Straw Poll - Helicoils and Time Serts

[Tony Russell]

Hello. I've read a few posts about Helicoils and other inserts on the forum.
Some good, some bad.

I just wondered if we could get a quick poll of opinions in the one place here ?
ie;
I like / don't like Helicoils because .....
I used one to do an x and it has been better / worse than y.

 

[WDB124066]

Run with what the Aviation Industry or MB recommends/approves would be my comment. They approve things for a reason and it is not usually because of people’s opinions or thoughts but more to do with scientific fact based on testing.

 

[Tony Russell]

And what do they say then ?

 

[Number_Cruncher]

I've specified and used helicoils wire thread inserts in sizes from M2 to M20. I've specified them in odd materials, like phosphor bronze.

Although aircraft certification is completely irrelevant for use in a motor car, in the small size range, <M10, I've specified and installed helicoils on brand new parts for flight use, including safety critical parts, mechanical and hydraulic, on large civil craft like A380. In these applications, the thread with an insert is much stronger than the thread would have been in the base material.

In larger sizes, I've also specified solid inserts, like timeserts, for safety critical parts on rail vehicles. In the very small sizes, helicoil type wire thread inserts in use on parts I've designed for ESA projects.

I have had very good results with both types of thread insert.

 

[johnsco]

We regularly use helicoils for a variety of applications.
They are widely-used throughout engineering.
Never had any problems with them.

I've never used timeserts.

 

[Mad4Coupes]

We have a pretty comprehensive Wurth set of time-serts here and they are used on nearly every engine rebuild we do when the threads get stripped out for one reason or another. Does exactly what it says on the tin with no problems