Ultimate Guide: Helical Inserts, aka HELICOIL, Cross Reference Guide!
Posted: June 25, 2024 Filed under: Cross Reference Charts, Helical, Helical Threaded Inserts, helical wire inserts, Wire Threaded Inserts | Tags: Cross Reference Charts, heli-coil, Helical Inserts, Helical Inserts Cross Reference Guide, Helical Threaded Inserts, helical wire inserts, helicoil, manufacturing, Precision Engineering, Precision Manufacturers, threaded inserts, Wire inserts, Wire Threaded Inserts Leave a comment
If you’ve done your homework, you probably already know that the industrial marketplace is home to a myriad of trademarked – OEM branded expensive fasteners and components. Many branded parts have generic alternatives. Similar to how brand-name products like Kleenex® can be found generically as facial tissues, many brand-name fasteners are also available as “generics,” “crosses,” “alternatives,” or “functional equivalents.”
Functional Equivalent Fastener? What is it?
In the fastener industry, a functional equivalent fastener is a part that replicates the brand-name product in form, fit, and function, including material and plating specifications, but is produced by a different manufacturer. This allows you to get the same performance and quality, often at a lower cost and with shorter lead times.
Which OEM Brands Have Functional Equivalent Fasteners?
A significant number of OEM brands out there have generic functional equivalents. Here is a shortlist of brands that have generic alternatives:
3 Star Rivets USA, ABBATRON®, ALCOA, AMATOM®, APEX®, ARCONIC®, ATLAS®, AVDEL®, AVK®, B. F. GOODRICH, BOLLHOFF, BUCKEYE, CAPTIVE, CELUS®, CHERRY®, CONCORD, FASTENAL, GESIPA®, GLOBE ELECTRONICS, GRIPCO®, H. H. SMITH, HELICOIL®, HOWMET, HUCK, INDUX, INTERFAST, KATO®, KEENSERT®, KEYSTONE, LOCTITE®, LYN-TRON, MACLEAN ESNA®, MARSON®, MCMASTER-CARR, MISUMI, MSC INDUSTRIAL, PEM®, PIC DESIGN®, POP®, POWERS®, QUICKSCREWS, RAF, RECOIL®, RED HEAD®, ROTOR CLIP®, SHEREX, SIMPSON, SOUTHCO®, SPS TECHNOLOGIES, TINNERMAN®, U. S. ANCHOR, UNICORP, VIP, W. M. BERG, W. W. GRAINGER, WALDES TRUARC®.
Do Helical Inserts Have Functional Equivalents?
One example of an OEM hardware brand is the trademarked name Helicoil®. Although the name Helicoil® is often used to refer to helical inserts (also known as helical wire, wire inserts or wire threaded inserts)—similar to how Band-Aid® is used to describe adhesive bandages, Helicoil® is the registered trademark of Stanley Engineered Fastening (recently acquired by Bollhoff).
The same helical inserts manufactured under the Helicoil® brand name are also available from alternative manufacturers under brand names such as CHRISLYNN, Recoil®, and KATO®, E-Z Lok and Powercoil. These inserts can also be identified by their Mil-Spec numbers, which include: MS122076 through MS122275, NAS1130, MS124651 through MS124850, MS21208, MS21209, MS122076, MS33537, MA3279, MA3329, and NA0276 series. Note: All of these offerings are the tanged version of helical inserts.
Here at MF Supply, we provide a comprehensive cross-reference guide to help you find the perfect alternative to meet your needs. Check out our most popular helical inserts cross-reference charts below to see if there is a functional equivalent to your OEM branded product! They come in imperial, mil-spec and metric sizes and materials.
Helical Inserts Equivalents Cross-Reference Charts: Find OEM Brands and Functional Equivalents
Helical Insert Inch & Mil-Spec Cross Reference Charts
Helical inserts, in imperial/inch & mil-spec sizes, are available as free running coarse thread (UNC), self-locking coarse thread (UNC), free running fine thread (UNF), and self-locking fine thread (UNF) in stainless steel material with Tang.
