How To Install a HeliCoil

Short instruction video on installing thread repair coils, also known as HeliCoils.
Paypal Donation: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
Support though Patreon: / abom79
Abom79 t-shirts: www.storefrontier.com/store/a...

[@stephenmorrish]

The first time I ever came across Helicoil was at age 16 when the sparkplug stripped out of the head on my 50cc Yamaha FS1E. I got a kit and followed the instructions and got my little bike back on the road. My dad was impressed I had found a solution to the problem and got on a fixed it by myself.

[@Abom79]

Awesome!

[@Zack-lq9tb]

That's self sufficiency that's gold

[@tomahoks]

Great story.

[@s19pajua13]

I just broke a valve cover bolt off in my head and I couldn’t extract it. I hope they sell small ones to save my ass

[@martinkurien8813]

One thing that is cool that not a lot of people know is that you can get distorted thread heicoils to prevent fasteners from backing out. They have a thread or two that is almost square shaped, locking your screw. They are used frequently in parts going into space where a threadlocker won’t work due to off-gasing. I thought that was super cool!

[@notsofresh8563]

I bet they are not cheap.. They make exhaust manifold nuts that are the same way, single use only. Exhaust manifolds are notoriously bad for losing fasteners due to the heat destroying thread lockers and taking the temper out of spring based retention systems, as well as heat cycle dimensional changes stretching studs. These type of distorted thread nuts are one of the better ways to keep stuff in place.

[@donziperk]

Martin Kurien That is very interesting I have never seen those. Does heli coil make them.

[@donovanlucibello379]

Something very cool about watching a real machinist work, I could sit here for hours observing, taking notes, and learning. Subscribed

[@johnnyholland8765]

I have installed literally thousands of those things mostly 8-32 , 10-32 , qnd 4-40 sizes in the servo valve bodies we build at work. We use primarily Heli Coil brand. We installed so many we converted a broke arm tapping station to install them. The tangs are a real pain in the 4-40 inserts to get out. We use tang "poppers" air and magnetic small diameter tools to remove them.

[@dleland71]

In the 'old' days I've used many HeliCoils to repair stripped out spark plug threads on motorcycles, snowmobiles & various other aluminum engine heads. Thanks for the video, as always, you are a great presenter.

[@craiggoldstein2461]

So refreshing to watch and learn from someone who really knows what they are doing.....NICE JOB!

[@kylemichael2175]

I think these how-to videos are going to be a great addition to your channel Adam. Viewers definitely learn a lot watching your videos, but this takes it to the next level. Very good stuff sir.

[@srgilleland]

Love the How To style of videos

[@skylark4901]

If I had a dime for every helicoil I've put in.........But I'm watching Abom to make sure I been doing it correctly all these years, Ha ha

[@decadence18]

Adam, Please do a ( How to: ) Series! I'm being cross trained in machining. indicating and setup how to's would be awesome!!

[@Abom79]

Yes I plan to make them as subjects come up during projects.

[@smallcnclathes]

Years ago working on an aluminium job for a car company, they insisted all tapped holes be helicoiled. Since then I always use them for any threads in aluminium. Makes more sense than just waiting for them to strip out.

[@dzank9354]

Man ill never stop loving your videos. You know what makes you happy, creating quality, feel good content just doing whatever honest work means to you. Love that, and I think that if everyone in this world was able to find something that truly makes them happy and content day to day like machining and sharing your craft with the world does for you the world would be an even greater place. keep on truckin my man

[@jrichker]

