Repair 7

Key lock inserts use evenly spaced metal "keys" to lock the insert in material. The "keys" bind to the base material when set with a specified tool. Threading a tap into a key locked insert will not fix damaged threads. Correctly removing the damaged insert will keep the threads in the base material intact, reducing the time required to install a new key lock insert.

Instructions

1

Find the size of the key lock threaded insert on a key lock chart. Move across the chart to determine the drill bit size required to remove the insert.

2

Secure the proper drill bit in a drill motor chuck. Cover the drill bit with cutting fluid.

3

Drill into the threaded insert to the depth specified on the key lock chart.

4

Slide a flathead screwdriver into the threaded insert. Align the tip of the screwdriver with one of the key locks. Pry the remaining portion of each key lock toward the center of the insert.

5

Secure a spiral bolt extractor into the drill motor chuck. Set the drill to reverse. Insert the extractor into the opening of the threaded insert. Push the drill toward the threaded insert while pulling the drill trigger to remove the insert from the threaded base material.

Threaded inserts provide threads in soft materials or replace damaged threads. The method used to fix the insert will vary depending on which type of insert you find in the part. The coiled wire threads provided by an expanding threaded insert are unlike cut threads produced by tapping metal. This makes running a tap through the insert to fix damaged threads impossible. However, solid sleeve inserts provide a workable surface that requires less effort to fix the threads.

Instructions

Fixing a Damaged Coil Type Threaded Insert

1

Slide the end of a threaded insert removal tool into the end of the damaged insert. Hit the end of the tool with a hammer to lock it in the insert.

2

Turn the handle of the removal tool counterclockwise to remove the insert from the base material. Grab the insert with a pair of self-locking pliers. Turn the removal tool clockwise, while you hold the self-locking pliers to remove the insert from the tool. Dispose of the damaged insert.

3

Turn a threaded insert clockwise to thread it onto the end of an insert tool.

4

Thread the insert into the base material hole. Stop turning the thread insert when its top wire sits even with the top of the hole. Turn the tool handle counterclockwise to remove it from the insert.

5

Slide a tang removal tool into the threaded insert. Strike the end of the tool with a hammer to remove the tang.

Fixing Threads in a Solid Threaded Insert

6

Select a tap from a tap set matching the damaged internal threads of the threaded insert.

7

Secure the tap in a tee-handle tap wrench. Coat the threaded section of the tap with cutting fluid.

8

Place the end of the tap in the end of the threaded insert. Adjust the tee-handle tap wrench to set the tap straight to the insert. Turn the handle of the tap wrench clockwise. Reverse your direction and turn a half-turn counterclockwise, if the tap binds in the insert. Continue alternating your turning direction until you reach the bottom of the insert. Remove the tap from the hole.