Installing a Time-Sert without Repair Kit Tools

[mike7]

The Time-Sert kits that they sell include, besides the inserts: a drill bit, counterbore, tap, and an installation driver.

These kits can be rather pricey. For example, a M12 X 1.50 kit is running on Amazon for 88 bucks... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JK44D4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

However, you can buy just the inserts for less than $2... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003RQQILY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Now the question is, are the sizes of the taps, drill bits, and counterbores proprietary? And does the installation driver have to be used? Or can I just thread the bolt into the insert and install it with that?

 

[redwrench60]

It would be easy to get around everything except the counterbore tool unless you have access to fancy machining equipment. And yes the counterbore step is important, won't work right without it.

 

[Skin]

The installation "driver" is just a tap the same size as the thread you repaired and it forces the insert to expand and lock into place. Other than the counter bore tool the only thing i'm unsure of is if they're using oddball male threads for the inserts themselves.

I suppose you could thread lock the inserts install them per instruction and grind the top off flush. The kits expensive because it makes the whole job take a few minutes and its done right. Nobody likes repairing stripped threads in the middle of a job so aside from the quality of the components in the kit (which is high) it makes the process of said thread repair go very smooth hence the price tag.

If you only need to do it once on a personal vehicle see if your local auto parts stores rent heli-coil kits.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

I have used the tine serts with out the counter bore and no special tool for insertion and it all has worked fine for several years for a water pump bracket on my old truck. done sever others all working fine. for a brake caliper on a dirt bike we use the insert with the blades on the outside into aluminum and they can not back out..

 

[mike7]

I have used the tine serts with out the counter bore and no special tool for insertion

How did you insert the time-sert into the hole? Did you just thread a bolt into the time-sert then thread them both into the hole?

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

some tineserts have a screwdriver type slot on the top otherwise just thread bolt with a nut to lock in place and screw it down.

 

[Kevin54]

They are all standard taps.