This is for those of you who have used Heli-coils and then had problems breaking off the tang once you had finished inserting the Heli -coil. Using a punch to break the tang often results in dislocating the last few turns of the Heli-coil. That makes the Heil-coil useless; leaving the tang in place results in the same problem. If the bolt bottoms out on the tang and you continue to turn it, then it pushes the last few turns of the Heli-coil out of place. For all practical purposes, this makes the Heli-coil useless. So, dealing with the tang is a must do thing and not an option. The OEM tang breakoff tools are a ridiculously expensive solution to the dilemma. I spent less than $2 to replace a tool that cost much more and works perfectly every time that I have used it. For those of us who don't have a money tree in their backyard, I have a solution. Go to Harbor Freight and buy a cheap Phillips (or flat blade) screwdriver whose shaft OD is a nice slip fit in the Heli-coil you will be using. For 5/16” Heil-coils, that’s about 1/4” diameter. Take the screwdriver and cut the screwdriver tip off of it using a cutoff grinder with a thin wheel abrasive disk. Use the same disk and center it up as best you can on the now bare screwdriver shaft. Then cut a slot in the screwdriver shaft about 5/16” to 3/8” deep. Now that you have your finished tool, simply stick it in the driven Heli-coil and gently turn it until it seats on the tang. Now it is muscle time: turn the homemade extraction tool counterclockwise. The tang will break off and fall to the bottom of the hole. Now the bolt will screw all the way into the Heli-coil and not bottom out in it or push the last turn or two of the Heli-coil out of place. If the Heli-coil was installed in an open-ended hole in some place that has moving machinery, you need to retrieve the broken tang. Since the Heli-coil is non-magnetic stainless steel, that may be problematic. Unfortunately, I don’t have an easy solution for that problem… ☹

[@WWIIAddict]

Start to finish with no step left out. Great quality video bud. Thank you

[@thegoodearth7]

Thanks Adam! Just got home from work and the first thing I did was fire up the computer to your channel. May God richly bless your new venture.

[@RyanDoesAll]

Im glad that you have time to make these short informative videos now Adam. You will have a much bigger chance of expanding your amount of viewers. When they come over to your shop to learn how to install a heli-coil and not only learn how to but see whats going on in the background they might just check out some machining videos that they would not normally watch. I think it will be great for the growth of the channel. Well done. Ryan

[@AudioAtmos]

I can’t believe I’m 57 and have done a good bit of DIY repair and only now becoming aware of these little lifesavers. This could have made life so much easier many times. I have a 2006 Honda Goldwing which seems to love to strip threads on the hundreds of body connection points. The “Dodge” setup would be a life saver for the many metal screw into plastic threads. Thanks for the demo!

[@acvn-hg9gy]

I mean, i know how to use a thread repair kit. But this looked so clean on the thumpnail, i just HAD to watch. Straight up arousing.

[@barne3668]

wow. might be THE best Heli Coil DIY I've ever seen

[@Ratlins9]

Thanks for making this video, excellent camera shots and step by step narration.

[@sbfguy7793]

Thanks man!!! Please make more videos on what you've learned over the years! It's helping me as well as hundreds of others! Keep it up!

[@girliedog]

Abom I love this excellent how-to video, thank you. I like your no-nonsense straight forward method of instruction.

[@morcheebix]

Machinist of 5 years never got opportunity to use one. Thx for the demo.

[@Phoeff99]

These are a great series of how-to’s. Easy to search and find and while I love the longer format videos where these tasks are in context these shorter ones are super helpful for specific tasks/skills/tips. Great idea Adam. Keep ‘em comin’!

[@JM-yx1lm]

That whole process is neat and clean.

[@dimphomoatshe7745]

Thank you for the video, im in south Africa we use matric ISO units but the way you explain makes it easy to understand.. I enjoy your videos they are very informative.

[@TheNefastor]

Always a pleasure to see you work, sir.

[@555_Kochi_STi]

That K&T really did leave a beautiful finish on that.

[@chieft3357]

Instructional videos with audio are always helpful. Thanks :-)

[@theflannelfisherman8329]

I learned all about these disassembling a lycoming engine in A&P school that's been stripped and put back together probably over 100 times...

[@BigStew007]

Thanks Adam for another concise demonstration.

[@jerrysmith9780]

Amazing video, great tips, clear, concise, no BS. Thank you!

[@mrmudslide5676]

Love you man. Congratulations on your big-time subs - you deserve it. Been watching for quite awhile. Big ball kudos for breaking out on your own. Thanks for the great content.

[@paulmartin5787]

Nicely done, nice to watch someone with machining skills.

[@djack2058]

They should do a recall on all vehicles and insert heli coils into the threads that are prone to give. Helicoils are one of the best inventions ever

[@sethbracken]

This how-to series is going to be great. Thanks for sharing.

[@tmacie2]

Thanks Adam. I think these vids are going to be a great addition to the channel.

[@bones357]

I knew of these but never did see one installed. Thanks Abom!👍🏼👊🏼

[@ModernClassics81]

Thanks for the video mate, after watching it I’m happy to attempt installing a helicoil on a damaged thread on my carburettor.

