Threaded Inserts; Simple Jig

[@P51Maniak]

Hi ! This is the most usefull tip i have see allover the internet about wood inserts. No Hollywood show, simple to learn. Thank you so much and sorry for my bad english. All the best for you and take care ! Alain from Switzerland

[@klarson9243]

Hey Fred, Thanks! Visualizing the shape of the jig is one thing; the real engineering comes in the "cut and try" portion. You aced that one!

[@billcunningham361]

I built this Jig and was nothing but impressed. It aided me in installing all of my 5/16" inserts straight and with ease. Thanks Fred

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks for your reply, Bill. I'm always happy to hear someone benefitted from my video.

[@gregnewberry1147]

Hey Fred, 6 years later and your vid is still helping people like me. I am also making a project that requires these nut inserts. Great vid, nice little jig - thankyou.

[@garywilliams3412]

Now that's what a KZbin woodworking video should be like. A helpful hint or idea shared by one guy to another. Not a fast- forwarded video with logos all over it, then making you buy the cut sheet. Great job! Thank you.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

I appreciate your observations, Gary. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ronnieowens2510]

Just finished your insert install jig took about 1/2 hour, works great thanks for the info on the on the build. No more botched insert installations always at a right angle

[@fredfagan7631]

Thanks Fred. I never used these inserts before and screwed a couple up getting started. Made a jig like you designed and now life is good. Enjoying watching your other ideas.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

I'm glad I could help. Thanks for commenting.

[@chris3m98]

Fred, I just found you. I'm a 84 gal. that's just learning the computer. Can no longer work in my work shop but had 40 years of fun along with a friend of mine. Just a hobby for us. Thanks for your in put.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

That's wonderful, Chris! Thanks for sharing. So glad to have you join us. Please give us the benefit of your years of knowledge and experience with your comments on these videos!

[@47marwynne]

Great Video! I have read the other comments and like them. I made one like yours and added a second hole in the center and notched it. Have the best of both worlds. Great Video

[@galenmiller5359]

Thanks Fred. It's just the jig I need (I'm building the same project). Adding the dimensions just made it easier for me to build. And your clear directions and entertaining style made it easy to watch. Great job!

[@Brigsam1970]

Excellent tutorial! I appreciate how you showed how you adapted and overcame obstacles too.

[@sroberts4797]

This video has been a tremendous help. I use these all the time and ruin quite a few every time because I’m not inserting them correctly. Thanks

[@allenhess6583]

Thanks for showing your process as you adjusted the jig to the proper height. Also helpful that you demonstrated several solutions. Great videography and narration. Greetings from Maine.

[@TimTurner115]

Hi Fred . We just got back in to town. The threaded insert jig is Great.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Hi Tim, welcome back! Sorry I'm late with response, didn't see the notice.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I want to thank you for taking the time to share your talent with us. Your video is still helping other thank you.

[@christopherthorn1906]

Great jig. I whipped one of these up this morning using an oak cut-off that I had on hand. The spring is an inspired idea and really helps the initial set of the insert. I need to add some threaded inserts to a Hobie kayak so they have to be straight.

[@apmgold]

Hey Fred, thanks for putting the effort into making a really nice video about a really useful jig. It was a pleasure to watch someone make a jig that didn't take three times as long or cost twice as much to make, as the job it was being used to complete. Hat's off to you sir.

[@timwerner7066]

I'm starting to make coffee tables with hairpin legs and didn't really want to just screw the legs into the wood. So the insert idea just makes sense for a quality project and they aren't that expensive. This jig will help as I need 9 per table. Thanks for the advice and for showing the process and not just the end result. We all can learn from what works and what doesn't.

[@ktkrogstad]

Genius problem solving! Great solution to keep it perpendicular, and the spring was a great idea to help with the pressure, since the wood block won’t allow you to add downward pressure with your hand to get it started. 👍🏻

[@Belg1970]

Really appreciate you showing us the process of designing a jig like this. Very handy jig. I would have clamped it to the board while I was actually installing the inserts.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Clamping is a good idea, assuming you're close enough to the edge. Now that you've said it, I'll start doing it. Thanks!

