- StoreProjects
- Free Plans and Projects
- Furniture Projects
- Jigs And Fixtures Projects
- Shop Projects
- SketchUp Models
- Shop Storage
- Workbenches
- Free Woodworking Downloads From Lee Valley
TechniquesToolsVideos- Premium Streaming Video Site
- Experts Guide to Gluing & Clamping Wood
- Mastering Built-In Furniture
- Simple Live-Edge Slab Table
- CNC – Designed for Woodworkers
- Milling Your Own Lumber
- Advanced Bandsaw Techniques
- I Can Do That! – Simple Woodworking Projects
- Woodwright’s Shop with Roy Underhill
- Tricks of the Trade
BlogOur content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.Make Your Furniture More Durable With the Best Threaded Inserts
Last updated: 1 Jul 2024If you’ve ever used any sort of tools, then you already know just how important screws and other fasteners are. Likewise, it’s not news to you that you cannot use screws without having something to put them into, but threaded inserts make all the difference. Since threaded inserts are required to convert holes into fasteners, the importance of threaded inserts cannot be overstated.
But how do you find these game-changers? And what should you look for in your quest for new threaded inserts? These can be hard questions to answer, but we’re doing just that in our buying guide below! We also compiled a list of the best threaded inserts of 2024, and at the top, you can read all about our #1 choice, the Sprite Science Threaded Inserts.
- Best Overall: Sprite Science Threaded Inserts Shop Now ➔
- Most Corrosion-Resistant: E-Z LOK Threaded Inserts Shop Now ➔
- Best Non-Slip Design: Anwenk Threaded Inserts Shop Now ➔
- Most Applications: VIGRUE Threaded Inserts Shop Now ➔
- Best Variety: Glarks Threaded Inserts Shop Now ➔
The Best Threaded Inserts
Best Overall
The Sprite Science Threaded Inserts come in a pack of 40 threaded inserts of various diameters and sizes, allowing you to work on different projects. The screw-in nuts can be used on hardwoods, and their threaded design allows them to be readily put into a drilled hole. The inserts are also appropriate for softwood, plastic, cabinetry-based furniture, and other materials.
They can be readily installed with a screwdriver or equivalent equipment. The carbon steel construction with zinc plating increases the durability. The wrench’s distinctive design makes it an ideal option for woodworkers since it permits clean installations. These threaded inserts are the best on our list because of their multipurpose use, durability, and threaded design.
Pros
- Durable zinc-plated carbon-steel material
- Suitable for various projects with differing diameters
- Easy to install with basic tools
Cons
- Requires on-point installation for stability
Most Corrosion-Resistant
The E-Z LOK Threaded Inserts for hardwood are great for situations where the threads are prone to stripping or wearing down. These are ideal for furniture, cabinets, and displays, among other things. Also, they have better gripping power because they use a special knife-based thread on the outside to cut into the wood.
Available in both brass and stainless steel, these threaded inserts are a great way to add a custom finish to your brass or stainless hardware. Stainless steel is the wisest option when working with very hard wood or anywhere corrosion resistance is needed. These threaded inserts work great for usage with hardwoods such as oak, maple, and cherry.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistance stainless steel
- Special knife thread for better grippage
- Available in both brass and steel
Cons
- A bit tricky to install
Best Non-Slip Design
The Anwenk Threaded Inserts come in a box that includes 40 pieces of threaded inserts for furniture screws, which are ideal for assembling wooden items of furniture. These inserts feature an external diameter of 10.5 millimeters and a total length of 15 millimeters, making them perfect for any woodworking task with ease.
They come in high-quality carbon steel, which has a high level of hardness and will survive for a longer period of time. On top of that, screws also have a resistance to wear, meaning they have a long lifespan. They are designed to prevent slipping and give you greater control over the object you are working on.
Pros
- High-quality, long-lasting carbon steel
- Adequate size suitable for various tasks
- Non-slip design for better control
Cons
- Not very effective with hardwood
Most Applications
With the Vigrue Threaded Inserts package, you’ll get a sturdy transparent box with 150 rivet nuts in five different sizes. Rivet nuts feature carbon steel construction, which is rust and corrosion-resistant, making them usable for a long time. The zinc-plated surface helps prevent damage to the surface.
Not only is it safe to use but it also contains anti-oxidizing properties and has load-bearing, high-strength threads. The various insert nuts are a must-have for various applications, including those in the automotive, furniture, decorative, electrical, industrial, gas, medical, beverage, food, and sheet metal industries. This nuts kit is lightweight, making it very portable.
