[Shop-talk] Replacing a damaged helicoil

[Pat Horne]

Has anyone tried using a thread locker on a Helicoil insert? It may be 
necessary to run a bottom tap into the insert to clean any locker out of 
the threads, but that shouldn't be a problem.

You might look for a threaded insert to use as a replacement. You drill 
a larger hole, tap it and run the insert into that hole. Similar to a 
Helicoil, but the insert is solid.

Peace,
Pat

Thusly spake Jim Stone, On 2/26/2011 10:03 AM:
> Well, the coil is out, but it wasn't easy and it wasn't pretty.  It didn't
> unscrew so much as unravel.  In pieces.  (I tried one of my Easyouts to start,
> but the hole isn't deep enough to allow any of the threads on even my largest
> one to grab anything.)  Gabbing an end with a needle nose and unscrewing
> resulted in it coming out in about three pieces.  It never unscrewed - the
> pliers just made it small enough to pull out a piece without severely damaging
> the threads.
>
> So, now I am on to the next problem: replacing it.  I am off to NAPA to buy a
> replacement, but I don't expect this to be a walk in the park either.  I know
> now why the original failed. The thread hole is slightly enlarged around the
> outside edge of the coil, meaning the threads are only holding on the bottom.
> I think that lead to the damage that was preventing me from screwing the stud
> in and my struggles with the pliers only made it worse.  To compound the
> problem, depth of the thread is limited by a head bolt that goes right through
> the hole, so I won't be able to use a punch to remove the tang on the coil.
> Right now I am thinking of screwing the coil in and leaving the tang; it can't
> be snapped off by the stud as the head bolt will stop it from moving.  I am
> also thinking about packing the flared outside end with a little JB Weld.  It
> don't expect that to add any real strength, but it might prevent the new coil
> from unraveling the next time around.
>
> At least, that is what I am thinking at the moment, but would appreciate any
> thoughts or opinions.
>
> Jim

-- 
Pat Horne, Owner, Horne Systems
(512) 797-7501 Voice		5026 FM 2001
Pat at HorneSystemsTx.com	Lockhart, TX 78644-4443
www.hornesystemstx.com
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