Hex Drive Threaded Inserts-Choose size

Have a futon with wooden arms with magazine holders. The original threaded inserts which held the futon frame to the arms were so thin they cracked and the bolts literally pulled out and the frame collapsed. After several failed attempts at repair I bought these tapered hex inserts for 5/16" bolts. With a 1/2" pilot holes these worked well and the futon is better than new.

This pot metal barely works in hardwood. Test holes a must because the recommended sizes were impossiblly too small. I had taught myself the double nut method driving hanger bolts for table legs. After stripping a couple hex inserts I applied the double nut. I came to write my tip and found Duane making the same recommendation. I use these inserts in the aprons for the rockler table angles. I have to enlarge one of the holes to 5/16 to fit the 1/4 hex bolts I use.

The secret with these inserts is using the correct size pilot hole. My suggestion is that you test fit an insert into a scrap of the wood you are using to make sure you find the right size pilot hole that will allow the insert to be put in place without too much resistance that the insert breaks or you split your workpiece. Also, I put these inserts in by hand using a double nuted bolt that I screw all the way into the insert and then lock the bolt with a double nut and use a small socket and ratchet to drive it in place. You will not break the insert this way. If you are trying to drive these inserts with a power drill you are asking for trouble.

These worked very well in the end grain of baby crib I made using cherry! I used a 15/32 drill bit for the starter holes and had no trouble installing them with my hex wrench.

Worked well however did strip out/crack some hex inserts while installing in Ash - solved by wobbling the drill just a bit to enlarge the hole slightly. Then all was fine and trouble free.