Helicoils

[mz_rider]

There's been a bit of talk about Helicoils. I'd never installed one but recently fixed a sheared frame bolt and it was very easy. Today I fixed a stripped thread on my old FJ. There's what I did.


The kit cost about £10 ($15) on eBay


The footrest lower screw stripped. I replaced it with a nut & bolt. This works but is awkward to remove


Drill out using 8.3mm bit supplied


Special tap also in kit


Fit insert onto installing tool


Install insert & knock off tang


I found the old screw and cleaned up the thread with a die


Back together

Very simple, it tool longer to take the photos than install the helicoil.

Apologies if you know all this stuff.

Stuart

[Dan Filetti]

Thank you Stuart.  I too have never done this, and your pictures make me think it's doable, easy in fact.  Sure beats paying someone to do it for you.  Power to the people, and all that.

Dan

[JMR]

 The only trick is to keep pressure on the insert as you are screwing it in. If you don't it is easy to skip a thread. Also...I use a bottoming tap on blind holes otherwise the taper built into the standard tap will "squeeze" the insert near the bottom of the hole. Consequently the bolt will jam. Helicoil taps are not standard taps...you need an STI tap.