Threaded Inserts: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Threaded Inserts

A Threaded Insert, also known as a Threaded Bushing, is a cylindrical metal fastener with internal and external threads. It is designed to be inserted into a pre-drilled hole in a material, typically metal, plastic, or wood, to provide a threaded hole for fastening bolts, screws, or studs. The main utility of a Threaded Insert over other Rivets and Fasteners is their reusable nature for frequent maintenance and repairs. At Rapid Rivet & Fastener, we provide high-strength threaded inserts designed with efficiency and durability in mind. Threaded inserts offer a variety of benefits to many applications across various industries, and learning how they might suit the need of certain fastener projects is key to creating a quick and easy solution. This guide will discuss the differences in Threaded Inserts compared to other rivets and fasteners as well as the different types of Threaded Inserts that are used for different purposes, such as reusable threaded inserts and threaded inserts for aerospace industries.

Some of the threaded insert product families that will be discussed within this guide are: A-L & A-K Knurled Threaded Inserts, A-H Hex Body Inserts, A-S Captive Threaded Inserts, and A-T & A-W Swaged Inserts. Each of these product families have different applications and specialties that allow them to be used effectively in different industries, such as Aerospace, Automotive, Industrial, and more.

Rapid Rivet’s experienced sales team has all the information you need to learn more about Threaded Inserts and how to best use them in your applications. If you have any questions about where to buy Threaded Inserts or their product families, Contact Us to speak to a representative.

Key Facts about Threaded Inserts

• Enhanced Strength: Threaded inserts provide superior strength and stability compared to traditional rivets, ensuring lasting durability in demanding applications.
• Versatility: With a wide range of head styles, materials, finishes, and grip ranges available, threaded inserts adapt to diverse project requirements with ease
• Secure Fastening: Enjoy reliable and secure fastening solutions, minimizing the risk of loosening or failure over time.
• Ease of Installation: Threaded inserts simplify installation processes, reducing assembly time and labor costs.
• Removability and Reusability: Unlike some rivet types, threaded inserts offer the advantage of being removable and reusable, allowing for convenient maintenance and repairs.

A-L & A-K Knurled Threaded Inserts

A knurled threaded insert is a type of threaded insert that features a knurled outer surface. Knurling is a manufacturing process where a pattern of straight, angled, or crossed lines is rolled or pressed into the surface of a component, creating a textured grip. In the case of knurled threaded inserts, this textured surface provides enhanced grip and resistance to rotation when installed into a material.

Rapid Rivet provides these Knurled Threaded Inserts in a variety of sizes and grip ranges to fit any application.

ALM: ALM Knurled Threaded Inserts offer a Large Flange head style, creating a larger bearing surface ideal for Blind applications. These inserts utilize Monel as their material, increasing their corrosion resistance significantly. ALM Inserts can come with a Tin, or Tin Zinc finish, notated by ALM5 Threaded Inserts or ALM9T Threaded Inserts respectively.

ALS: ALS Knurled Threaded Inserts also utilize a Large Flange head style for blind applications, but with a Steel material for high-strength requirements and durability. These inserts utilize ROHS compliant finishes for corrosion resistance in a non-cadmium required environment. ALS3T Inserts utilize a Zinc finish, while ALS4T Inserts utilize a Zinc Yellow finish, which is used most often in automotive applications for effective corrosion resistance. Finally, ALS9T offers a Tin Zinc finish, rounding out all necessary applications of this insert style.

AKM: AKM Knurled Threaded Inserts offer a Low Profile head in a Monel material, ideal for applications with limited space. Monel as a material is much more corrosion resistant than other materials, along with a tin and clear coat finish in AKM5 Inserts or a Tin Zinc finish in AKM9T inserts, these Knurled Threaded Inserts are perfect for very corrosive environments that still require durability and longevity.

AKS: AKS Knurled Threaded Inserts also offer a Low Profile head for limited space applications, but with a Steel material for a variety of other use cases. These inserts utilize ROHS compliant finishes for corrosion resistance in a non-cadmium required environment. AKS3T Inserts utilize a Zinc finish, while AKS4T Inserts utilize a Zinc Yellow finish, which is used most often in automotive applications for effective corrosion resistance. Finally, AKS9T offers a Tin Zinc finish, rounding out all necessary applications of this insert style.

Applications of Threaded Inserts

• Aerospace and Aviation: In applications where precision and reliability are paramount, threaded inserts for aerospace excel in securing critical components.
• Automotive Industry: Automotive threaded inserts play a crucial role in automotive manufacturing, providing strong and reliable fastening solutions for components and assemblies.
• Electronics: Removable threaded inserts offer secure fastening for electronic enclosures, chassis, and PCBs, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
• Industrial Machinery: From heavy machinery to delicate instrumentation, reusable threaded inserts provide robust fastening solutions for various industrial equipment.
• Furniture Manufacturing: Threaded inserts simplify assembly processes in furniture manufacturing, enhancing structural integrity and longevity.

Rapid Rivet & Fastener Corp specializes in providing Threaded Inserts and other rivets to aerospace and industrial applications but can provide reliable and durable products for all of our customers needs. With our extensive inventory and expertise, we can determine the perfect threaded inserts for specific project requirements. Contact us to explore our comprehensive range of threaded inserts and discover the perfect fastening solutions for different projects.

