The CJ3A Page CJ3B.info

Author Topic: Heli Coil vs Fix a Thred  (Read 3447 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline SteveW

  • Willys Guru
  • ****
  • Posts: 457
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Still Plays With Jeeps
    • View Profile
Heli Coil vs Fix a Thred
« on: November 17, 2013, 05:37:08 PM »
I have used both and prefer the Heli Coil system as it is pretty straight forward. The Fix a Thred is top quality but is has some adjustments in the setting tool which are o.k. after you use it first time. The tap on both are very good quality, the Helicoil you need to have your own tap handle to use it, the Fix a Thred had a combo handle that will fit the tap. The inserts on the Helicoil insert tool is straight forward and the inserts have a tighter coil to thread into the tapped hole. The insert is also meant to be broken off with a tool and pried out, the Fix a Thred has an adjustable collar on the shaft that allows you to set the depth of the insert. The coils on the insert are more open and the theory is they turn and compress into the threads that you tapped. I can't argue that it is� a very tight fit. What I found was getting the first thread to catch was a bit tricky, too much pressure and it would skip out and too little and it would just spin. Once you get the feel of it catching and after 1/4 to 1/2 turn then you can put downward pressure on the tool and it will thread nicely. One thing though is I had too much space on the collar and the last thread stayed up and missed following the coil below it. It actually locked up the tool shaft and I like to have never got it out. I finally did with a pair of vise grips and took a flat screwdriver blade and knocked the coil down on top of the insert so no gap. It's only a one time mistake. They do not want you to pry off the insert on the coil but the installation tool is meant to break it off by a downward tap on the handle. I didn't want to do it as the pieces would have been in the water jacket. I am leaving it on as the Fix a Thred is deeper than the Helicoil insert so I will just let the head bolt push it down. I would use both systems and probably give it 55-45 on Helicoil
1950 CJ3A finished. 1950 CJ3A in pieces. 1947 Bantam T3-C trailer, 1946 Cushman Scooter 50 series

Offline johnrb3b

  • SMF Administrator
  • Flatfender Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 906
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • No such thing as too many Jeeps - well maybe
    • View Profile
    • Jeeps and stuff
Re: Heli Coil vs Fix a Thred
« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2013, 01:46:30 PM »
I've only used Heli-Coil and have been quite happy with them.
My favorite way to fix threads in aluminum.
« Last Edit: November 19, 2013, 09:36:11 AM by johnrb3b »
1946 2A - - - 1949 me - older than most of my Jeeps
1954 3B - - - 1957 Wagon - - - 2010 4-door JK
past Jeeps ---> '54 3B - no tub --- '59 3B - no engine
past addiction - VW ---> '69 bus --- '70 camper

Offline SteveW

  • Willys Guru
  • ****
  • Posts: 457
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Still Plays With Jeeps
    • View Profile
Re: Heli Coil vs Fix a Thred
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2013, 05:33:06 PM »
Advance Auto didn't have them and the others are sold/marketed by Alcoa so what the heck I gave them a try. Wasn't going to drive all over for that and the worst NAPA in the world is down near me. It would be interesting to see if someone used the Fix a Thred in aluminum to see what they thought.
1950 CJ3A finished. 1950 CJ3A in pieces. 1947 Bantam T3-C trailer, 1946 Cushman Scooter 50 series

Offline johnrb3b

  • SMF Administrator
  • Flatfender Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 906
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • No such thing as too many Jeeps - well maybe
    • View Profile
    • Jeeps and stuff
Re: Heli Coil vs Fix a Thred
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2013, 09:44:37 AM »
In case any of you are fans of Amazon, they carry an extensive selection of Heli-Coil stuff. But very, very little Fix-A-Thred.
« Last Edit: November 19, 2013, 09:45:28 AM by johnrb3b »
1946 2A - - - 1949 me - older than most of my Jeeps
1954 3B - - - 1957 Wagon - - - 2010 4-door JK
past Jeeps ---> '54 3B - no tub --- '59 3B - no engine
past addiction - VW ---> '69 bus --- '70 camper

Offline Carls_jeep

  • Flatfender Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1746
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • ...
    • View Profile
Re: Heli Coil vs Fix a Thred
« Reply #4 on: November 27, 2013, 11:30:46 AM »
I have used helicoils for years and have several sets of different thread sizes. They have limitations and advantages and you have to be aware of what they can and can't do.

Offline Uncle_Vin

  • Willys Fan
  • **
  • Posts: 55
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Still Plays With Jeeps
    • View Profile
Re: Heli Coil vs Fix a Thred
« Reply #5 on: December 24, 2013, 10:09:41 PM »
Try Timesert (www.timesert.com).  I've used it and it's great.