Stripped Thread Repair: How To Install Thread Inserts

While doing the final repairs on my T-5 Transmission I needed to do some thread repair. Because of that, I decided to make this quick video on how to repair threads with thread inserts. I use a Heilicoil in this video, but this information will apply to most thread insert repair kits.

Link to T-5 Repair Updates Video: Video link posted when video available

Camera: Brian Kast

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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[mikehartmann]

For whatever it's worth, back in my machinist days I was taught to take one full turn on the tap, then reverse 1/4 turn, then another full turn and so on until you reach bottom. This is intended to prevent the tap from binding on its own shavings, which can cause the tap to snap off. You shouldn't be in a hurry to tap a hole, and you want to anticipate when the tap will bottom out because if you are too aggressive with the twisting torque as you reach bottom, you risk snapping the tap off in the hole. That makes for a really bad day.

[thundercat]

Incredible video! I couldn't have fixed my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission pan stripped threads without this awesome video. Btw, I have the same size fasteners. The only reason why I decided to fix it myself is because of how chill you were in this video. If you were all stressed out, I would have taken it to a mechanic.

[kelleerassau]

This tip saved my bacon doing a transmission service on my 1979 Dodge Power Wagon. Five stripped transmission bolt holes about made me go crazy. Now all bolts are snug and properly torqued thanks to Heli-Core and your video. Thanks a ton!

[nnarcosis]

Watching this again in 2024 - Damn, Eric; you've saved my ass more than I care to admit. Appreciate you, brother!

[cmecau]

These things are great! Here's a tip. I was helping my son putting one of these in for the waterpump on a 1.5l mitsubishi 4cyl. There wasn't enough room for the insert tool so I cut the end off a stubby screwdriver and cut a notch in the shaft.. That fitted the little tab so I could screw the insert in.

[chrisboyd]

I'm doing a head gasket job on my wife's 2004 Subaru Baja at 200k. I've already found several snapped and rounded fasteners, leading me to curse the un-skilled person who pulled the engine last time.
Installing my newly cleaned and resurfaced heads today, I discovered that out of the ten valve cover bolt holes, five are stripped. (three on one head, two on the other.) This is pretty easy to do, since the torque spec is just 15 ft-lbs. Off to NAPA for a Helicoil kit.
Imagine my joy to find one of my favorite car repair gurus installing the exact same 6x1.00 helicoil kit on YouTube.
Thanks, Eric!

[bryanlaurie]

Just a quick tip for you. Use Keenserts, much better than heli coils, stronger, won't unscrew and easily replaced if they ever do wear out. Been a machinist and tool and die maker for 42 years and never had to replace one yet.

[stuffdoesstuff]

Helicoils offer some flexibility as well. You can trim them for shallow threads, or stack them for more thread engagement.

[malcpaul]

A proper thread repair unlike some of the bodges on You Tube. Well done Eric.

[Mechie]

Eric, it helps to add threadlocker to the outside of these so they don't come out when you remove fasteners later. if you're worried about ever needing to replace the heli-coil later a little heat will aide in their removal or you can use the weaker blue locktite. I've used the stronger red locktite in them in the past with no issues, saves the fear of pulling out an insert, losing it etc. Thanks!

[plumbbomb]

Thanks Eric, , i didn't know these things existed, , well, , untill you need them, ,I'm a woodturner, , i have stripped the thread on the tool rest holder (banjo), thought i would have to drill and tap a new thread but then I'ed have to use a bigger bolt and wrench , ,I don't want to go on that route, , all i need now is to find a garage to help, , don't need to buy the kit for one coil, , stay safe, ,Regards Alf

[easttennstudent]

Thanks for the video. I appreciate the fact that you get straight to the point and keep it simple yet are very informative. Keep them coming!

[travisconover]

Thank you you helped save my dirtbike I was stressed the F out for 2 days and decided to use your video. Worked like a charm 👍👍.

[dri]

Glad to see you back on your T5. I followed the Videos from you and Paul. Completed my T5 rebuild recently, took the Mustang out yesterday for the first time, shifts great! What a difference 93 new parts makes ! Thanks again for the videos.
Don

[LMacNeill]

I used a HeliCoil to fix a stripped hole on the convertible-top frame on my '68 Ford Galaxie 500 -- that was 12 years ago, and it's still holding today. Works great!

[omarrdz]

Dude I been following you for years and your videos are the best on YouTube, very simple straight to the point and good quality man, thanks for sharing your knowledge Eric the amazing car guy and don’t get me wrong I don’t just say this to anybody keep up the good work.Omar from Atlanta Georgia

[TheNamedJr]

You just helped me save my T5. I pulled the threads on the transmount bolt holes, and I'm about to use one to fix them. Wish me luck 😅

[maxwellhouse]

Only 5 years late getting in on this DIY masterpiece. I would think that the open end of the combo wrench might be a better "plan B" for size checking, but the 12 pt box end would be better than a 6 pt.. I requested for Christmas several years ago a set of metric and SAE male/female thread size checkers that went from really small up to about 3/4"/ 19mm and they were on separate small stranded cables so they would fit in a portable tool box nicely, unlike the wall mount thingies the big box/hardware stores have. Pretty sure they came from McMaster/Carr and made in the US. They were like $25 each, but there isn't a week goes by that I don't grab one string or the other to check thread size and or pitch. WORTH EVERY PENNY!

You had a relatively easy drill/tap/ insert there on the workbench. Try drilling out a snapped of 6x1.0 flange bolt on the backside of the driver side cylinder head on a First Gen Tundra with the 4.7L V-8. I was lucky only 1 of the 18 bolts that held the valve covers on snapped off since by the looks of the conditin of the valve cover gaskets, they were the OEM from the factory and this motor has 203k on it. The torque spec for tightening is a whopping 54 inch/pounds. thanks again sir Eric. You have had GURU status with me for several years and keep up the You Tube vibe....you wear it very well!

[leonardgilbreath]

I've rebuilt alot engine's and transmissions and have yet to retread bolt holes but that's about to change I've got a 429 that the timing cover has 3 bad holes and watching this video will help to do it thumbs up 👍.

[TennesseeHomesteadUSA]

3:54 Use thread cutting oil !!! Especially on aluminum ! You cannot tap a "dry" hole ! Been at that game a while longer than you, Eric. Trained as an aircraft mechanic and then BMW -- very precise.