the wood and cut well. And then you simply screw it down into the wood. Until it's at the depth that you need.
How do you install a HeliCoil on a cylinder head?
3:419:36How To Install A Helicoil On Cylinder Head Bolts:BMW X5 M54 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou see it's cutting them out no. Problem. Now start installing the helicoil end you want to makeMoreYou see it's cutting them out no. Problem. Now start installing the helicoil end you want to make sure that hole is really clean we're going to blow that out.
What is a STI tap?
A "Screw Thread Insert Tap" (also known as an STI Tap) is designed specifically to be used in the installation of some types of thread inserts, including HeliCoils. An STI tap is different than a standard fastener thread tap; they can not be used interchangeably. To illustrate the difference between a standard tap and an STI tap...
Why does my helicoil fail?
Repair Tip: One of the reasons that HeliCoils fail in service is that they are improperly installed initially. A good rule-of-thumb is to install the HeliCoil so that the top of the insert is 1/4 to 1/2 turn below the top surface of the workpiece. One easy way to determine the installed depth is detailed below...
What is a drive tang?
The insert is provided with a drive tang that is used during installation to thread the insert into the receiving threads in the housing. A special installation tool engages the tang of the insert to drive it into the housing. Once installed, the tang is no longer needed, and is removed.
What is a pre coiler?
The pre-coiler helps to compress the threads of the insert prior to installation in the housing. Slide the insert into the pre-coil body. Rotate the installation tool to thread it through the insert until the notch in the tool contacts the tang of the insert.
How to determine the depth of a STI thread?
Make a small temporary reference mark on the surface of the housing that is rotated 3/4 turn from the location where the STI thread first enters the hole. This mark is used determine the installed depth of the insert.
How deep should a helicoil be installed?
A good rule-of-thumb is to install the HeliCoil so that the top of the insert is 1/4 to 1/2 turn below the top surface of the workpiece. One easy way to determine the installed depth is detailed below...
Why does the external thread diameter not correspond to the standard tap size?
Because the external thread diameter and pitch is determined by the dimensions of the installed fastener, the resulting external thread does not correspond with a standard tap size.
How to fix a hole in a pre-coiler?
Hold the pre-coiled assembly to the hole being repaired. Thread the installer tool so that the insert threads out of the pre-coiler and threads directly into the repaired hole until it reaches the proper depth and remove the installer tool.
How to install heli coil insert?
Installing a HeliCoil insert requires drilling out the original hole to match the new coil, tapping the hole for the coil , installation, and tang removal. You can purchase the inserts individually or in kits. You need a master kit for the size of threads you are working with if you do not have a tap and die set.
What are the components of a helicoil kit?
The components of a Helicoil kit are the inserts, a special tap and the installer too. You need to provide the drill bit for most kits.
How deep should a helicoil be?
Pro Tip – The proper installation depth of a HeliCoil insert is ¼-1/2 turn below the top of the original hole.
How to remove tang from a tanged insert?
Using a punch that fits snugly into the insert, place the punch into the insert until it reaches the tang. Hit the punch with a hammer. This should pop the tang off. Use a magnet or tweezers to remove the tang.
How many Napa locations are there?
Check out all the tools & equipment available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on HeliCoil thread inserts, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.
Do helicoils need thread lockers?
HeliCoils do not require thread sealants or thread locker in order retain the insert, but if you feel the need to use sealant or thread locker, a light coating may be applied to the outer threads, making sure the inner threads are clean. Once installed, HeliCoil inserts are very reliable and trustworthy. They have been used for high-performance applications under high stress, they perform very well in most situations.
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. HeliCoils create stronger bonds than the original fastener because they are coiled wire inserts that are wider than the tapped hole. When you insert them into the hole, and as you screw the bolt down, the coil tightens and creates a seal. As a result, these inserts prevent wear while boosting the integrity and lifespan of its application.
How to repair threads in aluminum?
Drill out the old threads by selecting the recommended drill size from the thread repair kit packaging. If drilling in aluminum or hard metals, apply cutting fluid to the drill bit and the hole throughout the drilling process to prevent the drill from clogging.
What is heli coil insert?
HeliCoil® inserts are small, sometimes underappreciated, fastener components that are integral for reinforcing a stripped thread. The HeliCoil instructions below will help you learn what a HeliCoil is, their applications, and how the threaded inserts are installed.
How to drive insert through pre coil body?
Rotate the installation tool to drive the insert through the pre-coil body and into the tapped hole in the housing.
Where to thread Helicoil insert?
Thread the HeliCoil insert onto the end of the installation tool.
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.
How to fix a helicoil?
Insert the new thread from the Helicoil repair kit into the spark plug hole and gently hit it with a hammer until it is secured. Once the new thread is secured, get a wrench and start tapping .
Why do spark plugs wear out?
As you change the spark plugs over the years, the aluminum threads that are supposed to hold the spark plugs in place get worn. This happens because the spark plugs have metal heads and as you tighten them, it starts to pull the threads out of the aluminum heads. When the spark plug threads are damaged, the spark plugs are no longer secured ...
How to determine helicoil size?
How do I know what size Helicoil I need? You can determine the correct Helicoil size you need by measuring the thread major diameter of the mating bolt and measuring the thread spacing or pitch using a thread pitch gauge. Look for a good fit between the gauge and the threads of the bolt.
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 vacuum spark plug holes?
I usually start by vacuuming the spark plug hole because there is metal scrape all over the hole because of the broken threads. Then, I grab a flashlight and do a quick assessment and I make sure that the valves are closed and no metal scraping will fall into the cylinder and cause a ton of other problems.
What size drill bit to use for spark plug?
To choose the correct drill bit to drill the spark plug hole, get the size of the wire that your car uses and get a slightly larger drill bit. Usually, #80 or #70 drill bits work just fine.
