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.
Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply
- Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts and specialize in hard to find parts. We offer custom manufacturing and reworking solutions at competitive pricing, reducing long deliveries.
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MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government. We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies, with an expertise in inserts, military fasteners and stainless steel hardware. For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services. Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply.