Helicoil experience?

[JRD]

I have a stripped clamp hole in a gold trinidad.  I'm thinking of using a helicoil to bring the clamp post up the next size to a Penn thread and post.  I will do both sides even tho only one is stripped.  Any experience with holding power, corrosion etc?  Or other suggestions.

[Three se7ens]

They are good for quick and easy thread repairs in blind holes.  If they ever need to be replaced, its difficult to do without damaging the base metal.  

For a stronger, more permanent solution (especially in aluminum), I prefer these.

Mcmaster sells them, but I cant seem to get a generic link for them.  Go to the key locking inserts section  https://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-threaded-inserts/=16nriwz

[Dominick]

I have a stripped clamp hole in a gold trinidad.  I'm thinking of using a helicoil to bring the clamp post up the next size to a Penn thread and post.  I will do both sides even tho only one is stripped.  Any experience with holding power, corrosion etc?  Or other suggestions.

I could give you the answer if I knew what size reel you are talking about.  If it is a 30 or 50 size reel I would re-tap the hole.  In the larger reels there is a lot of pressure on the clamp.  A model, size and photos would help.  Dominick

[JRD]

I have a stripped clamp hole in a gold trinidad.  I'm thinking of using a helicoil to bring the clamp post up the next size to a Penn thread and post.  I will do both sides even tho only one is stripped.  Any experience with holding power, corrosion etc?  Or other suggestions.

I could give you the answer if I knew what size reel you are talking about.  If it is a 30 or 50 size reel I would re-tap the hole.  In the larger reels there is a lot of pressure on the clamp.  A model, size and photos would help.  Dominick

It's a trinidad 14, the prior owner tried some epoxy and tin can fix and this is what I am left with.

[JRD]

They are good for quick and easy thread repairs in blind holes.  If they ever need to be replaced, its difficult to do without damaging the base metal.  

For a stronger, more permanent solution (especially in aluminum), I prefer these.

Mcmaster sells them, but I cant seem to get a generic link for them.  Go to the key locking inserts section  https://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-threaded-inserts/=16nriwz

The key lock Leo seem the most economical also.  I would only worry that the force needed to drive the keys into the frame material may distort the frame.  Any thoughts on that?

[Three se7ens]

They are good for quick and easy thread repairs in blind holes.  If they ever need to be replaced, its difficult to do without damaging the base metal.  

For a stronger, more permanent solution (especially in aluminum), I prefer these.

Mcmaster sells them, but I cant seem to get a generic link for them.  Go to the key locking inserts section  https://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-threaded-inserts/=16nriwz

The key lock Leo seem the most economical also.  I would only worry that the force needed to drive the keys into the frame material may distort the frame.  Any thoughts on that?

It's not very much force at all. A few light taps with a hammer will drive the locking pins into place.

A few years ago I repaired an aluminum mold using these. Previously, it had helicoils that would fail in a couple of months. It hasn't been back yet.

[JRD]

They are good for quick and easy thread repairs in blind holes.  If they ever need to be replaced, its difficult to do without damaging the base metal.  

For a stronger, more permanent solution (especially in aluminum), I prefer these.

Mcmaster sells them, but I cant seem to get a generic link for them.  Go to the key locking inserts section  https://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-threaded-inserts/=16nriwz

Thank you Adam.  I may give it a try.

The key lock Leo seem the most economical also.  I would only worry that the force needed to drive the keys into the frame material may distort the frame.  Any thoughts on that?

It's not very much force at all. A few light taps with a hammer will drive the locking pins into place.

A few years ago I repaired an aluminum mold using these. Previously, it had helicoils that would fail in a couple of months. It hasn't been back yet.

[Dominick]

It's a small reel.  The helicoil solution seems to be the answer.  Not enough pressure to worry about.  Although if it was mine I would tap a new hole.  Dominick

[RowdyW]

With a helicoil installed correctly the threaded hole is stronger then the original threaded hole. Aluminum racing engines have the block surface & main bearing holes with helicoil inserts for strength.                Rudy

[Keta]

When properly installed Helicoils work well, I never liked the ones that had the stakes.