GewindeInserts

GewindeInserts, or thread inserts, are devices installed into a prepared hole to form a durable internal thread in softer base materials or to repair damaged threads. They are used in metals, plastics, and wood. Common types include helically coiled inserts (often marketed as Helicoil), solid sleeves, and press-in or self-tapping varieties. Materials span stainless steel, steel alloys, brass, aluminum, and high-temperature polymers.

Installation typically involves tapping a hole to a specified size and inserting the device with a fitting tool. Some designs are self-tapping, others require an installation tool and torque control. Once installed, the insert resists wear and distributes load, providing a reusable thread with greater pull-out resistance than the base material.

Advantages include improved wear resistance, the ability to repair stripped threads, and reusability of threads. Limitations include the need for correct hole size and depth, potential corrosion with dissimilar metals, added cost, and occasional incompatibility with certain materials or environments. Removal, when needed, may require special extraction tools and can leave residual damage.

Applications are widespread in aerospace, automotive, machinery, electronics, and consumer products, especially where thread life or repairability is important. Standards for sizes and tolerances align with ISO/DIN specifications for threaded inserts and related fasteners. In wood and some plastics, wood or heat-set inserts are used, which differ in design and installation from metal coil or solid inserts.