Help helacoil

I want to install a bolt into a stripped thread. I'm going to use a helacoil. I don't have the install kit, but I have the helacoil inserts. I don't ever have to take these bolts out again. My plan is to drill out the hole, rethread it to the same thread as the outside of the helacoil. Then put locktite on the outside of the helacoil insert, then just drive the bolt in.

1: Will this work? 2: Any other pointers would help, also, any problems I might encounter 3: I've never used these. so any advice you guys can offer would be appriciated 4: Remember< i never want this bolt to come out
Reply to
bob
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If you don't have the install kit, what do you plan to use to rethread the hole to accept the insert?

Reply to
aarcuda69062

If it's a one-of-a-kind fix, i.e., not a matched set of threads like for spark plugs, I wouldn't even bother with the helicoil; simply drill out the hole to accommodate an 80% thread size & tap it for a slightly larger bolt. Install the bolt with as much thread locker you like.

Reply to
Sharon K. Cooke

No problem have done it a number of times . The proper Helicoil kit makes it easier though. Git her done.

Sal

Reply to
sal

Dumb question..... Is this bolt fastening something ?? If so, how much of the bolt is required for the something and how much of the bolt will go into the hole ??? Heli-coils are not that long. So if the something like a thermostat housing, is being installed..you need to plan for the thickness...in this case it's easier to sink the heli-coil first.

otoh..if the distance is minimal, just tap for the helicoil, attach it to the bolt with some locktite and drive it in., '

Now one really last downside... heli-coils are springs and if the tapped hole is not perfect, the heli coil MIGHT self destruct as it goes into the hole.... ie the coils might expand and it might not go in all the way. Using loctite between the bolt AND the heli-coil (let it dry) will prevent this from happening.

Make sure to thread the hole, using oil and backing off the tap every so often to clean out the shavings.

First poster had a good point, if you can go up to the next size, this would be easier than a heli coil.

All in all, it's pretty easy to do either way.....don't sweat the small stuff.

Peter

Reply to
Peter

Go buy the proper helicoil kit. For the repair to work properly the helicoil is installed under compression. The tap cuts a thread that is designed to compress the insert and line up the coils so the internal diameter will be correct. The installer is designed to grab the tang at the end of the coil and draw it tighter to compress it enough to fit into the hole and once installed breaks the tang off. If you tap to the same thread as the coil the bolt will probably fall into the hole without much effort.

Depending on what you are attempting to bolt down I would NOT want a bolt that could not be removed at a later date. Wear and breakage both have a hand in that.

Reply to
Steve W.

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