Mil-Spec series include: MS122076 through MS122275, NAS1130, MS124651 through MS124850, MS21208, MS21209, MS122076, MS33537, and NA0276 series.
Helical Insert Metric Cross Reference Charts
Helical inserts, in metric sizes, are available as free running coarse thread, self-locking coarse thread, free running fine thread, and self-locking fine thread in stainless steel material with Tang.
series include: MA3279, and MA3329.
Using functional equivalents, including Mil-Spec, generics and other OEM brands’ versions of helical inserts, is a smart practice that manufacturers’ often use to save money and shorten lead times!
Helical Inserts at MF Supply
MF Supply is a leading supplier of Helical Inserts including major brands and equivalents. We stock a huge inventory including free running coarse thread (UNC), self-locking coarse thread (UNC), free running fine thread (UNF), and self-locking fine thread (UNF) helicoil inserts in imperial/inch, mil-spec and metric sizes, and in stainless steel with tang. Our Mil-Spec products are DFAR compliant with COC and full certifications available upon request.
Product Lines Include:
Manufacturers working with us can expect timely deliveries, competitive pricing, and access to expert guidance to help optimize their fastener choices. Explore our product catalog by visiting our website at www.mfsupply.com, reaching out to us at sales@mfsupply.com, or requesting a quote.. Our MF Supply team of sourcing experts is here to help 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.
Your Purchasing Department’s Secret Weapon!
Here are 5 reasons to buy from MF Supply
- We Source and Deliver What Others Can’t, Faster Than You Imagined – With speedy solutions for elusive parts and lengthy delivery times – We’ve got you covered with both custom-made specials (send us your prints!) and hard-to-source options, quickly and at a fair price.
- Cost-Effective Functional Equivalents to OEM Brand Fasteners-Why Pay More? – Reduce lead times and costs with the same quality and same performance. Try us for alternatives to brands like McMaster-Carr, MSC, Misumi, PEM, and RAF and experience unmatched savings! Same form, fit and function for less.
- Huge Selection of Certified and Commercial Hardware with Same-day Shipping Available for Countless Items – We source and stock standards, specials, commercial, Mil-Spec & OEM brands in inch and metric sizes. Standards include AN, NAS, MS, IFI, ASTM, ASME, DIN, ISO, JIS. We are sourcing experts for inserts, certified Mil-Spec parts and anything in stainless steel. Many parts are available with manufacturers’ certifications, including DFAR, ROHS and CoC. Trust us to ship on-time from our national distribution centers.
- A User-Friendly, 24/7 Online Shopping Experience – Enjoy a 24/7 online shopping experience with easy-to-use filters, detailed product information, and a constantly updated technical directory. Sign up now for a seamless experience!
- WBE/WOSB Certified Woman-Owned Small Business – As a certified Woman-Owned Small Business, we support your diversity goals. Trust us to meet your fastener and sourcing needs with expertise and efficiency [Cage Code 58QG4].
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. 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.
What is the Difference Between a Keensert and a Helical Insert?
Posted: March 16, 2021 Filed under: helical wire inserts, key-locking inserts | Tags: heli-coil, helicals, Keenserts, Key Locking Inserts, Wire inserts Leave a commentWhat is a Helical Inset?
A Helical wire insert is a spring-like precision form wire coil that provides a permanent thread that’s stronger than the parent material. They are also often called a screw thread insert or a Helical insert, but the popular brand name is Heli-Coil, a registered trademark of Emhart Teknologies.
What is a KeyLocking Insert?
A key-locking insert is a solid bushing style insert that is threaded on the inside and the outside with keys on the top. It’s commonly called a Keensert or Keysert, and these are the registered trademark names of Huck Patents and Alcoa Fastening Systems.
Why Would I Use a Helical Insert vs. a Keensert, and Vice Versa?
- Strength: A key-locking insert is much stronger than a helical insert, particularly in high temperature and high torque environments.
- Ease of Install: A key-locking insert is easier to install than a helical wire insert.
- Price: A wire insert is much less expensive than a key-locking insert.
When Would I Use a Keensert?
