Hex Drive Threaded Inserts

Use for a tight grip! Larger teeth give increased holding strength, ideal for end grain and particle board applications. Made of die cast zinc alloy. Has a self tapping harpoon thread. Thread listed is the size of the internal thread size.

Sold in pack of 8.

Customer Reviews and Photos for: Hex Drive Threaded Inserts Average Rating: (3.6) (9 customer reviews) Add your review...

1) Submitted by Mark Lewis, from Asheville, NC on 11/18/2009 Customer Rating: Worked perfectly. I can't understand why others had trouble, because these were so easy to install: Drill a hole; Put a hex drive on a socket wrench; Turn. I've used the 1/4" size in Maple and Red Oak--both end grain--with absolutely no resistance, breakage, splitting, etc. And they hold tight, unlike some of the T-nut options out there. I used a 7/16" bit for both, but if you simply read the back of the package, the suggested bit sizes are listed for hardwood or softwood applications. A 15/32" bit is recommended for hardwood (NOT a 3/8" hole, as others mentioned). I always start with a smaller hole first, however, because you can make a hole bigger, but not smaller! The 7/16" hole worked on the first test--held fast, and the insert went in with no more torque than needed to run a machine screw. Great item.

2) Submitted by J.W.Haynes, from Spruce Pine, NC on 6/18/2009 Customer Rating: Worked great. You just have to make sure the correct size hole is drilled. I installed mine into red oak with a hex wrench with no problems.

3) Submitted by Nolan Brown, from Vilonia, AR on 4/20/2009 Customer Rating: I used the inserts to repair 33 office chairs that had been delivered and set up by a vendor. The people who assembled and installed the previous inserts did not tighten them even hand tight. When I was called upon, months later, to repair the chairs, I used your inserts which were slightly larger and therefore were a perfect fit for the project. I used an 8mm Allen driver in a half-inch driver drill to drive and torque the bolts. Perfect solution to a problem that could have been prevented, but wasn't.

4) Submitted by Jim Henderson, from Cromwell, CT on 11/23/2008 Customer Rating: Worked extremely well in end grain. Used the recommended bit size and a 3/8 drive hex metric socket, 3' extension and ratchet handle. Used parafin to lube threads before installing. Very easy and smooth install.

5) Submitted by John Saunders, from Lenoir, NC on 1/19/2007 I had very good success with these threaded inserts. I used them in a maple workbench. I did break a couple until I drilled the correct pilot hole and allen wrench that fit properly. I used a bit of Gorilla Glue on the threads and it had set-up when I tried to make adjustments on the inserts, causing them to break. I learned after the glue dried, to leave them alone. I also used the brass inserts and found them more difficult to screw into the maple until I fabricated a tool to screw them into the wood. The tool is available but oft times you do-it-yourself.

6) Submitted by Eugene Rizner, from Brandon, VERMONT on 3/16/2006 Forty inserts came with a hardware kit for the 3-in-1 transitional bed. The featured bed is made of maple, as is the one I am building. The first two inserts I used broke. A metric allen wrench fit best, but it was still a loose fit. The end of the insert broke off before fully seating in the hole. I wouldn't recommend these for use in balsa wood, let alone maple. Editor's Note: Wood hardness varies depending on moisture, grain, etc. It is important to use the correct size pilot hole when installing these inserts. For the 31872 (1/4" size) a 11/32" pilot hole is recommended for softwood and a 3/8" pilot hole is recommended for hardwood. For the 31880 ( 5/16" size) a 7/16" pilot hole is recommended for softwood and a 1/2" pilot hole is recommended for hardwood. In addition, we've found a little beeswax applied to the threads can be tremendously helpful.

7) Submitted by Wally Crawford, from Stanfield, NC on 12/5/2008 Customer Rating: My experience was similar to others. I am making my transitional bed out of Cherry, and the inserts stripped out with a 3/8" hole as directed. I found the 11/32 worked better but was still not foolproof. Harder material and a better fit for the allen wrench is needed as a real sloution.

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