Beyond the Obstacle

There is always more than one option when it comes to fastening solutions……

Final? 3 reasons ezlok solid wall inserts 1

Needing that extra assurance when screwing or bolting into light alloys to avoid stripping threads has in most cases been addressed by using the ‘HeliCoil insert’ method of tapped hole strentghening. An established option used worldwide in many industries.

It is a product (or perhaps better described as a system) that has certainly stood the ‘test of time’. Generically produced from 304 Stainless Steel wire, (though other materials are available), the ‘Insert’ is coiled into a ‘spring type profile’. This is the primary element of the system, that includes a drill, special Tap, Installation Tool and a Tang ‘break off’ tool all required to prepare and strengthen / protect that all important hole. Not the simplest of options.

In time gone by and for more than 25 years I myself have been fortunate enough to be involved in both the manufacturing and selling of the HeliCoil brand and other European manufacturers of wire thread inserts. So I am not in a position or is my intention to ‘under value’ the importance and influence it has had and will have past, present and future.

However despite my ‘on and off marriage’ with the brand and it’s impact, I have experienced both postive and negative comments all with some justification.

As in every market or industry there are other products to choose from? When it comes to preparing threaded holes in light alloys or repairing stripped threads, a fastener system that often gets overlooked is the E-ZLOK^TM system.

Whilst E-ZLOK^TM does not have the scope of applications and certifications HeliCoil has, for example aerospace, E-ZLOK^TM focues on general OEM engineering and also the important MRO and DIY aftermarket repairs.

Less expensive overall, unlike HeliCoil, the E-ZLOK^TM system requires no special tools. Standard ‘Drill’s and Taps’ can be used to suit the Thread size whether Metric, UNC or UNF.

Rather than friction retaining the insert in place, the E-ZLOK^TM insert has a microencapsuated adhesive on the outer /external wall of the insert. When wound into the prepared ‘tapped’ hole a chemical reaction takes place and thus creates the locking mechanism between ‘Insert and parent’ material.

For those looking for a quicker, less expensive and simple solution to strengthening and repairing that tapped hole, consider the E-ZLOK^TM option.

With a good cross section of internal and external thread options available to choose from, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with what E-ZLOK^TM can offer.