
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 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. ...
How do I remove helicoil?
How do you remove helicoil thread inserts?
- Inspect the hole where the threaded insert is located to see how far it is inserted and how tight it is in the hole.
- Set the threaded insert tool on top of the threaded insert.
- Continue turning in a counterclockwise motion until the insert begins to loosen up and the turning becomes less strenuous.
How to use helicoil insert?
Due to this, you can use the inserts in an assortment of industries, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Electrical Engineering
- Military & Defense
- Telecommunications
- Transit
- And more!

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 helicoil thread inserts?
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 does helicoil 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.
How do you use a helicoil spark plug 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Is a helicoil strong?
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.
What is a helicoil thread repair kit?
0:003:42Thread Repair - How to install a Helicoil - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's a little coil of threads. That is installed with a special tool and to do that you need toMoreIt's a little coil of threads. That is installed with a special tool and to do that you need to drill out to the appropriate sized threading hole for this tap comes with this all comes with a kit.
How do you use a spark plug thread repair kit?
0:181:18Using Dorman's spark plug thread repair kit for Ford and Lincoln vehiclesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOut the spark plug hole to remove any debris. Present then remove the old spark plug. Once the oldMoreOut the spark plug hole to remove any debris. Present then remove the old spark plug. Once the old spark plug has been removed remove.
How do you remove a stripped helicoil?
Hand Tool Option If the extraction tool doesn't work then there is another option available. This involves using a pair of pliers to get in between the helicoil and the tapped hole. Once the helicoil is lifted or pulled out slightly, use a pair of pliers to rip the helicoil out.
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 use a thread repair insert?
2:156:31Stripped Thread Repair: How To Install Thread Inserts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause you're going to need to drill the hole that you're going to put the insert into out largeMoreBecause you're going to need to drill the hole that you're going to put the insert into out large enough to accept the new thread insert quarter-inch drill bit I got some gears.
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 threaded inserts work?
The threaded insert is fitted to the mandrel and then screwed into a pre-drilled hole. As the mandrel spins, it pulls the threaded shank from the blind side of the material, forming a solid connection that won't turn in the hole.
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.
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.
