dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

Not long ago I fixed a stripped thread on one screw that holds the tranny cover. After debating about it for a while, I sank in and bought an M6 Helicoil kit.

It seemed to work well, enough that I may put the helicoils on all M6s under the car.

Funny thing is I don't hear much about people using helicoils. Is there any reason why not?

Dave

ps: if anyone needs to borrow a helicoil kit I can hook you up. It'll save you $30.

DamonB

I use them on machinery at work but have been lucky enough not to need them on the car. They do work perfectly well if installed correctly.

WVRx7

I am on a search today for a helicoil. I believe I have found one.

I have a stripped bolt on the OMP.

Sucks, but everything I have heard about helicoil, it sounds like the way to go.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

"Lucky enough" = lucky not to have damaged threads ? I assume you don't have issue with actually installing a helicoil when necessary?

Anyway, I think next time I'm under the car I'll be drilling out and installing them everywhere I can find them. I think the helicoiled threads are 100x better than stock material.

Dave

WVRx7

Got a 6mm helicoil. Hopefully I am on the road to finishing my project.

$38 bucks.

DamonB

Right. I have stripped bolts or studs required me to chase the holes with a tap, but otherwise have not run into disaster.

Right. I have put a few in highly loaded industrial equipment here at work and have no problems with them at all.

rousu

It seems like a stronger solution to tap the threads out one size and substitute that size bolt where that works.
Is there any reason in that case to use helicoils?

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

Larger threads cause 2 problems, IMO:
1) they change the fastener from stock size
2) the thread is still made of the softer stock material

Helicoils are great because:
- they are made of hardened stainless steel. Very little chance of corrosion, wear, or damage
- the spring design distributes the load of threads really well. The stress in the threads is more balanced, allowing a greater total load, even in soft stock material.
- you can also get self-locking helicoils that keep the fastener from vibrating loose.
- the hardened steel will not wear out no matter how many times you assemble the fastener. aluminum, for example will definitely wear looser each time you disassemble.

In aerospace we specified helicoils in many places (the space suit is loaded with them), but labor cost is a big factor that keeps them out of most products. Of course, I don't have a problem with that. I just was curious if there was another reason I shouldn't be tapping away already

Dave