[@schoon3303]

I’ve been looking for the best way to put these in without using a drill press. Thanks for posting this! Now I’ll need to make a jig like this.....few of them 🤣🤣

[@alymalpica7870]

Thank you, Fred, for sharing the dimensions on your jig.

[@imjoshbytheway]

I'm glad I found your channel! I'm getting into driftwood furniture building and my first project is a table with 4 removable driftwood legs. I will be using 1/4" threaded inserts and 3" bolts for 3 of the legs (they have the corner of the table top chiseled out ~40.5" up and will each get two bolt holes, one on each side of the corner in most cases).

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Sounds like a plan! Come back and post us some pictures when you finish, if you don't mind.

[@supercheekykiwi]

first video I've seen of yours. really good. love how you work your way through things when they don't go perfect.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks, kiwi. If I go down a dead-end road, I figure showing that here may help somebody else skip that step. :)

[@GentlemanH]

I also appreciated you showing the faults along the way and ways to overcome them. Thanks.

[@johndudash2579]

Hi Fred, getting ready to make a bread proofing box, been checking out videos for tips, you and your jig convinced me to become more accurate, so I’m getting jiggy with it, thanks for your help!

[@Crockygator]

I made a double ended version of that. One end is set up to install 1/4” inserts and the other end is set up for 5/16” inserts. Great tool, thanks.

[@davidwilliams1709]

Hi Fred - Great video, I look forward to making one of these jigs. At the age of 60 I have just started woodworking as a hobby, wish I had started sooner. Looking forward to watching your various video's. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks for watching. FYI, we are going to be giving away two of these jigs in our giveaway for our 1000K KZbin Subscriber giveaway celebration. Be on the lookout. The giveaway is almost all set up and ready to go. Probably in another day we will make the announcement.

[@paulvernon1882]

very simple and clean. Good Job there Fred.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks, Paul!

[@parsonroy]

I use one just like you made. Got tired of messing with the loose washer so I epoxied it to the nut above it. Don't have to replace it every time. Thanks for the video. Roy Vestal, Wilmington, NC

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Good idea! I'll do the same.

[@ralphyo6285]

Great simple jig and nice to see how you perfected it through trial and error.......

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks for commenting Ralphy.

[@flyingsawdustjemtz9226]

Hi Fred, I saw a similar jig on the Woodsmith TV program a few years ago, but your jig is far more sophisticated, logical and simple. Thanks!

[@stealsteal124]

Thanks from the UK for posting a great idea for a relatively simple & useful jig. I am going to expand on your original idea by making a 'universal' jig with multi size holes, possibly using centre of jig & both ends. May not be ideal for every scenario, but can still make individual ones where needed

[@gfjmacaogain18]

So good to watch, listen and learn. Simple but effective tips. Thanks Fred

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks for watching, and for your comment, Gerard.

[@RangerM98]

So far as threading ....this applies to driving screws, taps, inserts, tnuts, etcetera is to just use a variable speed drill with a clutch on it and a drill jig to keep it straight...I have a jig that I made that is something similar to what craftsman sells as a 'precision angle jig' that you mount your hand drill in. Then you can just turn the clutch setting way down until you find one that works decent without breaking the tap, use good form (i.e. backing out the tap as the clutch stalls in order to clear the chips....using lubrication if applicable....blowing out the chips, etcetera) and you will (I can say that in my case up to this point when using this method I...) never break a tap, and almost always have gotten dead-straight screws. Thanks for sharing how you do it! It really helps to bounce ideas off each other I think.!

[@jimhester2004]

Great idea for the jig, and thanks for including the dimensions of it. I also like how you showed all your trial and error development of it. Thanks.

[@jorgedante007]

Fred this video was very helpful ,Now I'll reinsert my inserts with this jig thank to you.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Only if they have been un-inserted! I'm glad this was a useful video for you. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@zackevans152]

I liked the jig. Gonna make one. The wax idea makes perfect sense...I use it for similar uses. PLUS... I appreciated the patient, deliberate presentation. Be well.

[@martinlieber]

Great video Fred! It's the first time I'm using inserts and your video will save me lots of time and frustration. Thanks for sharing Fred!

[@GoAndStay]

Simple and elegant and very functional. Will make my own, thanks.

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

Hey Fred you keep amazing me with your simple but very effective ways of making our woodworking easier. Very creative. Thanks for sharing.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks, Lynn!

