Abstract: A wire thread insert (1) for forming a helical thread, comprising a wire (7) wound into a closed coil having an outer surface (9) and an inner surface (11), wherein the wire (7) has a first portion (13) defining the inner surface of the thread insert when coiled, said first portion having a cross-section at least substantially in the form of a standard thread, the wire having an opposing second portion (15) defining the outer surface of the thread insert and having a cross-section in the form of a tapered flange with at least one concave face (23).