Threaded inserts are valuable allies when a strong thread is required in thin sheets or hollow materials. However, they are often ‘blamed’ for defects that actually stem from installation errors. Stripped threads, inserts spinning in the hole, or misaligned installations are clear signs of incorrect setting — not of a poor-quality component.
• Incorrect stroke adjustment, crushing the insert body too much or too little.
• Worn mandrel threads, which fail to pull the insert properly and damage the internal thread.
• Burrs or oversized/undersized holes, preventing proper seating and causing the insert to spin.
• Actual sheet thickness differing from catalogue specifications.
To minimise defects, it is advisable to establish a simple routine: regularly check mandrel wear, drill holes with suitable tools and proper deburring, verify the material thickness, and always perform a test installation on a sample before starting production. A few extra minutes of setup can save hours of rework at the end of the line.