Helical Inserts

Helical inserts are the ideal option for creating high-strength threads in soft alloys like aluminum in CNC machined or CNC turned parts.

Helical Insert

Tang vs Tangless Helical Inserts

Helical inserts are either tang-less or contain a tang, which is a small piece of metal that's used to apply the torque required to insert the helical insert.

ProtoSpace Mfg stocks a variety of tanged helical inserts. Tangless options can be ordered for additional leadtime and cost.

Free Running vs Self-Locking Helical Inserts

Free running helical inserts have a thread that is smooth and free running.

Locking helical inserts have the same characteristics as free running, but also allow frequent removal and reassembly of screws without appreciable loss of torque and positively secure threaded members against vibration or shock loosening.

Stocked Heat-Set Inserts

We stock both short and long heat-set inserts. If you require another type or thread size insert, contact us to discuss your options with our non-stock request system.

Stocked Helical Inserts

Thread SizeInsert LengthFree Running or Self LockingPart NumberMaterial
2-56
0.129
Free Running
1185-02CN129
304 Stainless Steel
2-56
0.172
Free Running
1185-02CN172
304 Stainless Steel
2-56
0.215
Free Running
1185-02CN215
304 Stainless Steel
2-56
0.129
Self Locking
3585-02CN129
304 Stainless Steel
2-56
0.215
Self Locking
3585-02CN215
304 Stainless Steel
4-40
0.168
Free Running
1185-04CN168
304 Stainless Steel
4-40
0.28
Free Running
1185-04CN280
304 Stainless Steel
4-40
0.168
Self Locking
3585-04CN168
304 Stainless Steel
4-40
0.28
Self Locking
3585-04CN280
304 Stainless Steel
6-32
0.207
Free Running
1185-06CN207
304 Stainless Steel
6-32
0.345
Free Running
1185-06CN345
304 Stainless Steel
6-32
0.207
Self Locking
3585-06CN207
304 Stainless Steel
6-32
0.345
Self Locking
3585-06CN345
304 Stainless Steel
8-32
0.246
Free Running
1185-2CN246
304 Stainless Steel
8-32
0.41
Free Running
1185-2CN410
304 Stainless Steel
8-32
0.246
Self Locking
3585-2CN246
304 Stainless Steel
8-32
0.41
Self Locking
3585-2CN410
304 Stainless Steel
Thread SizeInsert LengthFree Running or Self LockingPart NumberMaterial
M2.5x0.45
3.8
Free Running
1084-2.5CN038
304 Stainless Steel
M2.5x0.45
6.3
Free Running
1084-2.5CN063
304 Stainless Steel
M2.5x0.45
3.8
Self Locking
4184-2.5CN038
304 Stainless Steel
M2.5x0.45
6.3
Self Locking
4184-2.5CN063
304 Stainless Steel
M3x0.5
4.5
Free Running
1084-3CN045
304 Stainless Steel
M3x0.5
6
Free Running
1084-3CN060
304 Stainless Steel
M3x0.5
4.5
Self Locking
4184-3CN045
304 Stainless Steel
M3x0.5
6
Self Locking
4184-3CN060
304 Stainless Steel
M4x0.7
6
Free Running
1084-4CN060
304 Stainless Steel
M4x0.7
10
Free Running
1084-4CN100
304 Stainless Steel
M4x0.7
6
Self Locking
4184-4CN060
304 Stainless Steel
M5x0.8
7.5
Free Running
1084-5CN075
304 Stainless Steel
M5x0.8
7.5
Self Locking
4184-5CN075
304 Stainless Steel
M6x1.0
9
Free Running
1084-6CN090
304 Stainless Steel
M6x1.0
9
Self Locking
4184-6CN090
304 Stainless Steel