With a distorted internal thread and keys on the outside, these inserts create a strong hold on both fasteners and surrounding material. Together, the distorted thread and keys create a mechanical lock that resists pull-out from vibration or temperature changes and is stronger than inserts that require threadlocker. Use them to create completely new threads, add strong threads in soft metal, or replace existing threads that are damaged or need to be resized. They're often seen in molds, tools and dies, and suspension systems in vehicles.

Made of a solid piece of metal, these inserts are also stronger than helical inserts, which are made of coiled wire. A dry-film lubricant makes it easy to install them and to screw fasteners into them. All are made to tight tolerances with strictly controlled materials; many inch sizes also meet military or aerospace standards for dimensions and material.

To install, you'll need a tap to create the threads in your material, and an installation tool and a hammer to drive the keys into the material.

When choosing between stainless steel and cadmium-plated steel, consider strength and price. Both materials withstand wet environments. Stainless steel inserts are economical, but not as strong as steel. Use cadmium-plated steel inserts in applications where additional strength is necessary, such as in engine blocks. Steel inserts are stronger than stainless steel inserts, but are more expensive.

Inserts with thin walls are best for small holes or near the edge of a workpiece. They’re also commonly used in electronics applications that require small fasteners.

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The flange keeps these inserts from pulling through a hole. Install on the underside of the material by pressing them into a drilled hole. Install a screw to expand the insert and drive the knurls into the surrounding plastic to keep it from pulling out. Made from brass, they’re nonmagnetic, corrosion resistant, and electrically conductive. Installed length includes the flange.

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Install these inserts into plastic parts to create a secure base for fasteners. Also known as Chevron and headed inserts, they are often used to strengthen mounting holes on brittle plastics, such as on 3D printed parts. Unlike plastic threads, which wear down with repeat use, these brass threads hold their shape over a long life. Press inserts into straight holes that have been drilled, printed, or molded into plastic parts, then heat them with a soldering tip to melt the surrounding plastic. As the plastic cools, it fuses to the sharp, diagonal ridges around the inserts, which withstand torque and prevent the inserts from being pulled out. The interior is fully threaded, so you can access the threads from both sides of a through-hole.

Flanged inserts have a wider end than standard inserts, which gives them a larger load-bearing surface and makes them harder to pull out. The flange also gives you a larger contact area for soldering. When threading into the flanged side, these inserts prevent over-tightening, which can cause brittle plastic to crack.

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Also known as Trisert inserts, these cut threads into plastic and have better holding power than press-fit inserts. Flutes channel loose chips up and out to keep threads clean during installation. Made from brass, they’re corrosion resistant, electrically conductive, and nonmagnetic. Install in a drilled hole using a required installation tool.

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18-8 stainless steel adapters resist corrosion better than brass adapters. They also withstand wet environments.

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Operating with less backlash (play) than Metric Precision Acme Lead Screws and Nuts, these provide increased nut life and more reliable movement in automated systems. Also known as single-start and self-locking lead screws and nuts, they have a single thread that runs the length of the screw. The nut travels only when the screw turns, so your system won't unexpectedly move when the lead screw is at rest. To ensure compatibility, select components that have the same thread type and thread size.

Nuts are acetal plastic; they have good wear and corrosion resistance.

Travel distance per turn, also known as screw lead, is the distance a nut moves with one revolution of the lead screw.

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