How do I remove helicoil

Mar 01, 2007 22 Replies

I don't think an angle point is a good idea. You need to be able to drive the point behind the insert with a hammer. You wont be able to just pick it out by hand. Something like a straight scriber, cut down to 40-50mm long would be ideal. I usually grind a piece of 3mm or 1/8th diameter silver steel to a point, deliberately getting it red hot in the process, and quickly quench it. Then gently grind it to a not too tapered point, and cut it off to length. If you've got any silver steel you could do the same. Otherwise your best bet is to cut the end off a scriber.

A tip you might find useful when fitting Helicoils, is to remove the Helicoil 'reducing sleeve' before the insert has been fully inserted. Unscrew it, and then the 'driver', replacing the driver on it's own to to finish screwing the insert to depth. Makes it easier to see exactly when the insert is in the right place. ie just below the surface. Mike.

I always find that the sleeve goes loose and moves slightly as the insert leaves it in any case.

The tip for breaking off the tang is to give a good sharp tap on the drift (which should be as large as practicable with a flat face) The tang is then snapped off rather than bent away

Mike -this has been bugging me - I've been away in Norway whilst the thread ( no pun - honest! ) runs. So, this morning checked my genuine Armstrongs Heli Coli kits, and they do contain a removal tool, and instructions on its use...... uncertain as to age but look 60's ish.

The instructions suggest fileing a notch in the insert before using the 3 point removal tool.

Ian

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