Abstract: An apparatus for removing helical thread inserts having a removal notch formed along the female thread surface. The apparatus can selectively extract helical thread inserts by selectively engaging the removal notch and actuating the end of the insert radially inward to prevent the end of the insert from engaging threads of the bore which it is disposed in. The apparatus includes a handle, a head attached to the handle and a manually operable key. The head includes a hole formed in an offset location. A key having an engaging lip on the end is disposed in the hole and acting along a eccentric pattern to selectively engage the removal notch of the insert and allow for easier removal of the insert.

Abstract: A helical thread insert having a removable tang attached to the front end of the insert, a retention device and a removal notch located along the rear portion of the insert. The removable tang is oriented radially inward and includes a “V” shaped notch oriented along the bottom of the thread to detach the tang at a specified point. The retention device is located at the rear end of the thread insert and prevents counterclockwise, removal rotation of the insert by engaging the female threads of the bore which the helical thread insert is disposed. A removal notch is formed along the inner surface of the insert proximal to the retention device to allow a tool to actuate the retention device inward, away from the female threads of the parent material, to allow relatively free counterclockwise rotation, removal, of the thread insert.

Abstract: A prewinder apparatus for selective attachment to an installation tool is provided. The prewinder apparatus includes a support structure selectively attachable to the installation tool, a prewinder attached to the support structure, the prewinder having first and second threaded apertures, and a mandrel having a threaded end and a coupling end. The threaded end is in threaded engagement with the second threaded aperture. The coupling end is in selective operable engagement with the drive tool, whereby the drive tool rotatably drives the mandrel relative to the prewinder for rotatably driving the helical coil insert through the second threaded aperture to prewind the helical coil insert.

Abstract: Described herein is a nitrogn strengthened stainless steel fastener insert and nut assembly which is resistant to galling when used in a fastener assembly. In addition to reduced galling, the fastener insert exhibits good corrosion resistance and a yield strength which is almost twice that of fasteners formed from 304 type stainless steel.

Abstract: A notch-forming extraction tool for helically coiled wire inserts according to the invention includes a mandrel with a second end having a tooth adapted to form and be received by a notch of the insert. A first end opposite the second end is received in a bushing of a handle portion for connecting the mandrel to the handle. Left-hand rotation of the handle contracts the insert about the second end of the mandrel to facilitate removal of the insert.

Abstract: A tool for installing a helical coil insert in a tapped hole formed in a workpiece includes a tubular body having a bore extending along its axis, a mandrel coaxially disposed in the bore of the tubular body, a punch coaxially disposed in a bore of the mandrel, a motor for rotating the mandrel, and an air cylinder for applying an axial force to the punch. The tubular body includes a recess at one end for carrying a helical coil insert in alignment with the bore. An opening in the tubular body allows a user access to the recess. The mandrel is movable from a position retracted from the helical coil insert, to a position engaging the helical coil insert, and to a position installing the helical coil insert a selected depth in the tapped hole of the workpiece. The punch slides axially in the bore of the mandrel to remove the tang from the helical coil insert upon installation of the helical coil insert in the tapped hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides for fastener inserts and methods of manufacturing the same. The fastener inserts include selectively removable tangs which can be broken away more cleanly than with other commercially available fastener inserts. Further, the methods of manufacture offer a significant improvement in the production process.

Abstract: A tool for installing a helical coil insert in a tapped hole formed in a workpiece includes a tubular body having a bore extending along its axis, a mandrel coaxially disposed in the bore of the tubular body, a punch coaxially disposed in a bore of the mandrel, a motor for rotating the mandrel, and an air cylinder for applying an axial force to the punch. The tubular body includes a recess at one end for carrying a helical coil insert in alignment with the bore. An opening in the tubular body allows a user access to the recess. The mandrel is movable from a position retracted from the helical coil insert, to a position engaging the helical coil insert, and to a position installing the helical coil insert a selected depth in the tapped hole of the workpiece. The punch slides axially in the bore of the mandrel to remove the tang from the helical coil insert upon installation of the helical coil insert in the tapped hole.

Abstract: A tool for installing a helical coil insert in a tapped hole formed in a workpiece includes a tubular body having a bore extending along its axis, a mandrel coaxially disposed in the bore of the tubular body, a punch coaxially disposed in a bore of the mandrel, a motor for rotating the mandrel, and an air cylinder for applying an axial force to the punch. The tubular body includes a recess at one end for carrying a helical coil insert in alignment with the bore. An opening in the tubular body allows a user access to the recess. The mandrel is movable from a position retracted from the helical coil insert, to a position engaging the helical coil insert, and to a position installing the helical coil insert a selected depth in the tapped hole of the workpiece. The punch slides axially in the bore of the mandrel to remove the tang from the helical coil insert upon installation of the helical coil insert in the tapped hole.

Abstract: Described herein is a nut assembly including a nut and a fastener insert wherein at least one of the components is formed from a nitrogen strengthened stainless steel which is resistant to galling. In addition to reduced galling, fastener inserts formed from the nitrogen strengthened stainless steel exhibits good corrosion resistance and a yield strength which is almost twice that of fastener inserts formed from 304 type stainless steel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preventing galvanic corrosion in fastener assemblies by coating fastener inserts with a resin bonded fluoropolymer composition having an average viscosity of between about 20 to 30 seconds at 25° C. Also disclosed is a method for providing coated inserts as well as the coated inserts produced.