[@kejay74]

Hi Adam, One thing that I picked up on with Heli-Coil kits in aluminum...For maximum longevity of the inserts, install with Loctite 262 and then grease the bolts and inside the hole with black Moly grease (to keep the Loctite from grabbing the first bolt in). It also helps to not have totally blind holes, in effect giving a 'vent' so the bolts do not generate compression of air on install, or, vacuum on removal. Great videos! Kudos to you for making the leap of faith! Best regards & Luck. Ken

[@mrkdiagnostics2486]

Great tutorial, this will be a very helpful series. Thanks!

[@kevindavis6042]

Really like the instructional side of this video Thank you Adam

[@jgrenwod]

Great, straight forward explanation of the process.

[@hakosuka2]

Never knew you had to knock the tang off! Thanks for the video, always learning.

[@aidankilleen5889]

awesome tutorial, I knew pretty quick you're an experienced machinist. I've never installed one of these before (was always the next guy's job) and I wanted to make sure I did it right. Repairing a 28 year old motorcycle carburetor is interesting to say the least. "I'll just unscrew this and check the o-rings..." *M4x0.7 screw snaps halfway down, nightmare begins* "Damn, guess I'll use a screw extractor then..." *screw extractor snaps because 28 year old loctite is not moving* "WOW, ok, how about a bigger screw extractor for the broken screw extractor?" *second screw extractor snaps because it was cheap* Lots of swearing and laughter later, I ended up drilling that whole mess out with carbide tools, one of which also snapped. LOL

[@johnapel2856]

Oh yes. Thank you to the inventor of the Helicoil! And thanks for the video.

[@jackbrown697]

Had a general idea and you put the detail to it that I needed. Thanks

[@gregpageschannel8175]

Extremely helpful. A very complete explanation. Thanks for the great video!

[@anobody5708]

Finally a video I can learn something from. Thank you!

[@hamiltoncomputers]

Love the short video! More please!

[@jiffaturbo]

Great demo. Very clear. Thank you!

[@maxmaz2]

Awesome how-to Adam! Keep up the great work!

[@borealmetalworx]

Love the educational snippets!!

[@RaysGarage]

Great demo Adam, Thanks for sharing!

[@samannazariha]

Truly appreciate your great instruction.

[@mikeaninger7388]

Great tutorial. Have to do this on my intake manifold. Only thing I helied before was a shifter knob!

[@2lefThumbs]

Boom, great short tip video 👍

[@BillAsh1]

Very detailed. Excellent video!

[@notsofresh8563]

I like to 'stake' my helicoils. I install them 1/2-3/4 turn below flush and then I pop a center punch mark into the side of the hole, closing up the top thread, preventing the helicoil from backing out.

[@tylerakerfeldt7220]

Notso Fresh I was curious what’s preventing the coil from just backing out

[@martinkurien8813]

Notso Fresh Helicoils are designed to not back out because they expand against the walls of the thread. I’ve never had one back out (working in aerospace) unless the constituent material fails, like a plastic

[@notsofresh8563]

Belt and suspenders.. Aerospace ≠ Farming.... In aerospace you work cleanly to exact tolerances only use the correct tools. In farming you wipe it on yer pants to clean it, tolerance is "Looks like its good" and the correct tool for anything is either a hammer, a crescent wrench or fencing pliers. You coil a hole and spin in a dirty bolt in the field in the dark, and then when you take it back out, the grit locks the bolt to the coil and the coil comes out. A little center punch pop stops this.

[@notsofresh8563]

Tyler akerfeldt: The coil is slightly too large for the hole and is a spring so when you wind it in, the spring pressure outward created friction locking it into the hole. It will stay in as long as the friction between the bolt and the coil is lower than the friction between the coil and hole. In most situations this is fine. However if someone in the future inserts a dirty bolt, or uses locktite on the bolt, the friction may get too high and the insert comes out instead. Technically this is mis-use but it happens all the time.

[@tsimmons4730]

That works too, was going to say was taught to use a little bit of green thread locker on them to prevent that.

[@jacobjake5627]

I'm just starting auto diesel college! This helped me so much!

[@michaelpukmel4776]

Thanks! You make it look easy. Beautiful work.

[@LewisRenovation]

Nice new short format. Thanks

[@METT-TC]

What a fantastic instructional video. Thank you

[@dlwilliams76]

Thanks Adam, for the lesson!