Pros
- Wide range of industry applications
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Greater load-bearing capacity
Cons
- Might cause clutter with so many nuts
Best Variety
Glarks Threaded Inserts feature high-quality zinc alloy, making them tough and long-lasting. This kit comprises 95 pieces in seven different sizes and comes in a portable box to cater to your varied requirements. The tapered exterior threads make it hard to pull out because of vibration. Just drill the right-sized hole and use a hex key to put it in.
These inserts work great with softwoods like pine, fiberboard, and plywood and are far more robust than the original furniture screws of furniture. You may want to use these high-quality threaded inserts to enhance the durability of your furniture.
Pros
- Seven different sizes
- Can replace original inserts
- Super easy to install
Cons
- Made for softwoods only
The Best Threaded Inserts: A Buyer’s Guide
This buying guide explains which threaded insert features to look for and which threaded insert types are available on the market. After going through this buying guide, you will have all the knowledge necessary to purchase the right threaded inserts.
Factors To Consider When Buying Threaded Inserts
Geometry
Different products have different insert geometries, and you should know which one you require to meet your needs. Those with a flat geometry feature a round shape and are suitable on most surfaces.
Those with a sharp geometry are suitable for adhesive materials such as low-carbon and stainless steel. Also, those with chip-breaking shapes are usually for long-chipping materials like low-carbon materials. Different types of geometry are suitable for various materials.
Quality
A threaded insert must be of high quality for optimal performance. You should take care to select a threaded insert set that is constructed from high-quality carbon steel.
Invest in threaded inserts that facilitate rather than complicate the job at hand. Low-quality materials can lead to frequent screw failures. When shopping for threaded inserts, paying attention to their quality is crucial.
Anti-corrosion
Mostly the threaded inserts ought to be rust- and corrosion-resistant. After a few uses, the steel shouldn’t rust or lose its sharpness. Before making this purchase, you should evaluate the insert’s capacity to resist corrosion.
Size
Check the diameter and size of the drilled hole and the threaded insert to ensure they’re compatible. It is also important to take your time while drilling the hole to ensure that it is large enough to accommodate the insert. The inserts will be useless if the sizes are inconsistent.
Ease of use
The insert should be simple to install. While it is easy to use, some can take several hours to install because they are difficult to hold on or slide about on the wood.
This complicates the process overall. Woodworkers with no experience will never be able to install such threaded wood inserts. So, make sure you get an insert that is simple to install.
Different Types of Threaded Inserts
Thick wall inserts
It’s advisable to use these inserts for thick surfaces or materials. The thick-walled inserts are necessary for connecting two thick hardwood surfaces.
They have a threaded interior tube that makes fine adjustments a breeze. To insert them, start on one side and leave the other side open for removal.
Thin wall inserts
Thin wall inserts are typically hexagonal or round, as they are the most common shapes. They possess the same closed-end design as the thick wall inserts.
This design element renders them corrosion-resistant, and there is no risk of water or moisture penetrating them. They produce strong contact with a broad-bearing head, allowing you to achieve the optimum outcomes.
Slotted body inserts
These inserts have body cuts that firmly cling to the hardwood surface. These are the finest options for composites and softwoods. Additionally, many soft materials are usable with the slotted body insert and will perform admirably on them.
Euro-style inserts
They are ideal for fixing wooden furniture because of their round and hexagonal bodies. The majority of those who fix furniture at home utilize these.
The Right Way To Install Threaded Inserts
First, you must drill a hole in the wood and then insert the threaded insert into the hole. Check that the inside diameter of the threaded insert and the hole are the same.
Apply pressure to the threaded insert with a soldering iron. The insert will be drilled into the hole when it heats up. When you check that it fits properly, clip off any extra side material.
Threaded Inserts FAQ
How well do threaded inserts work?
Threaded wood inserts function incredibly well as long as they are properly installed! And in general, most threaded inserts work as intended.
How difficult are threaded inserts for beginner carpenters?
Threaded inserts are so easy to use that even beginner carpenters can use them without confusion! The best part is that threaded inserts don’t require any special skills.
How long do threaded inserts last?
Generally speaking, inserts for use with wood are very sturdy. Unfortunately, this might not be true for all threaded inserts. That said, most threaded inserts last a long time.
Article Contributors
Read More About Popular Woodworking Reviews Team HereThe Popular Woodworking Review Team’s product reviews and comprehensive guides are here to help you select the best gear and tools to efficiently complete top-quality woodworking projects.
Popular Woodworking is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.
Questions about product testing or a specific articles should be sent to aimperiapt@gmail.com