Helicoil Harbor Freight (2024)

FAQs

Is a helicoil a permanent fix? ›

Heli-Coil^® Kits - Thread Repair Kits & Master Sets

Restore stripped threads easily and permanently with Heli-Coil thread repair kits and master sets. Heli-Coil application-specific thread repair kits make complex repairs manageable and are often the recommended solution by both domestic and foreign automakers.

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.

However, key inserts provide an alternative to helicoils and they have their own set of inherent benefits and flaws. Key inserts became popular because of the ability to quickly repair stripped or damaged threads without having to discard the original part.

Insert installation depth is dependent on the presence of a countersink (3/4 to 1-1/2 turns below the surface with a countersink and 1/4 to 1/2 turns below the surface without a countersink). Tangless CoilThread Insert installation is now complete.

Another disadvantage of helical coil type inserts is that they are sometimes harder to fit than a solid bush. This applies especially In deep or inaccessible holes.

The tang is a small segment of the end of the insert that extends into the middle of the coil. With tanged inserts, the tool uses the tang to grip the coil and screw it into place. Once the helicoil is installed, the tang is broken off and removed.

Use HELICOIL® wherever low shear strength materials – such as aluminium or aluminium-magnesium alloys – are used. In these applications HELICOIL® thread inserts generate heat-resistant, wear-resistant and high-strength thread of the highest precision. No internal thread wear, even with frequent use.

But Helicoils are cheap to install and work well. If they are inserted correctly and the plugs are not allowed to corrode in-place they should last a lifetime.

Do you put Loctite or some type of threadlocker on a Heli-coil? John Talley: It's not required, and depending on, well I like Time Serts better than Heli-coils, but if I had to use a Heli-coil, yeah I probably would. That's just a personal preference.

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.

Can a Heli-Coil be removed and replaced? ›

Removing helicoils is a very difficult task, but it can be done with a helicoil extraction tool.

Do I need special tools to install helicoils? Yes, the tap and installation tool must be precise for the helicoil you're using.

Tap the hole using the Heli-Coil tap supplied in the kit. Check the size on the shank of the tap to be sure it is the right size. Tap the hole to sufficient depth to ac- commodate the insert length and bolt or screw being used.

For a pass-through hole, the tab just falls out the other side. However, in a depth hole you need to ensure the tab pieces are removed from the hole.

Additionally, the locking feature on these helicoils can make them challenging to remove. They require special tools and techniques to extract them from the threaded hole without damaging the surrounding material. That being said, there are some situations where locking helicoils may be able to be reused.

Though their depth is short and inherently weak, Heli-Coils are often made of strong materials, like stainless steel. They work well with aluminum, plastic, and other softer materials. But they're not strong enough to effectively fasten stainless steel parts unless they have a special coating.