[@TheArsonsmith4242]

I remember my dad going over this with me back in highschool 25+ years ago when I stripped a bolt out changing brakes on my car. Seems like he knew how to fix anything.

[@MattysWorkshop]

Thank you mate, great how to do video, helicoils are a great fix in a lot of applications, thanks again. Cheers Matty

[@rdbanks2823]

Used these a lot when setting CNC fixtures - saves the shop guys from pulling thread on the Ali when loading new parts. Useful on Ali sumps too!

[@tonybotha3917]

That punch on the end of the tap was a great tip, kudos for that.

[@lumpygasinavacuum8449]

Thank you for the training Abomb

[@motonol_409]

Ngl, i have been designing mechanical parts digitally on a computer, with helicoil inserts in them for past 4 years, but never knew how it is installed 😂, thanks for the detailed explanation 🙏🏼

[@sheep3854]

That spring loaded drill insert is sick, I need me one of those

[@weathervanerc8147]

I liked the spring loaded center punch to hold the tap straight. Cool video.

[@jafo766]

Another tap with a sharp point will do...

[@Iowarail]

First came aluminum aircraft engines then came the Helicoil.

[@1bengrubb]

Just stripped the exhaust bolt out of my airplane head

[@gsardokla]

Thank you. I've never seen this done and was never taught, although I've needed to do this once or twice.

[@lawnfascist4890]

I never knew that about the taps being slightly over-sized. And I used these for years, I just never paid attention. Thanks for the info!

[@kevinzucco8358]

Great how to video! Keep posting this kind of content. I use either Heli-coil or E-Z LOK inserts depending on the application.

[@wayneo7307]

Nice Job Adam ! A Very Well done Job and Explanation . Thank You , I have Used Tap and Dies Before , But I Hadn't Used A Helicoil Set Yet . You Never Know When You Might Need This . Mismatched Metals is A Great Time to Use This.

[@9366478813]

Thanks abom79 for the step by step great info to have

[@mase002]

Using a spring-loaded center punch in the drill press is a genius idea!

[@gregraith7621]

Excellent demo! Thank you

[@DavePB420]

Great video Adam, really appreciated! I have a few of these to do soon as I have bought a nice set of Presto coils, but no experience.

[@dannyl2598]

Thanks Adam. This is something I have heard of but until now knew very little about. Good idea using them for aluminium.

[@Rubbernecker]

Love the idea of these little segments! Lets me watch some of your stuff a second time. 🤪

[@yasirshah8468]

Good to-the-point video; thank you and you have a new subscriber

[@gsmith4679]

Great video explanation. Well done Sir.

[@deanl2427]

Excellent video, thank you. I have used these many times. However, always for thread repair/replacement. Also, I never knew about breaking off the bottom tab.

[@herotaco]

Love the how-to formats Adam! I think the first video I saw of yours was on how to read Vernier calipers, my mind was blown :)

[@dynadude56]

I made that company quite a bit of dough during my years as a Harley tech. Seems like bikers are more heavy handed with their wrenches than other folks, and there is so much aluminum on the trans and motors. Even had my share of repairing Helicoils that were installed incorrectly by the owners of the bikes, other dealerships and backyard mechanics. When people first start using them they have a tendency to stretch the insert and jump threads. Correct pressure is a MUST!

[@Good-Enuff-Garage]

i am impressed that is superb work and demonstration

[@danmcleod7365]

That was very informative, love this channel

[@icsunonova]

this vid helped me out Adam...it was long ago i installed a helicoil

[@oldhick9047]

Very well done step by step

[@robbievangeenenNL]

Perfect tutorial!

[@willieobermann1528]

Thanks for another great teaching video. I appreciate your channel. Glenn suggested we subscribe to your channel. I’m glad I did.

[@ActiveAtom]

Nice to see HeliCoil is so great the invention and used well in aluminum my experience.

[@gregsmith8617]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@AJRobinson]

OMG that's how to get perfect taps.....thanks so much

[@MrNutable]

What a great video, thanks!

[@georgecurtis6463]

Gave up on helicoils in the 70s. Have always used timeserts. Yes i was a mechanic and shop owner for 35 years. Otherwise, good tutorial.

[@tkskagen]

Nicely explained video!👍