Industrial Automation Magazine India

Thread repair kits and threaded inserts

Published on : Tuesday 30-11--0001

A range of thread repair kits, tools and threaded inserts is available from WDS Component Parts Ltd., the Leeds-based engineering components company. These kits and inserts are used to repair worn or broken threads on any type of equipment from a machine tool to a vehicle’s engine.

Stripping the thread of a tapped hole is not an uncommon occurrence in most fields of technical activity. This may happen because of excessive loads, misalignment when screwing two parts together or the mismatching of threads. Similarly, worn threads are found on many older machines or on machines that are subject to heavy usage patterns.

Unfortunately a damaged thread can have consequences far beyond its own boundaries. In worse case scenarios, it could mean a complete machine is rendered inoperable, which could in turn halt operations on a production line or bring mobile plant to a standstill, generating significant knock-on costs in terms of lost revenue or project delays. Thus the need to be able to repair threaded hole quickly, simply and effectively is paramount.

The inserts available from WDS are screwed into position to replace threads that have been damaged. To install them the user has to drill out the damaged thread, but this has the knock on effect of enlarging the diameter of the hole. So then the hole has to be retapped with a tapping tool, typically provided as part of a WDS kit. With the damaged threaded hole prepared, the threaded insert can be screwed into place using an inserting tool from the kit. After the repair the hole is reformed to a specified diameter and thread.

Because the range of possible uses is almost infinitely varied, WDS offers different sizes and types of thread repair inserts, wire inserts in which coiled wire is tightly wound to replicate a tapped thread, and heavy duty thread inserts made from carbon steel or 303 stainless steel. Further, standard and thin-walled options are also available.

Recognising the importance of these humble inserts, WDS recently extended the range so that a greater number of repairs requirements can be addressed. The heavy duty inserts now come in a range of sizes from M5 to M12 and can be used to rethread holes from 6.9mm to 20.5mm diameter. The length of the inserts is from 8mm to 16mm. Typically, the inserts weigh a few grams each and are supplied in packs of 10 or in kits that include the necessary tools for drilling out the damaged thread, retapping the whole and fitting the insert.

WDS is a leading manufacturer and supplier of standard parts, machine accessories and workholding components with clients around the world. All of its products are characterised by high quality, superior performance and excellent value for money. Its wide portfolio means it can offer users a great deal of choice so that optimum solutions can be developed. The WDS technical team is always on hand to help with specification and selection. Via the website (www.wdsltd.co.uk), the company offers 24hr ordering and free 2D and 3D CAD model downloads.

WDS are the UK’s leading manufacturer of standard parts for use in machine build components, standard parts, jigs & fixtures, and consumer products. The range of products available from WDS grows daily and so has the methods available to designers and engineers for identifying, specifying and purchasing any of the 20,000+ parts currently held in stock. For example, WDS has made ordering workholding solutions cheaper and quicker by removing small order surcharges. The WDS range covers five main divisions, Standard Parts, Machine Accessories, Spencer Franklin Hydraulic Workholding, Broaching and General & Modular Workholding.

Contact:

Sarah Gray, WDS Component Parts Limited, UK

Tel: +44 (0)113 2909852.

Email: [email protected]