Creating strong threads can be a challenge. If the material is thin or otherwise weak, it may not support tapping. As you attempt to cut the threads, the surrounding material may break or deform. Fortunately, there are other solutions available, such as half-hex threaded inserts.
What Are Half-Hex Threaded Inserts?
Half-hex threaded inserts are threaded fasteners with a partially hexagonal shank. Half of the shank is hexagonal, whereas the other half is round. A section of interior threading runs through both halves, creating a receptacle for a fastener with exterior threading.
You use half-hex threaded inserts with a bolt or machine screw. Pressing and turning one of these fasteners into a half-hex threaded insert will allow the threads to engage. The threads of the bolt or machine screw will follow the threads of the half-hex threaded insert.
Advantages of half-hex threaded inserts include the following:
- Supports blind installations
- Bolts and machine screws can be easily removed from them
- High level of torque resistance
- Very strong clamping force
- Available in a wide range of sizes and materials
The Basics of Installation
Installing a half-hex threaded insert requires a properly sized mounting hole. Half-hex threaded inserts feature a unique profile consisting of a half-round and half-hexagonal shank. Therefore, the mounting hole in which they are installed must match this profile.
After creating a properly sized mounting hole, you can place the half-hex threaded insert inside, followed by using a special insert tool. The insert installation tool will apply pressure to the protruding flange, causing part of the insert to collapse behind the material. This process creates an expanded section behind the workpiece, thereby securing the half-hex threaded insert in place.
Why They Have a Half-Hexagonal Shank
You might be wondering why half-hex threaded inserts have a half-hexagonal shank instead of a traditional fully round shank. For starters, it makes them more resistant to spinning.
Threaded inserts with a fully round shank are susceptible to spinning. As you attempt to connect a bolt or machine screw, they may spin. The threads won’t engage. Rather, the round insert will simply spin in place. A half-hexagonal shank offers a solution. The hexagonal section of the shank matches the sides of the installation hole to create a strong and secure hold that resists rotational forces.
In Conclusion
Threaded inserts are available in different styles. While some feature an entirely round shank, others feature a half-hexagonal and half-round shank. Known as half-hex threaded inserts, they offer many advantages over their counterparts.