Threaded inserts provide a simple and quick way to place screw threads on almost any piece of wood. You can also use a threaded insert to replace screw holes that have become oversized or worn due to damage or wear and tear. Threaded inserts for wood can be used on almost any type of wood with a minimum thickness of 1/4″.
Carpenters, woodworkers, or DIYers can make use of threaded inserts for wood as they are easy to insert, are sturdy enough, and can withstand wear and forces better than bare wood. Not sure which one you need? There are different types of inserts available, with slight variations. Some kits even include a hex tool that you’ll need to insert the threads. Read on to know more about some of the best threaded inserts for wood available:
Threaded Metal Inserts for Wood
Anwenk Furniture and Woodworking Threaded Wood Inserts
Pros
- Cost-Effective
- Extremely sturdy
- Easy insert
- Perfect for woodwork
- Multiple applications.
Cons
- You’ll need to make sure your measurements are precise, or else they might not fit.
The Anwenk Furniture Screw-in Nut Threaded Wood Inserts are excellent and affordable for your quick-fix furniture requirements. They are made from high-quality carbon steel and are incredibly durable. The head style is hexagonal, and the drive system is made up of an external hex and a standard internal hex socket without a burr. The package contains 40 pieces of inserts and a spanner. They are wear-resistant, with a non-slip design.
These inserts can be used for all furniture combinations and are suitable for hardwood and solid wood. A handy tip is to enlarge the screw hole if you’re using these on wood with high hardness for easier application.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 7.8 ounces |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 5.2 x 4.41 x 0.75 inches |
| Material | Wood, Carbon Steel |
| Head Style | Hex |
| Measurement System | Metric, Imperial |
Swpeet Furniture Screw-in Nut Threaded Wood Inserts Kit
Pros
- Reasonably priced.
- You get different sizes for different requirements.
- Very strong and precise.
- Equally effective as any store-bought insert.
Cons
- The internal threads may be a bit loose.
- There are chances you may receive a damaged product, but it can be easily exchanged.
The Swpeet Furniture Screw-in Nut Threaded Wood Inserts is the perfect insert nut assortment kit for all your wood projects and furniture requirements. The package has 122 pieces; you’ll get threaded inserts, two-bolt fasteners, and connector hex sockets.
The drive system has an external and internal hex. The structure has a standard hex socket head that is smooth and flat and features a flanged thread texture. It is made from Carbon steel and is plated with yellow zinc on the outer surface, making the inserts very strong, highly durable, corrosion-free, and non-oxidizing.
They are very stable and easy to install.
Product Details:
| Drive System | Internal Hex, External Hex |
|---|---|
| Exterior Finish | Yellow Zinc |
| Material | carbon steel |
| Size | 1/4 + 5/16 |
E-Z LOK 400-4 Threaded Insert
Pros
- Well made.
- Multi-purpose
- Easy to remount if alignment is off.
Cons
- It may not be simple to install for beginners, but you can get the hang of it once you’ve checked the used it a few times.
- Can’t be screwed in using a screwdriver.
The E-Z LOK 400-4 Threaded Insert has a range of sizes and styles you can choose from and come in either a pack of 20 or 25, depending on which style you desire.
It’s made from brass and has a Knife thread body style. The inserts have full thread coverage and a plain exterior finish.
They are an ideal choice for oak, cherry, maple, etc. They are a good variant of machine threads for hardwood. They can be used for:
- furniture
- cabinetry
- storm windows
- tap handles
Product Details:
| Exterior Finish | Plain |
|---|---|
| Inside Thread Size | 1/4″-20 |
| Item Weight | 0.160 ounces |
| Length | 0.5 inches |
Sprite Science threaded wood inserts
Pros
- Efficient and easy to use.
- It can be installed without dill as well.
- Pocket friendly and durable
Cons
- May tear up screws if not put incorrectly.
- The package may contain faulty internal threads. Check well before use.
These threaded inserts for wood are made from carbon steel and have an exterior finish of zinc. The fastener type is hexagonal, and the package includes a hex drive. You get an option of five different sizes to choose from, and the package will contain 40 inserts.
The inserts promise excellent holding power and will prevent turning or pulling out in all applications. They’re suited for plywood, soft, and hardwood. The treads can be inserted using a screwdriver or an Allen wrench.
Product Details:
| Item Weight | 6.7 ounces |
|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 5.6 x 3.2 x 0.6 inches |
| Size | 1/4-20 x 15mm |
| Finish | Zinc plated carbon steel |
| Installation Method | Screw-In |
| Measurement System | Inch, Metric |
| Usage | Wood, Furniture |
E-Z LOK 400-4 Threaded Inserts for Wood with installation Kit
Pros
- It comes with an installation kit.
