12 best externally threaded inserts

Externally threaded inserts are a type of fastener used in various industrial and manufacturing applications. They are designed to provide a threaded receptacle within a material, allowing for the secure attachment of bolts, screws, or other threaded fasteners. Here is some information about externally threaded inserts:

  1. Purpose: Externally threaded inserts are used to reinforce and strengthen holes in materials such as metal, plastic, or wood. They create a durable threaded connection, making it easier to assemble and disassemble parts.

  2. Types: There are several types of externally threaded inserts, each designed for specific materials and applications. Common types include helical inserts, self-tapping inserts, and rivet nuts. The choice of insert type depends on factors like material, load-bearing capacity, and installation method.

  3. Materials: These inserts can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and various alloys. The material selection depends on factors such as corrosion resistance, strength requirements, and the material of the host component.

  4. Installation: Externally threaded inserts are typically installed by drilling a hole in the host material and then screwing or pressing the insert into place. Some inserts are designed for easy self-installation, while others may require specialized tools or equipment.

  5. Thread Sizes: Threaded inserts are available in various thread sizes and pitches to accommodate different fasteners. The choice of thread size depends on the specific application and the fasteners to be used.

  6. Thread Standards: Common thread standards for externally threaded inserts include metric threads (e.g., M4, M6) and Unified Thread Standard (UTS) threads (e.g., #10-32, 1/4-20). It's essential to match the insert's thread type with the fasteners being used.

  7. Applications: Externally threaded inserts find application in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, construction, and manufacturing. They are often used to create strong and reliable threaded connections in materials that may not have sufficient inherent threading.

  8. Benefits: The use of threaded inserts offers several advantages, such as increased thread durability, improved load-bearing capacity, and the ability to create threads in softer or less robust materials.

  9. Removability: One of the key benefits of threaded inserts is that they allow for repeated assembly and disassembly without damaging the host material, making them suitable for applications where maintenance or repair is required.

  10. Thread Repair: Threaded inserts can also be used for thread repair in cases where the original threads in a component have become damaged or stripped. By installing an insert with new, intact threads, the component can be salvaged.

In summary, externally threaded inserts are versatile fasteners that provide threaded receptacles within materials, allowing for the secure attachment of fasteners. They are commonly used across various industries to strengthen connections, improve durability, and facilitate assembly and disassembly in a wide range of applications.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best externally threaded inserts on the market
  

E-Z LOK - 329-6 E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, C12L14 Carbon Steel, Meets AISI 12L14, 3/8"-16 Internal Threads, 9/16"-12 External Threads, 0.515" Length, Made in US (Pack of 10)

E-Z LOK

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

User questions & answers

Question: Hello, need to ask... its any option to use this product on concrete material? i wanna try make some custom concrete hooks
Answer: I’ve never heard of anybody being able to thread concrete. For that purpose you need to use an expanding anchor of which there are so many choices, find the right one for you!

Product features

1 - Drill

Drill out damaged threads or create a new hole with the designated drill size.

2 - Tap

Tap the hole with a standard tap corresponding to the insert's external threads.

3- Turn in the insert

Turn in the insert with a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional drive tool.

E-Z LOK - 329-801 E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, C12L14 Carbon Steel, Meets AISI 12L14, 1/2"-13 Internal Threads, 3/4"-10 External Threads, 1.000" Length, Made in US (Pack of 5)

E-Z LOK

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

User questions & answers

Question: can i use these on wood
Answer: Yes I used them in 7/8” thick yellow pine they held really good

E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, C12L14 Carbon Steel, Meets AISI 12L14, 5/16"-24 Internal Threads, 7/16"-14 External Threads, 0.437" Length, Made in US (Pack of 10)

E-Z LOK

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, C12L14 Carbon Steel, Meets AISI 12L14, M8-1.25 Internal Threads, M12x1.75 External Threads, 12.50mm Length, Made in US (Pack of 5)

E-Z LOK

Based on 39 reviews Check latest price

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

User questions & answers

Question: Are these thru hole inner threads or plugs
Answer: They are through hole, open in the back.

E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, 453-10 303 Stainless Steel, M10-1.5 Internal Threads, M16x2.0 External Threads, 16.99mm Length, Made in US (Pack of 5)

E-Z LOK

Based on 48 reviews Check latest price

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

  • Easy to Use Solution For Repairing Damaged Threads in Metal
  • Install With Standard Drill & Tap; NO Special Tools Needed
  • Self Locking; Preapplied Adhesive Activates Upon Installation and is Fastener-Ready in 3-5 Minutes
  • Corrosion Resistant
  • Ideal For Soft Metals Like Aluminum, Cast Iron, or Magnesium

E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, 303 Stainless Steel, 3/8"-16 Internal Threads, 9/16"-12 External Threads, 0.515" Length, Made in US (Pack of 5)

