Threaded Inserts

Threaded inserts provide a reusable threaded connection in materials that may not hold a conventional screw thread well. They can be useful for furniture, cabinetry, enclosures, fixtures, repairs, and workshop projects where a removable screw or bolt connection is preferred.

The right insert depends on the base material, the fastener that will go into it, the expected load, and how the insert will be installed. Use the catalog to compare specifications and features, then confirm the manufacturer’s requirements for the application.

How to choose threaded inserts

Start by identifying the material receiving the insert. Wood, plastic, composite panels, and metal each place different demands on the insert and installation method. A design intended for wood may not be suitable for a thin plastic panel, while an insert for metal may require drilling, tapping, or specialized installation equipment.

Also consider how often the connection will be assembled and removed. A threaded insert can help protect the base material from repeated fastening, but the correct size and installation technique are essential for preventing loosening, splitting, cracking, or pullout.

Before comparing individual products, define:

• The internal thread size and thread standard required by the screw or bolt
• The outside diameter and overall length that fit the workpiece
• The base material and its thickness
• The expected clamping force, vibration, and load
• Whether the insert will be installed from one side or requires access to both sides

For other components used with an insert, browse related Screws, Nuts, and Bolts categories.

Common threaded insert designs

Threaded inserts are available in several designs, and each suits a different installation approach.

• Screw-in inserts have external threads that engage with the base material. They are often considered for wood and some plastic applications where a pilot hole can be prepared.
• Press-fit inserts are pushed into a prepared hole. Their suitability depends on the fit, material strength, and whether the application can resist rotation or pullout.
• Heat-set inserts are designed for installation into thermoplastics using controlled heat. The softened plastic flows around the insert and can form a secure mechanical connection after cooling.
• Knurled or ribbed inserts use an exterior texture to improve resistance to rotation in compatible materials. The exact hole size and installation process should be checked carefully.
• Self-tapping inserts cut or form their own external engagement in some materials, but they still require the correct pilot-hole size and installation method.

These descriptions are general categories rather than a substitute for the product specifications. Always check the listed material compatibility and installation instructions for the particular insert.

Specifications and features to compare

Thread details are the first compatibility check. Match the insert’s internal thread diameter, pitch, and thread standard to the fastener. A visually similar screw may not fit correctly if the pitch or standard differs.

Dimensions affect both fit and strength. Compare outside diameter, insert length, head or flange dimensions when present, and the recommended hole size. The workpiece must have enough material around the hole and enough depth for the insert to seat properly.

Material and finish influence durability, corrosion resistance, and compatibility. Consider whether the finished assembly will be exposed to moisture, chemicals, temperature changes, or outdoor conditions. A finish may also affect appearance and surface protection, but it does not replace checking the base material and environment.

Installation method matters as much as the insert shape. Confirm whether the product requires a pilot hole, tapped hole, heat, a press, a driver, or another tool. If installation access is limited, select a design that can be installed in the available space.

Installation and application tips

Measure the workpiece before drilling and use the manufacturer’s recommended hole size. An oversized hole can reduce holding strength, while an undersized hole can damage the material or make installation unnecessarily difficult. Keep the hole aligned with the intended screw path so the finished fastener does not bind.

For wood and plastic, avoid excessive installation torque. For heat-set products, use controlled heat and allow the surrounding material to stabilize before loading the connection. When working with metal, confirm whether tapping or a specialized tool is required.

If the assembly is exposed to vibration, check whether the insert has an anti-rotation feature and whether the screw connection needs a compatible locking method. Washers may also be relevant when the screw head or bolt head needs a larger bearing surface.

Brands represented in the catalog

The catalog includes threaded insert products associated with E-Z LOK, Powertec, Rustark, FYJENNICC, EZ-Lok, and CUTIT MULTIPURPOSE CUTTING OIL. Brand availability does not replace a specification check, so compare each listing’s dimensions, thread details, material, and installation requirements before selecting a product.

Threaded inserts are part of the wider Fasteners category. Depending on the project, Anchors or other fastening solutions may be more appropriate when the goal is securing an object to masonry, drywall, or another structural surface.

Frequently asked questions

What are threaded inserts used for?

They create an internal threaded connection in a workpiece, allowing a compatible screw or bolt to be installed and removed without relying on a directly tapped thread in the base material.

How do I choose the correct insert size?

Match the internal thread to the screw or bolt, then verify the insert’s outside diameter, length, and recommended hole size against the workpiece dimensions.

Can any threaded insert be used in plastic?

No. Plastic types, thicknesses, and temperatures vary. Check that the insert is intended for the specific plastic and installation method, such as press-fitting or heat-setting.

Do threaded inserts work in wood?

Some designs are made for wood, but the correct choice depends on the wood type, pilot-hole size, available thickness, and expected load. Follow the product’s installation guidance.

What causes an insert to spin or pull out?

An incorrect hole size, insufficient surrounding material, excessive load, poor alignment, or an unsuitable insert design can reduce holding strength. Installation technique and material compatibility are important.