McFeely's Threaded Inserts and Tee-Nuts Technical InformationThreaded Inserts & Tee-Nuts
Both threaded inserts and "tee" nuts allow you to put durable threaded in materials that are either too thin to effectively thread or are too soft to allow repeated assembly and disassembly. Popular in the Ready-To-Assemble furniture (RTA), also known as knock-down furniture (KD), flat pack furniture, or kit furniture,both types of hardware are easy to install and offer significant design flexibility when using materials such as plywood or MDF.
Threaded Inserts
Threaded InsertsThreaded inserts look like short, thick-walled tubes that have screw threads on the inside and outside. They are installed by drilling a pilot hole and screwing the insert in. Some inserts may be installed using flat-bladed screwdrivers (which are prone to slipping), but most require the use of special piloted drivers, which help prevent slippage. Threaded inserts hold best and are easier to use when installed inside or face grain. Because they are actually threaded into the material rather than pressed in like "tee", the load may be applied from either face.
Hex Drive Inserts for Soft Wood
Generically referred to as Type D (flanged) or Type E (flush) insert nuts. Hex Drive inserts provide sturdy machine threads in soft woods. These hex drives are an ideal solution for any application where assembly or disassembly could lead to thread erosion or stripping.
Hex threaded inserts feature broad external threads that provide exceptional holding power in materials like pine, composition board, MDF, and plywood. We offer Hex threaded-with internal thread sizes ranging from #8 to 3/8-16. Die-cast from a durable zinc alloy, Hex threaded-inserts install quickly with an Allen wrench or optional drive tool.
Hex drive threaded inserts are available with internal thread sizes from #8 to 3/8.
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| Type D | Type E |
Features:
- Inexpensive solution for reinforcing threads in soft woods
- Install with Allen wrench or optional drive tool
- Inch threads available
- Flush and flanged designs available
Ideal for:
- Ready-to-Assemble Furniture
- Drawer Pulls
- Display Cases
- Crating
- End grain in woodturning for handles and bottle stoppers
- ...anywhere a threaded fastener is installed in soft wood
Stainless Steel Threaded Insert for Hard Wood
Stainless Steel inserts are designed for use in hard woods, like oak, cherry, and maple. Stainless inserts are ideal for use wherever assembly or disassembly could lead to thread erosion or stripping. Also, Stainless inserts for wood use an external sharp thread to slice into the wood, which provides superior holding power.
For additional corrosion resistance, stainless steel threaded inserts are used with 8-32 to 1/4-20 internal threads.
Features:
- Superior hard wood holding power
- Sizing variety, inch
- 303 Stainless Steel
- Easily installs with a screwdriver, bolt/jam nut, or optional drive tool
Ideal for:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Partitions
- Shipping Containers
- In woodturning for handles and bottle stoppers
Steel Threaded Insert for Hardwood
Steel inserts are designed for use in hard woods, like oak, cherry, and maple. Steel inserts are ideal for use wherever assembly or disassembly could lead to thread erosion or stripping, and extra holding power is necessary. Also, steel inserts for wood use an external “beefy” thread to slice into the wood, which provides superior holding power.
Steel threaded inserts are used with 10-24 to 3/8 internal threads.
Features:
- Superior hard wood holding power
- Sizing variety, inch
- 303 Stainless Steel
- Easily installs with a screwdriver, bolt/jam nut, or optional drive tool
Ideal for:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Partitions
- Shipping Containers
Brass Threaded Inserts for Hard Wood
Brass threaded inserts are designed for use in hard woods, like oak, cherry, and maple. Brass inserts are ideal for use wherever assembly or disassembly could lead to thread erosion or stripping. Also, brass inserts for wood use an external sharp thread to slice into the wood, which provides superior holding power.
Brass inserts are most often machined out of brass when internal thread sizes range from #8 to 3/8.
Features:
- Superior hard wood holding power
- Sizing variety, inch
- Brass
- Easily installs with a screwdriver, bolt/jam nut, or optional drive tool
Ideal for:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Partitions
- Shipping Containers
- In woodturning for handles and bottle stoppers
Shop–Made Threaded Insert DriversNote:Bolt must be the proper size-to thread into the threaded insert | |
 This design will allow threaded inserts to be installed using a power drill. |  Use this design when you need to install the threaded inserts manually with a socket or open-end wrench. |
T-Nuts (Tee-Nuts)
"Tee" nuts also provide internal threads but have a flange with protruding stakes which lock into the wood, holding it in position. "Tee" nuts must be installed such that the flange is pulled against the wood when a load is applied. If installed backwards, the "tee" nut will simply unseat when a load is applied. Installation is simple, just drill the appropriate-size pilot hole and pound the nut into position.
