| Threaded inserts are fastener-related devices | | | | out of the copper tubing, which functions as a |
| constructed of metal or plastic materials. They | | | | sleeve. Depending on the hardness of the wood, |
| are generally used to provide thread tracks for | | | | considerations may need to be taken for clearing |
| screws or bolts. These inserts can allow a | | | | chips from the area. |
| fastener to form a more secure attachment to | | | | Threaded Inserts in Thermoplastic |
| soft or pliable surfaces that would otherwise | | | | Putting threaded brass inserts in a thermoplastic |
| reject fastening, repair a damaged thread track, | | | | material, such as acrylic, involves a different set |
| or install threads into a workpiece without relying | | | | of equipment and methods than those used for |
| on a more elaborate production process. | | | | wood surfaces. In some cases, the insert may |
| Threaded inserts are usually placed inside an | | | | need to be melted into the workpiece in order to |
| existing hole or slot, and they feature an external | | | | form a secure joint. Generally, this occurs on the |
| design that allows them to be lodged securely, | | | | more rounded side of an acrylic piece as a smaller |
| along with a cylindrical inner cavity lined with | | | | amount of melted plastic will gather near the |
| threads. | | | | insert and the installation will be easier. The |
| Fastener inserts can be made from a wide range | | | | standards steps in such a procedure include:o |
| of materials, including metals such as brass and | | | | Positioning: A threaded brass insert usually has a |
| steel, and plastics such as PVC. Likewise, they are | | | | taper on one side to help with insertion into a slot. |
| available in a variety of design types depending on | | | | Inserts should be placed along the surface of the |
| their application. Molded inserts are used in plastic | | | | thermoplastic workpiece in their intended spots, |
| fabrication cavities, while key-lock inserts are | | | | ideally along a series of predrilled holes.o Insertion: |
| employed for repairing stripped thread holes. | | | | The workpiece should be clamped or moved to |
| Threaded brass inserts are most often used for | | | | ensure that the insert holes are overhanging the |
| fastening plastic materials, although they can also | | | | edge of a bench or other work surface, and a |
| be applied to wood and other surfaces as well. | | | | heated soldering iron may then be pressed into |
| Installing these inserts is usually a multistage | | | | the threaded insert. Applying a slight amount of |
| process, and can sometimes require special | | | | pressure onto the soldering iron will help push the |
| equipment or techniques to accomplish. | | | | insert straight down into the material.o Protrusion: |
| Threaded Inserts in Wood | | | | The soldering iron can be used to guide the insert |
| Installing a threaded brass insert into a wood | | | | and keep it straight as it enters the workpiece. |
| surface requires a certain degree of care. A | | | | The insert should be pushed until it lies flush with |
| threaded rod with a length depending on the | | | | the top surface of the workpiece, although there |
| specific application needs will be required, along | | | | may be a small accumulation of melted plastic |
| with a few similarly-sized nuts, masking tape, and | | | | that rises over the insert. Depending on the |
| copper tubing with an internal diameter slightly | | | | application requirements, the insert should also be |
| larger than the external diameter of the threaded | | | | checked to see if it lies flush with the bottom half |
| rod. | | | | of the plastic surface.o Inspection: After the |
| First, a pilot hole must be drilled into the wood at | | | | threaded insert has been installed, it may be |
| the point where the threaded insert will be | | | | helpful to use a screw or bolt to verify its |
| installed. To help keep the angle of insertion | | | | positioning. If the screw attaches at a bent angle, |
| perpendicular to the surface, it can be helpful to | | | | the soldering iron can be applied to reposition it |
| mount the workpiece in a drill press, but it is | | | | correctly. |
| important that the drill press is off during the | | | | It may be necessary to preheat an insert on the |
| procedure. The workpiece should not be clamped | | | | soldering iron before beginning installation, especially |
| too tightly because the threaded rod should be | | | | if working with a large brass insert. Alternatively, a |
| able to rotate inside the copper sleeve. The rod | | | | drill press can be employed to grip the workpiece |
| can then be twisted into its slot with a wrench, | | | | while heat is applied to the insert, although the |
| while masking tape is used to keep it from slipping | | | | press should not be turned on during the process. |