[@WasimBarri]

Thanks for a great video. I just made a jig with two notches at each end. One for 1/4" inserts and one for 5/16" which are my two most common. I felt I didn't need two nuts just the insert then a washer then one nut and the spring. Worked perfectly every time. I used two nuts locked together to get the insert out but only one is needed to install it. Thanks for the inspiration

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Glad to hear it, John!

[@danthemakerman]

Man Fred you are one clever dude. I really enjoyed watching you prototype this as you went along.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

I just keep shooting at it until I hit it. :) Thanks, Dan.

[@faustocouto1]

Thank you, Fred! Simple and very efficient solution! How much good wood I lost with these threaded inserts!

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Fausto, Thanks for commenting.

[@johnlake6321]

great idea. I use these inserts a lot and that will make it a lot easier. Thanks.

[@HyperionBadger]

Best explanation of how to this on KZbin. Thank you you've got my sub

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

I appreciate that. Thanks!

[@bobthegeeknc]

This jig is awesome. I tried to do my first insert and quickly went to find this video 5at I had seen in the past. Thx Bob

[@3Godfree]

Fred, indeed you are a smart Man. Thank you for proving yet again, a little thinking goes a long way. Appreciate you sharing this.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

I appreciate you commenting on it, Sam. Thanks!

[@TheEnergyball]

Thank you for the ideas and showing your process through experimentation to find something that works. Looks like some folks tried tweaking to satisfaction, but you have given us an excellent starting place.

[@brianmorris8045]

Love that jig...well done...great idea, and even better with your friend's suggestion of the wax.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks, Brian. Yep, the wax makes a big difference.

[@stephanefernique9140]

Excellent vidéo Wonderfull idea , wonderfull and simple tool thanks from France

[@ckperk24]

Worked like a champ! Excellent idea!

[@JavierGarcia-vb4pd]

"Simple" Solutions for tricky tasks. I will make it. Thanks.

[@PepperandPine]

I'm so glad you made this video. This is just what I need, and I didn't even know it existed. I have a drawer knob that keeps popping off because the screw doesn't have any traction anymore as the hole has gotten too big. I used hot glue to keep the screw in place, and of course that didn't work! I'm going to do this instead. Thanks!! -Hana

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks for commenting! I'm happy to know that you found my video useful.

[@josefrancis3714]

Enjoyed watching your creativity in action. Keep it up!

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks, Jose!

[@dannymurphy1779]

Thanks a lot this is the best one I have seen, with the best explanation too.

[@opasworkshop8373]

U proved again Fred that if u wanna do it right ask Fred. Thanx 4 sharing

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

LOL that's a tremendous compliment, Opa. Thanks!

[@travissmith7471]

Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate... Very helpful...

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

You are welcome.

[@CharlesSmithOrg]

I need a jig for saying thank you for all these great tips, Fred.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

I can probably come up with one! Lol.

[@JackANDJude]

This is genius! I don't have a drill press, but I have a project that will require lots of threaded inserts. Thanks for sharing this idea. :)

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Your welcome.

[@chrisdenison6550]

Fantastic gig perfect - new subscriber cheers Chris “The Aussie living in the Netherlands “ 😀🇦🇺

[@JessCretney]

Nice idea! I think I will make one of these for my shop. I love the idea of using threaded inserts when making something that needs to be disassembled. It makes is so much more professional and makes reassembly a snap.

[@vel22vet]

Thanks for the video. I need to use inserts for the first time and I appreciate the info.

[@mymailtube]

Thank Fred. I just made 6mm and 8mm versions of the jig and they work perfectly!

[@duanes54]

Currently my outfeed table for my shop is being replaced. The old table was made of 2x4s and the table saw repeatedly covered everything on the lower shelf with inches of saw dust. The new outfeed table is closed boxes which will have drawers installed. The top of this table is also a major work surface for the shop like 48 x 84.. On the internet, some old gymnasium floor came available. This has been installed for the table. My intent is to install the threaded inserts in precise pattern and use the inserts to hold dogs to clamp projects with long triangular pieces that when drawn together would clamp projects. Just this morning using a scrap piece, installed an insert to see how it would work. Using just a ratchet and socket I found it would be important to maintain a true square approach. The surface of this old gymnasium floor is walnut. Quite a hard wood. The method you show here with the guide, I hope will work to install into the walnut. I will create your installation jig and try it on scrap again. I am hoping it will work and make it unnecessary to use epoxy as others have shown in videos. Thanks for the idea and wish me luck.

