1. Drilling
Select the appropriate standard drill bit according to the different specifications. The drilling depth should be greater than or equal to the installation depth of the wire thread insert. Avoid drilling a conical hole, and prevent chips from falling in. The countersinking depth after drilling should not exceed 0.4 thread pitch, as excessive countersinking hinders the screwing in of the wire thread insert.
2. Tapping
Use a special tap for wire thread inserts marked with the specified thread specifications. The tapping length must exceed the length of the wire thread insert. For through holes, tap the entire length. The tapping accuracy determines the tolerance zone of the final standard internal thread hole. Users should appropriately select the tapping method and lubrication. Apply appropriate force when tapping blind holes to prevent tap breakage. After tapping, the threaded hole should be cleaned, generally with compressed air. For blind holes, use a long spray gun with radial holes to clean from bottom to top, or use a washing method to clean the threaded hole. For high-precision threaded holes, a special wire thread insert bottom hole plug gauge should be used for inspection.
3. Installation
Under normal circumstances, a manual installer should be used for wire thread insert installation. Place the wire thread insert into the installation tool, allowing the installation shank to engage with the guide groove. Rotate the tool handle to screw the wire thread insert into the threaded hole, leaving 0.25-0.75 turns of unthreaded thread between the insert and the surface. For small-batch installations of wire thread inserts and for coarse-pitch wire thread inserts of M14×2 and above, a simple tool with a "T" shaped slot or threaded head can be used. Care should be taken not to apply excessive axial force to the installation shank to prevent cross-threading. After installation, the accuracy grade of the resulting standard internal thread hole can be checked with a plug gauge of the corresponding grade.
4. Shank Removal
For wire thread inserts with a break-out groove, the installation shank should be removed after screwing into the threaded hole using a shank removal tool. When making through holes, the installation shank of the wire thread insert needs to be broken off. Generally, a breaker can be used to align with the installation shank, and a hammer weighing about 200g can be used to strike it hard to remove it. For coarse-thread wire thread inserts of M18×2.5 and above, and fine-thread wire thread inserts of M14×1.25 and above, the installation shank can be broken off by bending it up and down with needle-nose pliers. Then, the broken-off installation shank can be removed from the threaded hole.