Fastener Guide

How to Repair Stripped Threads

  1. Assess the damage: a Helicoil restores a stripped tapped hole; a Keensert adds a solid bushing where the screw comes out often.

    Save Step 1: Assess the damage: a Helicoil restores a stripped tapped hole; a Keensert adds a solid bushing where the screw comes out often.

  2. Drill out the damaged threads with the drill size specified for the insert.

    Save Step 2: Drill out the damaged threads with the drill size specified for the insert.

  3. Tap the hole with the insert tap to the correct depth, using cutting oil.

    Save Step 3: Tap the hole with the insert tap to the correct depth, using cutting oil.

  4. Wind the insert onto the installation tool and screw it in until it sits a quarter to half turn below the surface.

    Save Step 4: Wind the insert onto the installation tool and screw it in until it sits a quarter to half turn below the surface.

  5. Break off the installation tang at the bottom of a Helicoil so the screw can pass through.

    Save Step 5: Break off the installation tang at the bottom of a Helicoil so the screw can pass through.

  6. Test with the correct screw — the repaired thread is usually stronger than the original.

    Save Step 6: Test with the correct screw — the repaired thread is usually stronger than the original.

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