A-H Hex Body Inserts

A Hex Body threaded insert is a type of threaded insert that features a hexagonal-shaped outer body. This hexagonal design provides several advantages in terms of installation and performance. This design allows for easy installation and removal using a wrench or socket tool, providing a secure grip for tightening or loosening the insert. Hex Body threaded inserts are ideal for applications where high torque is required during installation or removal. The hexagonal shape allows for better torque transmission compared to inserts with round or smooth bodies, reducing the risk of slippage or stripping. The strength and accessibility of the design makes it the perfect tool for many applications and are necessary for many high-strength projects.

Rapid Rivet provides these Hex Body Inserts in a variety of sizes and grip ranges to fit any application.

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  AHA: AHA Hex Body Inserts are made from Aluminum and are specialized to be more corrosion resistant than other insert materials. This allows them to be utilized with no finish for any applications that might not require potent tensile strength that other materials are known for. With no finish, these inserts are noted as AHA1 Hex Body Inserts

  

  AHB: AHB Hex Body Inserts are made from Brass and come in both Cadmium and Tin Zinc finishes for Non-Cadmium ROHS requirements.  These finishes help protect the brass from corrosion and degradation even further, as brass is already naturally more corrosion resistant than something like steel. These inserts are ideal for a highly corrosive environment that also requires durability and longevity. With a Cadmium finish, these inserts are noted as AHB2 Hex Body Inserts. With a Tin Zinc finish, these inserts are noted as AHB9T Hex Body Inserts.

  

  AHS: AHS Hex Body Inserts are made from Steel and provide the most tensile strength out of this family of inserts. These inserts utilize ROHS compliant finishes for corrosion resistance in a non-cadmium required environment. AHS3T Inserts utilize a Zinc finish, while AHS4T Inserts utilize a Zinc Yellow finish, which is used most often in automotive applications for effective corrosion resistance. Finally, AHS9T offers a Tin Zinc finish, rounding out all necessary applications of this insert style.

A-T & A-W Swaged Inserts

A Swaged Threaded Insert, also known as a Swage nut or Swage insert, is a type of threaded insert that is installed by compressing, or "swaging" the insert into a pre-drilled hole in a material. Swaging is a process that involves applying pressure to deform the insert, causing it to expand and securely anchor itself within the hole. Swaging is done to result in high pull-out strength for reliable fastening and a tight grip, as well as when external threads are not needed in comparison to internal threads. This means that Swaged Inserts are used during high load applications in limited access areas, while still requiring solid durability and corrosion resistance.

Rapid Rivet provides these Swaged Inserts in a variety of sizes and grip ranges to fit any application.

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  AWB2: AWB2 Swaged Threaded Inserts are made from Brass and are finished with a Cadmium Plating, providing superior corrosion resistance while remaining cost effective for most applications.

  

  ATB9T: ATB9T Swaged Threaded Inserts, or Splined Nutserts, are also made from brass but have a Tin Zinc finish which is a cadmium free corrosion resistant plating for applications that require a ROHS compatible insert.

  

  AWS2: AWS2 Swaged Threaded Inserts are made from Steel, increasing their strength and force resistance compared to their Brass counterparts. These inserts also use a Cadmium plating for corrosion resistance and longevity.

  

  AWS9T: AWS9T Swaged Threaded Inserts are also made from Steel but similarly have a Tin Zinc finish for when a ROHS requirement requests a cadmium free plating that still offers enhanced corrosion resistance.

A-S Captive Threaded Inserts

A Captive Threaded Insert, also known as a captive nut, captive screw insert, or captive threaded stud, is a type of threaded insert designed to remain securely attached to the parent material even when the mating bolt or screw is removed. This feature makes Captive inserts ideal for applications where frequent disassembly and reassembly are required, or where the risk of losing the insert during maintenance or repair is a concern. Reusable Threaded Inserts are ideal as cost-effective solutions for applications that require a multitude of uses over a long period, and act as versatile alternatives to more specific and rigid inserts.

Rapid Rivet provides these Captive Inserts in a variety of sizes and grip ranges to fit any application.

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  ASS3T: ASS3T Captive Threaded Studs are made from a Steel Material with a Zinc finish, allowing for a high value of tensile strength and solid corrosion resistance while also adhering to ROHS compliance for non-cadmium applications.

  

  ASS4T: ASS4T Captive Threaded Studs are made from a Steel Material with a Zinc Yellow finish, used more often in applications such as automotive utility, while still offering high strength and resistance to corrosive environments.

Threaded Inserts are a crucial element in various industries, offering high strength, durability, and most importantly, reusability and cost efficiency.  The Knurled and Swanged Insert types, along with the Hex Body and Captive varieties, cater to diverse application needs, providing top-notch fastening solutions for critical and demanding projects. Choose the appropriate threaded inserts from these product families to ensure secure and long-lasting connections in your applications. The ability to buy Threaded Inserts has never been easier. At Rapid Rivet & Fastener Corp, we offer thousands of Threaded Inserts in the above categories, in-stock and ready to ship at a moment’s notice. Browse our catalog or place a Quick Quote to learn more.