Threaded inserts are designed to provide load-bearing threads in areas where access is only available from one side and the parent material is light-gauge. With a tubular body and interior threads, the product can be inserted into a prepared hole and then compressed or imbedded or collapsed allowing the attachment of an externally threaded fastener to complete the assembly.
Threaded inserts are available in a variety of shapes to support many assembly situations. Threaded inserts are blocks of material with a threaded hole that are pressed or molded into a part. This part is typically made of a different material than the threaded insert.
Many materials can be used in making threaded inserts and include brass and copper. There are many types of threaded inserts depending on the material used to create them. Threaded inserts reduce risk of the installation material cracking.
Threaded inserts are used in many applications. Examples include its use in instrumentation, telecommunications and other plastic cases assemblies. Threaded inserts should adhere to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.
Examples of Inserts in Aircraft Fasteners Inventory
Keensert Standard Inserts
Keensert Key Locking Inserts
Examples of Keensert Inserts in Stock at Aircraft Fasteners International
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KNM6X10
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INSERT, KEY-LOCKED, 6MM X 1.0
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ALCOA
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KNM8X125
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INSERT, KEY-LOCKED, 8MMX1.25
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ALCOA
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0-80KEENSERTNL303CRES
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INSERT, KEY-LOCKED, 0-80
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ALCOA
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KNC0080J
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INSERT, KEY-LOCKED, 0-80
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ALCOA
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KNCML4X07
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INSERT, KEY-LOCKED, M4X0.7
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ALCOA
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KNCM4X07
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INSERT, KEY-LOCKED, 4MM 303
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ALCOA
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KNCML3X05
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INSERT, KEY-LOCKED, 3MMX0.5
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ALCOA
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HeliCoil Locking Inserts
HeliCoil Tangless Inserts
Examples of Related Inserts in Stock with Aircraft Fasteners International
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MA3279-111
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INSERT, HELICAL, 10MM X 1D
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ALCOA
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MA3279-159
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INSERT HELICAL M8X1.25
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KATO
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MA3279-164
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INSERT, HELICAL, 12MMX1.75
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KATO
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MA3279-101
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INSERT, HELICAL, 2.5MM X 1D
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KATO
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MA3279-201
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INSERT, HELICAL, 2.5MM X 2D
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KATO
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MA3279-154SF
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INSERT, HELICAL, 4MM X .7
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KATO
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TNM4X7C12
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INSERT, HELICAL, 4MMX.7 X 3D
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KATO
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MA3279-205
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INSERT, HELICAL, 5MM X 2D
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KATO
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MA3279-156
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INSERT, HELICAL, 6MM X 1.0
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KATO
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MA3279-113
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INSERT, HELICAL, M12X1.5
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ALCOA
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MA3279-209
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INSERT, HELICAL, 8MMX1.25 X 2D
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KATO
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HeliCoil Tangless Inserts provide a positive, self-locking torque and comply with both NASM8846 and NAS1130 requirements.
Keensert Insertsare high-strength threaded inserts made from stainless steel 1.4305. They are passivated according to EN 2516. Keenserts®standard product range contains metric thread dimensions.
Keensert solid inserts provide strong, permanent metal threads in a range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Keensert solid thread inserts are available with locking or non locking internal threads.
Benefits of Keensert® inserts include the following
- Keensert inserts may be used in alloys, light materials, steel and cast iron to increase the strength of the thread in these materials. They can also be used for thread repair, whereas the defect thread can be replaced with the same nominal diameter.
- Keenserts have less attrition. A multiple tightening and loosening of the bolt is possible.
- Keensert inserts have a high resistance to torque and pullout.
- Keenserts have a positive lock against rotation and vibration.
- Keenserts have 2 or 4 pre-assembled keys depending on diameter. After installation of the keys into the parent material the assembly is form-closed. The special keys lock the Keensert into place and eliminate rotation.
Pull-out-strength for Keensert inserts
Calculation as follows:
Pull-out-strength(N) = shear engagement (mm2) x ultimate shear strength of parent material (N/mm2)
Keensert insert part number example:
The part-number for metric Keenserts are coded as follows:

Keensert® Key-Locking Inserts
Keensert Key-Locking Inserts provide high strength and reliability and are designed to provide high resistance to rotation and pull-out loads. After installation into the tapped hole, the locking keys on each Keensert are driven down through the threads of the parent material, locking the insert firmly and permanently in place.
These key-locking threaded inserts are ideal for thread reinforcement, especially when the mating stud or bolt will be removed frequently. They provide strong, permanent steel threads in any parent material - ferrous, non-ferrous or non-metallic. Key inserts are also well suited for quick repair of stripped, damaged or worn threads.
Locking keys are driven down into the parent material during installation providing a positive mechanical lock against rotation. Inserts with and ID thread 5/16 and above have four locking keys, smaller sizes have two.
Keensert Key-Locking Insert Features and Benefits
- Keensert Key-Locking Inserts can be used in virtually any material including aluminum, cast iron, steel and plastics
- Keensert Key-Locking Inserts provide positive mechanical lock against rotation
- Keensert Key-Locking Inserts’ high strength and flexibility provide maximum pull out strength
- Keensert Key-Locking Inserts are easy to install and remove and can be installed using standard drills and taps. (Keensert installation kits are also available if needed)
- No pre-winder tool is required with Keensert Key-Locking Inserts
- Keensert Key-Locking Inserts are almost impossible to cross-thread during installation
- No tang break off is needed with Keensert Key-Locking Inserts
Keensert Key-Locking Insert Materials and Finishes
- Materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, bronze, Nitronic 60
- Finishes are silver plate, cadmium plate, dry film lubricant
Keensert Key-Locking Insert Thread Types
Keensert Key-Locking Inserts are available in standard & screw lock forms.
Keensert® Key-Locking Insert Types
- Miniature
- Lightweight (Thinwall)
- Heavy Duty
- Extra Heavy Duty
Example of Available Keensert Key-Locking Insert
KNCML4X0,7: Keensert Locking Type
Dimensions:
Ø d 5H: M4
Ø d 4h: M6X0,75
L ± 0,25: 5,25
Z: 4.1
Keenserts Installation instructions
Install
Drill the old screw thread insert out with a standard drill. Chamfer if necessary. Tap a new screw thread with a standard tap. Follow the tables for exact dimension and depth. Turn the Keensert in the tapped hole to just below the surface of the piece. Drive the keys through the Keensert. Do this by knocking with a hammer on the Keensert installation device.
Remove

Use a standard drill to remove the threaded insert material between the keys and the internal thread, upon the correct depth. Deflect Keensert insert keys inward and break off. Remove the Keensert insert with appropriate device. An identical insert can now be installed in the original hole. No re-work of the hole will be necessary.