THREADED INSERTS

Threaded inserts are used in plastics, wood and non-ferrous metals to provide a
stronger thread than would be possible by using a self-tapping screw directly into
the material.
They provide higher pull-out strength as the outside diameter of the insert has a
much larger contact area with the material than the equivalent self-tapping screw.
In addition to strength, inserts provide a durable thread, which is important if the
product has to be disassembled regularly for maintenance or adjustment.

TYPES OF INSERT
Inserts in our range are frequently categorised by the method of insertion.
SELF-TAPPING A universal type used in plastics, wood and non-ferrous metals.
Self-tapping inserts are available in brass, steel and stainless steel.
HEAT OR ULTRASONIC Ideal for high volume applications in thermoplastics. Available in brass.
EXPANSION Mainly used in plastics and rely on the radial pressure exerted by the screw
to lock the insert into position.

SELF TAPPING INSERTS

Self-tapping inserts can be used with drilled or moulded holes manually using a threaded mandrel, by the use of a
tapping head mounted on a pillar drill, or by using automatic tapping machines.
The hole size is critical to the successful use of inserts. For each type of insert a specified hole size is given,
the lower end of the tolerance range is only applicable when the insert is to be installed in softer materials. For
hardwood, hard plastics or aluminium, the top end of the range should be used.

SERIES 121
Steel self-tapping insert are for use in wood, plywood, chipboard and MDF The Series 121 has a deep coarse-
pitched outside thread to provide maximum pull-out strength. There is an internal cut-out to prevent wood particles
impeding the screw. Lengths other than standard can be manufactured to your specific requirements.

Nominal Thread Size M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12 M16

Outside Diameter 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 16.0 18.5 22.0 25.0
Length in mm 8.0 10.0 12.0 15.0 18.0 20.0 22.0 25.0
Recommended Min 4.6 5.7 7.6 9.4 12.6 15.1 18.3 21.3
Hole Size Max 5.2 6.6 8.5 10.4 14.0 16.5 19.8 22.8

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THREADED INSERTS

SERIES 125
Steel hex-drive self-tapping inserts can be used in wood, plywood, chipboard and MDF. The Series 125 are
designed for insertion with an allen key and do not have a thread cut-out.

Nominal Thread Size M4 M5 M6 M8 M10

Outside Diameter 8.0 10.0 12.0 16.0 18.5
Length in mm 10.0 12.0 15.0 18.0 20.0
Hex Socket SW4 SW5 SW6 SW8 SW10
Recommended Min 6.6 8.4 10.0 14.0 16.2
Hole Size Max 7.2 9.2 10.8 14.8 17.2

SERIES 127
The Series 127 is a zinc alloy insert for soft woods and chipboard. It’s a more economical
alternative to Series 121 and 125, but does not provide the same pull-out strengths. It has a
hex recess for easy assembly.

Nominal Thread Size M5 M6 M8 M10

Length in mm 13.0 13.0 13.0 13.0
Recommended Min 7.7 8.7 10.7 12.2
Hole Size Max 8.0 9.0 11.0 12.5

SERIES 300
These self-tapping inserts have a fine external thread for use in harder materials. The Series 300 are available
in case hardened steel (plated zinc and yellow passivate), brass and stainless steel grade 303 or chrome
stainless 1.4104.
These inserts are designed for used in aluminium and other non-ferrous metals, plastics and
thermosetting resins.
The insert should always be inserted slotted end first as the slot provides the cutting action to
tap into the material.

Nominal M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12 M14 M16

Thread Size
External M5 M6.5 M8 M10 M12 M14 M16 M18 M20
Thread Size x 0.5 x 0.75 x1 x 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5
Length in mm 6 8 10 14 15 18 22 24 25
Recommended 4.6 5.8 7.1 8.6 10.6 12.6 14.6 16.6 18.6
Min
Hole Size Max 4.8 6.2 7.6 9.4 11.4 13.4 15.4 17.4 19.4

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