USING THREADED INSERTS

Threaded inserts are best inserted using a mandrel made up from a bolt or set screw having the same internal thread of the insert - see below.  Although the brass inserts have a slot for a screwdriver, using such a driver may damage the brass rim of the insert. Zinc alloy inserts can be inserted using either this mandrel or an appropriately sized allen key which engages with the hex socket of the insert. A hex driver suited to use in a powered drill can be made by cutting a length off a standard allen key.

Drilling the Hole
This is straightforward enough and best done on a drill press which ensures the hole is vertical (assuming this is intended - the brass inserts can be used on angled work).  Zinc alloy inserts may need a slight countersink applied to the hole to allow the flange to seat flush.

The Mandrel
The mandrel is no more than an assembly of a standard bolt or set screw with appropriate thread, 2 hex nuts and a washer which is best used upside down - that is with the polished face against the insert. This mandrel uses two nuts tightened against one another which allows manual release on those occasions when the insert jams on the mandrel and winds back out of the workpiece when the drill driver is reversed.

Inserts are designed to self align and self feed when inserting and the procedure is usually straightforward provided you have been careful to use the correct drill size and taken care to keep the driver square to the work when winding the insert home. In man-made boards such as chipboard, maintain a firm downward pressure to get the fins on the insert to grip.

See the SPECIFICATIONS tab for a table of root drill diameters, the diameter of drill suited to each insert.

Seating Zinc Alloy inserts using an allen key