[@duanes54]

Copied your jig. Did not use a spring or washer. Also drove inserts with my variable speed impact. Have the first six in. There will be roughly 45 inserts in the table top. Ones I am using take a 1/2 inch hole and 5/16 bolt. Thanks for a great idea, works like a charm.

[@AusMiner]

Simple and effective. I think I'll try making one of these in the not too distant future.

[@Kirk9350]

Hi Fred!! Just found you, and I'm glad I did. Thanks for the tip(s) in this video.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

I'm glad you did, too, Kirk. Welcome and thanks!

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

Very clever, Fred, I enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us !

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jhager03]

that jig i love it lol....thank you, you just made my life sooo much easier

[@johnfisher4910]

Great idea! I'll be using this on my next project.

[@tipsclubs01]

Thanks Fred, I'm learning. Love youtube videos. Great Video.

[@gregghernandez2714]

New subscriber here. Thanks for the dimensions in the video. I have always wanted to try these threaded inserts on various projects, and it seems your jig will really come in handy. Thank you so very much for figuring this out. What a great tool to add to my "arsenal" of wood working tools.

[@safelinefleet6633]

Perfect! You may want to lock down the two nuts against each other, once the correct height for the insert is set. This will ensure repeatability of the depth setting for the insert. Another helpful tip would be to use to use a nut with a built-in washer, will save the hassle of putting it on in multiple insert installs as this.

[@francismullen9417]

I made that cut in the piece of wood on both sides one side for The jig and the spring the other side to drill the holes square 90° of which I got the idea from someone else on how to drill 90° holes from the surface thanks it helped I'm in business

[@stephenshipley5431]

Hi. I'm a new subscriber. I do like videos like this - especially when they don't have background music.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Welcome, Stephen, and thanks for the insight. I'm guilty of using background music about half the time. I try to fill up long spaces with no commentary that way, but I'll keep in mind your preference.

[@rmhutchins7]

I enjoyed your video. It was very helpful. Thank you!

[@saldelacruz2470]

craftsmanship at its finest👍

[@bobcatt2294]

Thank you for your service, very useful adding the dimensions.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Your welcome Bobcatt22.

[@lylekobberstad8571]

Great jig! I like the fact that you kept with it until you got it right. I will definitely be building one of these. Thank you for sharing this great tip.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

My pleasure, Lyle. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@gig777]

Wow, you have a super nice workshop! Great video. I'm gonna make one of those jigs. Thanks much!

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

I do love my shop. I'm happy to know you liked the jig enough to make one!

[@userusers3217]

I enjoyed your ingenuity! Great idea and I have a few jigs that I need to make now!

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

Kudos for using the drill press to drive the inserts

[@vernduvall758]

Thank you for the idea. Well done and I will make one. I have used quite a number of inserts, experienced some problems with the insert ending up non perpendicular with the substrate. You solve that problem for me. Thanks so much. vern

[@vaughnemett4545]

Smart, easy, functional. I'm gonna try it your way.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Not hard to make, either. Definitely worth the time.

[@vexpired7559]

Like your idea of this jig, there are endless possibilities how you can extend on this. If someone hasn't got wax to put on the thread before inserting, semi-dry bar of soap will suffice

[@ShaunMeighan]

THANK YOU!!! I'm working on a photography related project, I've messed up more of these than I care to count! Excellent as usual Fred :)

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thank you for watching and commenting, Shaun.

[@ChrisGlitzosWoodTinkerer]

Hi Fred this video was very helpful on the simple way to install them Thanks.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

I'm glad to know you found it helpful, Chris. Thanks for watching, and for commentiing.

[@martha2bun]

Thanks, this is very helpful. I was afraid of not putting them in straight.

