Heli-Coil 554612 M12 X 1.75 Metric Kit

Found one of the six supplied inserts had been installed and removed prior to my receipt of item, hence the stretching of the insert. Found non-magnetic metal particles on tap right out of package. See photos.

works great

Heli-coil brand is a reliable product.

Worked quite well for repairing a used Delta drill press. Previous owner has glued one of the handles into the (discontinued) pinion assembly. The handle just barely screwed into what was left of the threads and wobbled badly. After using the recommended drill bit, the HeliCoil kit threaded the existing pinion very well. The HeliCoil insert went in easily, and the handle screws in nicely. I did not break off the end of the coil, which helped provide a stop for the handle. Unless you knew the drill press was repaired, you would never know. It's like new again. I looked at other thread repair systems but this was a fraction of the cost.

Really pleased with the outcome of this kit. I stripped a bolt hole on a Brembo brake caliper and this kit worked great to repair it. Was able to drill the hole straight with the suggested Vermont American 31/64 drill bit in a hand drill with the caliper in a vise. Cleaned the hole and sprayed Remington Gun Oil I had on hand as a lubricant for the tap. I ran the tap down using a 12 point 11mm socket, quarter turn at a time then reverse it slightly, slow but threads cut perfect. Then cleaned it out again with brake cleaner to get the oil out the threads so the Loctite has a clean surface to adhere to. I coated the newly cut threads with Loctite, Then using a 12pt 10mm socket over the Helicoil insert tool I threaded the coil down until flush with the top and broke off the bottom tab. I let that setup for 24 hours then installed my brake caliper with the original bolt no problem, about 80lb/ft of torque and the insert didn't budge and is holding strong.

I used this kit on my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee to fix a stripped out bolt. This kit does require the purchase of a drill bit that is usually listed in the "items purchased together" tab, as it does not come included with one. I followed instructions I read on an online forum and this kit worked great! It ended up being much easier than I had anticipated. I do recommend using some thread locker on the insert to make sure it doesn't move. I didn't have any issues with it, just sort of a preventative measure. Overall this kit worked great!

Kit is complete, but note that the inserts are not very long. You can order longer inserts online if truly needed for things like head bolts vs spark plugs. I compromised on 4 stars, since in the end I did not need to use this particular kit and rating reflects my use of the products in the somewhat distant past. I work on some older cars and unfortunately many mechanics do not seem to use torque wrenches.

Pro: Worked great! Permanent solution for about $50 in parts. I estimated that it would cost approx $ 500 to have an auto repair shop replace the oil pan (or $80-200 for a replacement oil pan and a lot of time if I did it myself).Con: No instructions in Heli-coil package, I had to search the web to find a Heli-coil catalog and then look for this model to determine that you need a 31/64" metal drill bit, Permatex 'red' thread-locker (not needed but better insurance to avoid leakage potential). The Heli-coil thread insert tool did not fit in the 1/2" tap tool (probably should have bought an adjustable tap socket (e.g. Irwin Adjustable Tap Socket 2 Piece Kit (3095001)to use with a ratchet).Be aware: You get the 12MM x 1.75 tap, thread insert tool and only 6 inserts in the cardboard blister pack, not the 12 inserts (or additional box of inserts)shown in the Amazon supplied picture.Repair steps (if it helps other 2002 Mazda Tribute owners in a similar predicament):** have an auto repair shop do the work if you are not sure ***2002 Mazda TributeParts/tools: Heli-Coil 554612 M12 X 1.75 Metric Kit - Amazon - $41, (31/64 drill bit, Cutting oil spray can from Harbor Freight $16), Permatex red thread ($6), Vermont American hand tool (Amazon $7)F107S - Qwik-valve 12mm - 1.75 ($26)------------------------------------------------------------2002 Mazda TributeSymptom: Stripped Oil pan socket (aluminum pan, steel bolt). the bolt screws in and just spins, never tighteningPossible Cause: I suspect that the service station cross threaded/stripped oil pan threads using an air tool / web searches say that with age this can happen as well.Repair steps (High Level): * Roll truck on ramps (or jack up and use stands) and block rear tire * Unscrew stripped bolt and drain oil into pan * Manually drill out remaining threads using a 31/64" metal bit (Drill bit bought at harbor freight) * tape drill depth using existing oil pan bolt to know when to stop * Due to the position of a stabilizing bar blocking my ability to drill straight, I ended up using a vice grip to slowly, manually drill out damaged aluminum threads in the oil pan (the new drill bit easily cut out the remaining old threads). * Using 12MM x 1.75 tap, apply tape (Electrical, masking, duct) to same depth as drill bit tape mark * I used a Vermont American 21917 T-Handle Tap Wrench 1/4 through 1/2 Inch Tap tool (the handle slid back and forth, allowing me to make complete turns * Use cutting oil (spray can) - I bought CRC cutting oil from Harbor Freight * When tapping the drilled hole, back it out every quarter turn to free and remove shavings * This creates an 'interim' Heli-coil thread that you will screw in the replacement thread insert from the Heli-coil package * Thread Heli-coil insert onto insertion tool until the end of the insert engages the tip of the tool. I ended up putting the insert tool into the Vermont American tap tool without the 'shroud" which allowed me to screw in the insert by hand almost all of the way and then I taped the jaws and used a vise grip for the final 3 to 4 revolutions. * Shake tube and then apply Permatex 'red' threadlock onto threads * Align and gently start to screw tool/insert clockwise into newly tapped oil pan 'interim' threads * Continue to thread tool/insert until the end of the insert screws in just below the oil pan face * Unscrew insert tool and let the red set up (20 minutes, the package says that it takes 24 hrs to fully cure) * Carefully insert small long nose pliers into threaded hole and bend the tab back and forth until it breaks off at the notch * Clean area with rag and you are done, or......... * Carefully screw on Qwik-Valve F107S - Valve (12mm - 1.75) and tighten with 7/16" open ended wrench (or crescent wrench)