In a heavy-ware, high vibration, high heat situation when you don’t need to save space and the whole depth is not a key consideration. The key-locking insert is the way to go.
When Would I Use a Helical Insert?
If you need to reduce costs, you’re minimizing space. The Helical wire insert is the way to go. They’re very useful for creating a permanent, strong thread and softer material like aluminum or titanium. And they’re best suited to the lower heat environments.
Learn more about the difference between key-locking inserts and helical wire inserts here!
Learn More About Keenserts vs. Helical Inserts
If you are interested in learning more about our Keensert and Helical Insert product offerings, contact us today! If you’re ready to place your order, check out our products here!
What the heck is a Wire Insert?
Posted: February 18, 2013 Filed under: Wire Inserts | Tags: helicals, helicoil, keensert, Wire inserts Leave a comment
Today, we will introduce you to the Wire insert which was originally designed to repair parts with damaged threads, but has evolved for use in a variety of applications that save time and money and improve product reliability. Do we have your attention? Great, then read on…
| What is a Wire Insert?
Wire inserts are precision-formed continuous wire coils that provide permanent, wear-resistant threads which exceed the strength of the parent material. Often underestimated, the popular misconception is that Wire inserts are intended solely for thread repair, when, in fact, they have other significant uses discussed in the next section. Not to be confused with other types of solid inserts or rivnuts, Wire inserts resemble springs and are sometimes referred to as “helicals”. Who uses Wire Inserts? Wire inserts are used for 3 main reasons: 1) to repair damaged threads in parts that would otherwise have to be scrapped; 2) to strengthen threads against failures due to stripping, seizing or corrosion; 3) to convert threads between inch and metric sizes. We told you they were versatile! |
| What styles are available?
Wire inserts come in 2 main styles: tang and tangless. The original and widely used tang style has a prong at one end to facilitate installation. The newer tangless style is becoming popular since this style had no prongs to break off, retrieve, or lose and is easily adjusted or removed after installation. Tangless inserts are commonly used in electronic applications where loose tangs might cause damage. Wire Inserts can be free-running or locking. Free running is the most common style used for thread repair. The “free” diameter of the insert is larger than the installed diameter and this configuration generates balanced pressure distribution between the coils and threads. Locking style inserts are recommended for applications that require constant torque, or are subject to stress or vibration. The locking style features a crimped turn that acts as a locking mechanism that grips the bolt or screw to prevent loosening from vibration, eliminating the need for lock wiring, lock-nuts, lockwashers, pellets/patches or other thread locking devices. A third commonly used insert that deserves an honorable mention is a K-type Insert. Sometimes called by the brand Keensert, these externally threaded solid style inserts can be used in almost any material: aluminum, magnesium, cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel and plastic. K-type inserts have locking “keys” that provide a mechanical lock, and are commonly used in heavy wear and high vibration situations. |
| 5 Features & Benefits of Wire Inserts
1. Repair rather than scrap parts – Wire inserts remain the most cost effective, efficient and fastest method to repair damaged threads. 2. Stronger Assemblies – The flexibility of the insert provides a more balanced load distribution, practically eliminating thread erosion and providing better stress allocation, even in low strength materials. 3. Wear and Corrosion Resistance – Thread life is increased as thread friction is virtually eliminated, which becomes valuable in applications requiring repeated assembly and disassembly. Surface coatings are available for applications involving severe corrosive and extreme temperature conditions. 4. Minimize space and weight – Lighter and less expensive than other thread inserts, these wiry fellows can be incorporated into existing designs, often allowing the use of thinner or lighter parent materials. 5. Convert threads from Metric/Inch – Rather than replace all your hardware, taps and dies, you can use Wire inserts to convert threads and use your existing hardware and tools. |
Lesson Learned, considerations when selecting and using Wire Inserts
|
| Wire Inserts Available at MF Supply
Here at MF Supply, we supply some of the most common and unusual Wire inserts, including:
For more detailed information on Wire inserts, visit us at http://www.mfsupply.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1821 And if you don’t see it listed, as always, ask us. Finding the right screw for you is our tag line after all! |