[@nj4x4fever2]

New subscriber, excellent easy jig. Thank you for sharing this technique. I used to spend hours using a large blade screwdriver and would destroy the slots in the top of the inserts.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Welcome, Dennis! I've tried the large-blade screwdriver, too... made a couple of blood blisters on fingers that way in addition to wrecking the slots. I was so delighted when I heard of using a drill press chuck, but of course that wasn't any use to me until I got a drill press. This jig works in place of that. Thanks for subscribing and commenting. Back atcha. I see from your channel that while I'm cooped up in my shop you're exploring the great out doors. Nice!

[@abbasshareghi7180]

You are a good teacher, Thanks.

[@kevinbutler525]

Hi. what's on my mind? nice tip. good idea with the spring. I build electric guitars. use inserts all the time, for darn near every screw that has to be removed & screwed back in several times... like access panels, and pickup adjustment screws. I don't use the ones with the big threads on the outside. I am limited due to lack of material around the insert, or it is inside of a routed cavity close to the edge. SO... I use the press-in type with the little barbs or ridges. (they say they are for plastic I think) But before inserting I coat the wall of the hole and the insert with a little CA glue. works great.... But alignment can be sketchy because you got about 5 seconds to tap it in before it sets up. Your jig gave me an idea for a similar one for my press in inserts. thanks!

[@MrMelharmony1]

hi fred just discoverd your tips and hints. well done i look forward to many more.regards from england .mel stenway

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

We're happy to have you join us, Melvyn. Your thoughts and observations are always welcome, so jump on in here.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

I don't keep it running all the time, Body. I have a remote switch that I use to turn it on when I need it. I hadn't gotten it yet when the video was made. It's actually three remote switches in one. The second turns on/off a light over my table saw, and the other turns off the refrigerator, which makes an annoying hum in the background of a video.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks for the constructive criticism. Others have said the same thing. This was a very early video, one of my first ones. I learned quickly not to do that. :)

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

I appreciate you saying so, Rebecca. Glad you liked it!

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks, John!

[@hthscience208]

Thanks. Excellent solution for putting the threaded insert in at a 90 degree angle on a large piece of a table or leg that cannot fit under a drill press. I'm going to make one, with opening in middle and felt on bottom...may not round edges, though that does look more professional.

[@mcdowell356]

Nice ! Could I suggest gluing some felt on the bottom to prevent possible scratching of the workpiece ?

[@jimyoung7090]

Thanks, I liked watching the design refinement process. The process seems kind of familiar. My drill press will work for the current project, but if I need to make the jig in the future I'll put the cut-out in the middle for better balance.

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Thanks, Jim. I hadn't thought of that, but I have considered using a cross or tee shape so that the crosspiece gives better balance.

[@dmmflys]

Thanks for the info on the jig I now know how I'm going to spend my afternoon

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

My pleasure. I'm always happy to hear somebody found one of my videos informative. Thanks! By the way, we're giving two of these jigs as part of our 1000-subscriber celebration. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGKrd3Sdh6-XZpo

[@specter2205]

Clever! I suggest making the jig with the bolt hole in the center of a block of wood instead of on the end. This would give you more ability to level it, use either hand, clamp, and prevent pivoting.

[@LiloUkulele]

Nice job Sir!...enjoyed seeing the revision process...now, can I do this without a drill press!

[@vrdrew63]

Fantastic jig. Just thinking about some of the places I've had to put threaded inserts, having a jig that doesn't require a trip to the drill press would have been a job-saver (if not strictly-speaking a lifesaver...) If you'll allow me, two possible tweaks to this jig come to mind: One, I'd put a steel tube matched to the OD of the bolt into the hole in the jig to act as a bushing. This would prevent the threads of the bolt eventually creating excess clearance that could lead to the insert losing vertical. The other is this: I noticed that you had to physically hold the jig against the workpiece with your free hand to prevent it lifting up. Surely this could be solved by making a U-shaped notch in the jib, and putting the through hole there. This would stop the jig from wanting to lift up from the workpiece as torque was applied to the bolt head. Thanks again for sharing your fantastic jig, and your great channel!

[@rinofriio97]

I have paid many a compliment.. But ill save the best one for this amazing show...That was fantastic...you're a great tradesman thankyou..

[@dptp9lf]

Hi, Put the slotted end in first and you will find that the slots cut threads and the inserts will go in much easier and straighter. Cheers, Lyle

[@Woodtoolsworkshop]

Great tip. Thanks.