- Great starter kit to work with.
- Very robust and durable.
Cons
- Can damage the top of the insert while inserting into hardwood if not drilled accurately.
- Installation can be tricky and needs to be tested a few times.
The E-Z LOK 400-4 Threaded Inserts are made of brass with UNC (unified national coarse) threads and have a plain exterior finish. The package contains five thread inserts with drill and driver tools included.
This knife thread insert gives an easy solution for adding machine threads to wood.
They can be used with any type of wood except ply and are excellent for furniture and cabinetry projects. They can also be used to install storm windows and marine applications.
Product Details:
| Exterior Finish | Plain |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.12 ounces |
| Material | Brass |
| Measurement System | Inch |
Pem Press-in Threaded Inserts
Pros
- It’s reusable.
- Highly efficient and durable.
- Very easy to install with a press-fit design.
Cons
- It may get damaged if not installed correctly.
- Does not provide a corrosion-resistant coat.
The Pem Press-in Threaded Inserts are made from stainless steel and are fully threaded inserts. They are hexagonally shaped with a round inner thread. These press-fit inserts are extremely strong and durable. They can also be reused. The inserts do not require heat or ultrasonics for installation.
Their hexagonal barbed design ensures high torque-out to embed the screw without damaging the insert, and it’s easy to pull out as well.
Product Details:
| Material | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Measurement System | Inch |
| Thread Coverage | Fully Threaded |
| Thread Size | #10-32 |
Types of Metal Inserts for Wood
Are you trying to decide which inserts to get for your projects and which ones will last the longest? You can take a look at the two types of inserts that work well with wood projects.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to consider what type of wood you’re working with to choose the inserts. This is extremely important because there’s a variety of inserts targeted for use on specific types of materials. All in all, this will help your overall structure be sturdy and durable.
Thread-In Metal Insert
A Thread-in metal insert can be a cylindrical or hexagonal tube-shaped piece of metal with an internal thread or both internal and external threads. They are designed to be placed into existing holes to install fixings such as screws and bolts. They are perfect for softwood and plywood.
The outer threads will anchor the fastener in the wood and give a clean finish. You’ll have to drill a hole about the same size as the insert. If you try these types of inserts on hardwood such as oak or maple, drill a slightly larger hole to avoid splitting the wood.
Thread-in inserts are the strongest type of wood threaded metal inserts.
Press-In Metal Insert
These inserts can be installed by simply pressing the inserts into an appropriate-size hole or a pre-drilled hole. You can either use a hammer, mallet or just press them in with your finger. They can create permanent threads depending on what material you’re using them. They are great for trouble-free quick installations.
The Press-in metal insert is great for both softwoods as well as hardwood. They can even be used on plywood.
FAQ:
Do you need a tool to insert Thread-in Inserts?
You’ll have to make a small guiding hole for the inserts before applying them, so make sure that you’ve checked the proper measurements for the size of the mold or hole. While inserting them, you’ll just need the 6mm hex drive, which is often included with the product.
If you’re opting in for the E-Z Lok inserts, you may need a special tool. They’ve got their installation tool kit available for purchase.
Are E-Z Lok Inserts Easier to Use?
The E-Z Lok inserts are made of high-quality material and are more durable than most inserts available. Still, they require their E-Z lock driver and installation tool to help with the installation process. They are efficient and easy to use with the necessary tools.
Is Using Epoxy a Good Idea?
You can use epoxy or even glue to help keep the structure steady and firm. It will also prevent the inserts from falling out. You should be aware that epoxy is for permanent fixtures and can be used only if you don’t plan on taking out the insert, while heavy-duty glue is a semi-permanent fix. Using epoxy is only recommended with press-in inserts, you don’t need to use epoxy with thread-in inserts as the thread provides more than enough fixture.
You’ll have to test the size of the hole before you apply the epoxy. You’ll need to make sure that the size of the hole is the same size or are the size requirements needed for the insert.
How Strong are Threaded Inserts?
Threaded inserts are very strong and can withstand a lot of force when inserted correctly, but their strength and load-bearing capacity can vary depending on the type of wood. Thread-in inserts are also much stronger than press-in wood inserts.
Final Words & Recommendation
If you want to make your woodworking project as sturdy and durable as possible, or are just restoring old furniture, threaded inserts for wood are a must-have item in your workshop. These little tools may not seem like much but do a lot of good.
The Anwerk Threaded Wood Inserts provide a lot of value for the money and even include the respective installation tool needed. We hope you found this article informative, write us a comment below if you have any tips or suggestions.