E-Z LOK

Based on 104 reviews Check latest price

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

  • Easy to Use Solution For Repairing Damaged Threads in Metal
  • Install With Standard Drill & Tap; NO Special Tools Needed
  • Self Locking; Preapplied Adhesive Activates Upon Installation and is Fastener-Ready in 3-5 Minutes
  • Made of 303 Stainless Steel For Improved Corrosion Resistance
  • Ideal For Soft Metals Like Aluminum, Cast Iron, or Magnesium

User questions & answers

Question: Can these be used in hardwoods, oak, maple cherry,etc
Answer: They can. I have used them in hard maple and walnut. It is important to use the corresponding thread tap in the wood, first drilling the right size hole for the tap. If you can, drill the holes into the wood using a drill press. Then use a small scrap of wood about an inch thick and drill a hole through it as well, threading the tap all the way through. Use this scrap block to keep the tap perpendicular to the piece that will take the inserts; use a socket wrench and hold the scrap firmly against the piece to thread the hole. Having the hole threaded this way will make the insert go in straight, but it is still necessary to use a bolt with a metal sleeve and socket wrench to set the insert into the hole. I use a sleeve that is the same outside diameter as the insert, so I can place the insert about 1/4" or 3/8" below the surface of the wood, which makes it stronger and less likely to ever pull out and split the board.
Question: where on Amazon can I get 5/16"- 18 threaded stainless steel bolts for these
Answer: You can get them at Home Depot or Lowe's. I do not buy them from Amazon. HD carries 1 and 2 inch 5/16"- 18 SS Screws.
Question: Why is this more desireable than a helicoil for a metal insert? Or for that matter, just tapping the metal like the video shoes to your desired screw
Answer: It is a longer lasting thread for use in soft metals. Like clean outs and access panels where you remove the fasteners often.... And if the threads get bad, you can replace this insert in minutes. It has a true thread, a helicoil is not a true standard thread... There is a tool that you can buy to install EZ loc inserts that makes it even easier..... Hope this helps... RJS Eng.
Question: How can you use this product in hard maple
Answer: Drill the correct size hole for your tap, use the tap to cut threads and thread this into it.

E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, C12L14 Carbon Steel, Meets AISI 12L14, 7/16"-14 Internal Threads, 5/8"-11 External Threads, 0.656" Length, Made in US (Pack of 5)

E-Z LOK

Based on 19 reviews Check latest price

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

User questions & answers

Question: Can this be used for a through bolt? In other words, do the threads bottom out or is it open ended
Answer: It is open ended. The bolt will pass through. I have recently used these.

E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, C12L14 Carbon Steel, Meets AISI 12L14, 1/4"-20 Internal Threads, 3/8"-16 External Threads, 0.375" Length, Made in US (Pack of 10)

E-Z LOK

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

User questions & answers

Question: Will this be secure in MDF
Answer: It will but take care in drilling and tightening.Not. Great long term solution as MDF does not have a lot of structural integrity.

E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, C12L14 Carbon Steel, Meets AISI 12L14, 1/4"-20 Internal Threads, 7/16"-14 External Threads, 0.437" Length, Made in US (Pack of 10)

EZ-Lok

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

User questions & answers

Question: These are just the inserts? Diesnt come with tap and bit
Answer: Just the inserts, tap and bit are separate.

Product features

1 - Drill

Drill out damaged threads or create a new hole with the designated drill size.

2 - Tap

Tap the hole with a standard tap corresponding to the insert's external threads.

3- Turn in the insert

Turn in the insert with a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional drive tool.

E-Z LOK - 329-1018 E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, C12L14 Carbon Steel, Meets AISI 12L14, 5/8"-11 Internal Threads, 7/8"-9 External Threads, 1.125" Length, Made in US (Pack of 5)

E-Z LOK

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, C12L14 Carbon Steel, Meets AISI 12L14, 9/16"-18 Internal Threads, 3/4"-10 External Threads, 0.656" Length, Made in US (Pack of 5)

E-Z LOK

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

E-Z Lok Externally Threaded Insert, C12L14 Carbon Steel, Meets AISI 12L14, 5/8"-11 Internal Threads, 1"-8 External Threads, 0.781" Length, Made in US (Pack of 5)

E-Z LOK

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

E-Z LOK threaded inserts for metal provide an easy to use solution for repairing or reinforcing threaded holes in metal. Ideal for use in metals like aluminum and cast iron, E-Z LOK threaded inserts are screw machined out of solid steel for greater strength and superior pull out resistance. Standard external threads permit the use of standard drills and taps for installation. Once the hole is prepared, E-Z LOKs are threaded into the hole like an ordinary fastener using a screwdriver, bolt and jam nut, or optional E-Z LOK drive tool. E-Z LOKs are self locking and will not back out or vibrate loose. A preapplied adhesive activates upon installation and bonds to virtually all metals. Fastener-ready in minutes, the adhesive seals against liquids and gases to pressures of 6,000 psi. when fully cured (72 hours).

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