Why Use Nitronic Keenserts vs. Nitronic Helicoils?
Posted: July 29, 2025 Filed under: Brand equivalents, Fasteners, keensert, key-locking inserts, Nitronic 60 Keenserts, Threaded Bushing, Threaded Fasteners, Threaded Inserts | Tags: Inserts, inserts for manufacturers, Keenserts, Key-Locking Inserts, manufacturing, Mil-Spec Nitronic Keenserts, Nitroinc, Nitronic 60, Nitronic 60 Keenserts, Nitronic Keenserts, Nitronic Keylocking Inserts, threaded bushing, threaded fastener Leave a comment
If you need Nitronic material for your thread repair or thread reinforcement project, you might be deciding between helical and/or key-locking inserts. Here are some considerations to help you evaluate which product will best solve for your needs.
But first, let’s take a closer look at Nitronic 60…
What Makes Nitronic Special?
Nitronic 60, the most commonly used Nitronic material used to manufacture inserts, is a high-performance stainless steel alloy enriched with nitrogen, renowned for its exceptional wear, galling, and corrosion resistance. It provides exceptional resistance to crevice corrosion, general corrosion and high temperature oxidation, This makes it ideal for applications that require durable and reliable thread repair or reinforcement in marine environments, chemical processing equipment, and assemblies that require frequent disassembly.
Nitronic Keenserts® vs. Helicoils
Helicoils (helical inserts) are used for thread repair and reinforcement. They are considered the simplest way to repair stripped or damaged threads. Helical wire inserts are the way to go when reducing costs and minimizing space are priorities. Helicals are useful for creating permanent strong threads in softer materials, in lower heat and lower torque environments, or to convert threads between inch and metric sizes.
So what’s the the catch?
Helicals have certain limitations that Keenserts® (key-locking inserts) overcome. Keenserts are the best bet in heavy wear, high vibration and high heat situations where saving space is not a concern and the hole depth is limited.
If your project calls for Nitronic inserts, below are four reasons why you should consider choosing Keensert® style key-locking inserts vs. Nitronic helical inserts:
- Superior Strength and Stability: Nitronic key-locking inserts have locking keys that mechanically lock the insert into place, offering superior resistance to vibration and torque-out compared to helical inserts, which rely solely on friction.
- Enhanced Durability: The durable design of key-locking inserts provides greater resistance against thread stripping and wear, making them suitable for repeated assembly and disassembly without compromising the integrity of the threads.
- Corrosion and Galling Resistance: Both helical inserts and key-locking inserts made from Nitronic 60 offer excellent corrosion resistance. However, key-locking inserts provide additional structural integrity, especially crucial in harsh environments where component failure is not an option.
- Easier Installation and Maintenance: Nitronic key-locking inserts require no special taps or tools for installation beyond standard equipment—a pneumatic power tool is recommended if installing key-locking inserts in the thousands—reducing downtime during maintenance or initial assembly. Their solid, one-piece design simplifies handling and reduces the likelihood of installation errors.
Unsure which Nitronic 60 insert is ideal for your next thread-repair or reinforcement project? Send us your questions, we’re here to help!
Shop Nitronic Keensert® Style Key-Locking Inserts at MF Supply!
Nitronic Keenserts® Series and Standards Available
In addition to the previous reasons, Nitronic Keenserts® style key-locking inserts are also available in a variety of specialized styles/series and standards that are tailored for specific applications:
- Miniature (KNC): Ideal for lightweight applications where space and weight constraints are critical, such as electronics or avionics. Available inch/imperial and Mil-Spec sizes run from 2-52 through 1/4-20 inches.
- Thin Wall (KN & KNM): Excellent for limited-space installations, providing strength without adding significant bulk, commonly used in precision engineering. Available inch/imperial and Mil-Spec sizes run from 10-24 through 1/2-20 inches, and metric sizes run from M5 through M12.
- Heavy-Duty (KNH & KNHM): Designed for high-stress applications where structural integrity and robust fastening capabilities are essential, such as automotive and heavy machinery. Available inch/imperial and Mil-Spec sizes run from 1-8 through 7/8-14 inches, and metric sizes run from M4 through M24.
- Extra Heavy-Duty (KNHXH): Engineered for extreme load-bearing and high-torque scenarios, perfect for heavy industrial and military applications demanding maximum strength and durability. Available inch/imperial and Mil-Spec sizes run from 1-8 through 7/8-14 inches.
Nitronic Keenserts® style key-locking inserts can also follow/meet stringent aerospace and military standards, including:
These styles/series and standards provide adequate solutions ranging from lightweight applications in aerospace to heavy-duty industrial settings.
Industries That Benefit From Nitronic Keenserts®
Nitronic Keensert® style key-locking inserts are ideal for industries that demand trusted and dependable reliability, such as:
- Aerospace: Nitronic key-locking inserts are essential for structural components requiring exceptional strength and resistance to vibration.
