Abstract: A tubular metal insert is disclosed having a threaded exterior and an incompletely threaded interior, that is threaded into a tapped hole in a base material by an insert driver tool. Discrete locking plugs are positioned in the threaded exterior of the insert outwardly from the incompletely threaded interior. Rotation of the insert driver completes the threads on the interior portion of the insert which creates a force that urges the discrete locking plugs outwardly into engagement with the walls of the hole to securely lock the insert in the tapped hole.