Are Rampa Threaded Inserts for Wood the Best Yet?

Metal threaded inserts for wood allow you to assemble components to each other such as wood to wood and metal. But all inserts are not created equal. Have we found the best inserts yet? We think so, but you be the judge!

#threadedinserts #woodthreads #woodfasteners

Threaded inserts for wood have grown in popularity over recent years. Like many things that were once reserved for professional use, threaded inserts are now being used in the maker shop and by homeowners to make RTA (ready-to-assemble) or KD (knock-down) furniture, as well as adjustable jigs and fixtures.

These inserts have also become really popular for use with “live edge” slab furniture, where a finished thick slab of natural edge wood is attached to metal legs or supports, or even other wood components.

The inserts are a simple and brilliant invention. They are barrel-shaped, with cutting threads on the outside, and machine screw threading on the inside.

Depending on the size of the insert you are using, a specific diameter drill bit is used to drill a hole. Then the insert is screwed into the hole, and the driver device is extracted, leaving the insert in the wood. Then, a matching machine screw can be screwed into the insert, as the screw is passed through whatever is being affixed together.

While this is a general description of how these devices work, we think that one company (Rampa-Tec) offers a superior insert.

We’ve used and reviewed these types of inserts before - namely the E-Z Lok® brass product. You can see our review and installation guide here:

Since that review, we’ve encountered inserts and machine bolt sets from Rampa Tec®. The product is German-engineered & manufactured, stocked & shipped across North America from a Toronto area warehouse.

The company has been around for a LONG time - it was founded in 1907, and is very well known in Europe for its quality inserts used both in wood and metal products manufacturing.

While Rampa Tec makes a wide variety of products, in this episode we are taking a look at the patented SKD330 style. This particular line has become very popular with companies and individuals making live-edge furniture. It’s a zinc-plated steel insert, available in both metric and imperial sizes.

So, what makes the SKD330 superior to other inserts?

For starters, it has 3 external threads (instead of the usual 1) that eliminate troublesome installation tilting & twisting. This means the inserts are perfectly straight every time.

Next, there is an internal hex shoulder to drive the insert using standard hex drives - either by hand or chucked in a cordless drill. Driving in the insert is sure with no slippage or damage.

Because there are three external threads all working together, the insert works exceptionally well in a variety of wood-based materials - softwood, hardwood, particle board, plywood, or MDF. With this superior holding power, no adhesive is needed to keep the insert in place. However, should the need arise, the insert can be removed readily using the correct hex driver.

Lastly, these inserts have a sealing collar that not only provides a clean stopping point, but the insert will countersink itself beautifully!

For M6 inserts, pre-drill with a 10-10.5 mm or closest imperial (13/32”) drill bit. For M8 inserts- pre-drill with a 12-12.5mm or closest imperial (1/2”). Make the depth of the hole about 2 mm or 3/32” deeper than the length of the insert. Always do a test in the same material to assure that the density of that material doesn’t affect installation.

Rampa Tec® offers pan, mushroom, and flathead bolts in a variety of finishes as well. If you are using imperial sizes, they offer only ¼-20 bolts at this time.

To get more information on where to buy Rampa's SKD330 fastener, visit:

There's more information at:

If you want a great technical info sheet showing specifications of the different inserts, along with drill diameters and such, visit:

Lastly, Rampa has a great animation video showing the SKD330 in action. It’s worth a watch! See it at:

While these inserts are only available in bulk sizes, they are worth having a supply in the shop. While more expensive than single-thread brass inserts, they are superior and a very good value.

For 60 days after the premiere of this episode, Rampa will provide you with a 7% discount when you use the coupon code dirtfarmerjay23! The offer expires on March 7th, 2023.

Let us know what you think!

JUST DO IT YOURSELF!

[bobsacamano]

Far and away THE BEST video on nut inserts, particularly on the Rampa brand, I’ve watched. Well done sir.

[teresagriffin]

Thank you! My table leg never had two inserts. Of course Macy’s assembled never telling us. My husband passed so I moved, table was in storage…I decided to repurpose it to match new floors, etc. I was able to get inserts but didn’t know How to install into the table leg. Thanks to you, I know what to do!

[brianhillis]

Really will simplify constructing stuff. Look forward to using it on the backside of vinyl to keep it free of penetrations.

[andyyenlinlee]

Thanks to this video, now I can modify some of those Ikea foldable table as workbench. Such insert are easy to work with and with simple tools can modify multiple items. Great video!

[JohnnysWorld]

Just curious if there is any pull strength details you can share? I have a 3/4 piece of hardwood as a panel covering the entire floor of the bed of my truck and have been looking for a solution to use an insert to hold a mobile fridge to the panel. The fridge loaded weighs about 50lbs fully loaded and has a 6 bolt plate that could be used to fasten it down. With this vehicle being used for off-roading I wonder if these inserts could stand up to the challenge?

[altpath]

Those are really cool, I've never liked the old type because of the specialized tool needed.

[JeffDM]

Looks exciting. I tried to order some. I figured out the model I want, and found their web site marks it as out of stock. Their web store didn't seem to stock any variation I checked. I sent an email to the address the pages say when it's out of stock and the CSR said it's in stock but the web store doesn't show it. OK so they have it but they can't be bothered to update the web store inventory status.

[ryanjuarez]

How well do these work on softwoods? I’m making a knockdown style montessori bed for my granddaughter. I’m using a softwood because my daughter wants to paint it.

[paxtonc]

Just priced M5 stainless 30mm in length, only available in 250 count package; it was sold out, but the quoted price, and I'm not kidding, is $74, 409.99 or $297.64 per insert. Shipping is extra. That's one fancy insert.

[keningilbert]

Rampa marketing leaves a lot to be desired. You have to have an account just to see the pricing and learn if shipping is included. Not available at standard outlets such as Amazon, Home Depot, Ace, eBay, Rockler, etc. I can only assume they are pricey and shipping is not included and therefore most likely not cost effective, unless perhaps buying in large quantities.

[gerzhoy]

Great video. Rampa makes inserts in varying lengths. I've seen 15mm and 18mm as well as other sizes. For a 6/4 walnut slab, what's the maximum insert length you would recommend?

[HeliRy]

These look great. Just wish they made a non-coated option for those of us that need plain old stainless steel.

[sandywjo]

Great video! I can use these for a wood project, but also have a METAL tabletop I would like to screw legs into. Do they make these that will install into a steel top too?

[Stevechristian-kxiq]

I went to order these inserts with your 7% coupon codes and the message I got back was that the voucer has expired I entered it a number of differant ways.

[dengueberries]

When using threaded inserts, is there a minimum width of the table top I need ? I'm trying to figure out how to best attach wooden legs to a thin-ish pine slab or board that is 18 mm or maybe 27 mm thick, for a low table / coffee table. I absolutely do not want to use apron rail.

[kokia]

is there any threaded insert with left hand thread (inner thread) available?

[arbyars.chicksawdust]

The link says: This page is not available We're sorry, but the Web address you've entered is no longer available.

[slimwantedman]

Good morning from Southeast South Dakota

[jeffa]

I only see metric sized ones on the website.
The website doesn't seem to work very well

[johndavid]

How about a link at the top of the description that takes me directly to someplace i can buy then now?