- Marine: Nitronic key-locking inserts are able to withstand harsh saltwater environments without corrosion.
- Automotive and Defense: Nitronic key-locking inserts are ideal for parts undergoing frequent assembly and disassembly.
- Chemical Processing: Nitronic key-locking inserts are extremely resilient under highly corrosive conditions.
MF Supply, Your Trusted Source for Nitronic Keensert® Style Key-Locking Inserts
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified business, and a leading supplier of Nitronic Keensert® style key-locking inserts for manufacturers, engineers, government and industry. At MF Supply, we understand the industry’s need to balance cost, quality, availability, and paperwork/certification requirements—DFARS, COC, and more. Most of our popular Nitronic key-locking inserts sizes are in stock and ready to ship within 24 hours.
Buy Nitronic Keensert® Style Key-Locking Inserts From MF Supply!
Do you still have questions or would like to speak with a representative? Reach out to us or send us an RFQ below, and our MF Supply team of sourcing experts will help you find what you’re looking for. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
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Top 17 Keensert® Questions: Expert Answers to Common Questions (Part 1)
Posted: March 27, 2025 Filed under: Inch and Mil-Spec Keensert, keensert, Keenserts Frequently Asked Questions, Metric Keensert | Tags: Expert Answers to Keenserts Frequently Asked Questions, Keensert FAQs, Keensert Guide, Keensert Inserts, Keensert Installation Tools, Keensert Supplier, Key-Locking Inserts, supply chain Leave a comment
Navigating the world of key-locking inserts—Keenserts®—doesn’t have to be complicated. Our comprehensive guide with 17 frequently asked questions cuts through the confusion, addressing the top issues related to selecting, shopping for and installing key locking inserts. In this first installment of our 3 part series, we’ll cover the first 7 questions which focus on the fundamentals, including the differences between self-locking and standard inserts, installation essentials, and common questions when drilling and tapping the holes in the parent material.
1 – What is the difference between a key locking and a self-locking Keensert®?
A key locking threaded insert, also known by its trademarked name Keensert®, is a solid bushing style insert with both internal and external threads. It has wedges or “keys” on one end that lock it into place after installation, preventing loosening due to vibration. All Keenserts® are key-locking inserts. Key-locking inserts come in self-locking and non-self-locking styles (sometimes referred to as free-running). Self-locking style key-locking inserts have a distorted internal thread that creates a mechanical lock, making them some of the strongest inserts available. This mechanical self-locking feature is stronger than adhesive-based chemical thread-lockers.
2 – What tools do I need to install a key-locking insert?
To properly install a key-locking insert, AKA Keensert®, you will need the following tools:
- Drill: to make a hole in the parent material.
- Tap: To tap threads that will accept the external thread of the insert.
- Keensert® Installation Tool & Hammer: to drive the keys into the parent material.
Depending upon your application, you may also require a countersink tool and a broaching tool. Note: If you have a few hundred inserts to install, the manual process detailed above works fine. However, if you are installing these Keenserts® by the thousands, then you will want to use a pneumatic power tool to speed up the processes.
3 – How do I install key-locking Inserts?
To manually install a key-locking insert it requires a 4-step process:
- Drill a hole and countersink the parent material. Note: The drill size is specific to the Keensert® you are installing.
- Tap threads into the parent material according to the insert’s external thread, pitch and tolerance.
- Manually screw the key-locking insert into the tapped hole.
- Place the installation tool on top of the insert. Strike with a hammer to drive down the locking keys creating a mechanical lock.
4 – What is a broaching tool and when will I need one?
A broaching tool is an extra installation tool that is used in hard material. Parent materials harder than RC30, such as A286, A4140 or anodized aluminum may require the tapped holes be broached prior to installing the key-locking insert. The broaching tool has blades that create slots so the keys can be driven into the parent material.
5 – Where do I find the drill size to install a key-locking insert?
The drill size for a key-locking insert is typically found in the product specifications or installation guide provided by the manufacturer.
Note: The outer diameter of Keenserts® are slightly larger than the standard drill hole to ensure a tight fit and sufficient thread engagement in the base material, compensating for tapped hole variations.
6 – Where do I find the tap size to install a key-locking insert?
The tap size for a key-locking insert is typically found in the product specifications or installation guide provided by the manufacturer. The tap will typically match the size, pitch and tolerance of the insert’s external diameter and thread.
7 – How do I find the correct tool to install my Keensert®?
The correct installation tool is usually specified by the Keensert® manufacturer and can be found in the product’s documentation or on the manufacturer’s website. Installation tools are specific to the external and internal diameter of each unique insert part number. Note: Some tools work for multiple sizes.
Stay tuned for the next installment in this series, where we’ll dive into frequently asked questions about Keensert® measurement differences, material selection options, and more!
In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to Connect with our team or send us a request for quote and our team of sourcing experts will help you find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.
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