We recommend using a specialised diamond core bit or glass and tile spade bit for these. These bits must be kept wet while drilling. You can also use a fresh and sharp standard masonry bit. Keep area wet while drilling with diamond bits

These come in a variety of forms. The basic ones are mainly used to drill wide holes for screws that sit flush with the surface. Others have an integrated pilot drill so that you can both pre-drill and counter sink.

However, there are many types of drill bits available, and it can be tricky to work out which one you need for your project.

A masonry bit should be used for these materials. In most cases, we recommend using a hammer drill on hammer setting to aid the drilling process. Note that if drilling tiles, hammer setting might crack them. For very dense igneous rocks like granite or basalt, you may need to use specialised drill bits.

SPIROL provides general design guidelines to help select the most appropriate Threaded Insert for your specific plastic assembly. Each application has unique considerations such as the specific plastic type in which the Threaded Insert will be used, torque and tensile requirements, corrosion resistance, temperature requirements, and installation methods.

SPIROL's standard Inserts are manufactured from aluminum or brass (depending on the Insert type) and have a plain finish. Additional materials and finishes can be evaluated upon request.

ThreadedNut Insert

Have a manufacturing issue you can't solve? Our engineering experts love a challenge. Recommending efficient solutions for your application requirements is what we do best. Give us a call or fill out the form below to connect with us!

In addition to a comprehensive line of engineered components used for joining and assembly, SPIROL also offers a full range of Installation Equipment for Threaded Inserts for Plastics specifically designed to facilitate cost-effective and high quality assembly of your products.  Our installation solutions range from manual machines to fully automatic work cells with statistical process control and error-proofing options.  We are the only company of our kind that offers the total integrated solution.

IATF 16949 | ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 | Ford Q1 | AS 9100 | Nadcap AC7108 Chemical Processing | Nadcap AC7116 Nonconventional Machining | Caterpillar MQ11005 SQEP

Threadedinsert size chart

Adam has shared a series of tips for drilling in our Best Advice section. The Bunnings Workshop community team has also shared these useful guides as part of our tools series:

SPIROL’s Inserts are designed to maximize and balance rotational torque and tensile (pull-out) performance. Attention to knurl and thread quality further enhances performance. SPIROL offers a comprehensive line of Threaded Inserts for Plastics to suit the installation method, plastic type and performance requirements of your specific application.

Types of threaded insertsautomotive

Threaded Inserts for Plastics provide reusable threads and preserve the bolted joint integrity for the life of the application. Since an Insert is generally twice the diameter of a screw, the shear surface is increased fourfold, thereby significantly enhancing the load carrying ability of the bolted plastic joint as compared to one without the use of a metal Threaded Insert. Threaded Inserts for Plastics also allow the appropriate installation torque to be applied to the screw without stripping the threads that would otherwise occur if the screw was installed directly into the plastic. In addition, the metal thread of an Insert provides permanent creep resistance for the entire load path of the thread to prevent loosening and maintain a durable tightly threaded connection.

Thermoplastics are rigid and solid at normal temperatures, and at elevated temperatures they soften and melt. Some of the more common thermoplastics are ABS, polyamide (eg. Nylon 6-6), PVC and polycarbonate (PC). Press-In, Self-Tapping, Heat / Ultrasonic and Molded-In Inserts are suitable for plastics in this category.

The two main categories of plastics suitable for Threaded Insert installation are thermosets and thermoplastics. Thermoset plastics, once formed, undergo an irreversible chemical change and cannot be reformed using heat and pressure. These plastics are tough and heat-resistant. Examples of thermosets are Bakelite, epoxies, urea and polyester resins. Heat/ Ultrasonic Inserts are not suitable for thermosets since this type of plastic can not be reformed. Thermoset plastics require the use of Molded-In, Press-In, or Self-Tapping Inserts.

These bits have a sharp position tip and raised cutting spurs on the outside edge of the flutes. They are designed for clean cutting when making furniture, or other similar projects.

This hole is the correct size for your fastener to snuggly pass through. For example, if you are using M12 bolts, you ideally want a hole slightly larger than the M12 (12mm) bolt to avoid having to hammer it through. A 12.5mm or 13mm bit is ideal.

If one of SPIROL's standard Threaded Inserts does not meet your needs, our Application Engineers will work with you to design a custom Insert to meet your unique requirements.

Ideally, the length of the drill bit should be measured against the length of its fluted section, not including the straight shank section at its base. This helps to avoid the risk of your chuck spinning against and damaging the face side of the material.

Types of threaded insertsfor steel

Select from the options below for more specificity about the different types of SPIROL's Threaded Inserts for Plastics or contact us for complimentary technical support!

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If installation equipment is required, SPIROL also offers a standard comprehensive line of Insert Installation Equipment from manual to fully automatic modules, with or without out fixturing, to support your Threaded Insert assembly requirements.

How to installthreaded insertsin wood

SPIROL has Application Engineers throughout the world to assist you in your designs, supported by state-of-the-art manufacturing centers and worldwide stocking facilities to simplify the logistics of delivering your product.

These bits look more like a router bit than a drill bit. They are designed for creating holes with flat bottoms. For example, when fitting dowels in furniture or concealed hinges in cabinetry.

Types of threaded insertsfor wood

Very short bits designed specifically for use when pre-drilling metal for riveting. Their diameters are matched to rivet sizes. Some are also double ended.

There may be times where you have to drill through multiple layers of materials. For example when wall framing, you may have to drill through tile and compressed cement sheets. We recommend using a multi-material or construction bit. These are designed for drilling through a range of tile, masonry, timber and metal materials.

Choosing the right drill bit plays a huge role in making your drilling project is a success. It can help you use your power drill efficiently and safely.

The correct installation settings are critical to Heat/Ultrasonic Insert performance. The tapping process for Self-Tapping Inserts has to be set to avoid hole reaming. Improper installation can have devastating effects on performance.

These are used when a long hole is needed to be drilled through timber. For example, when you may need to run cables, pipes or cyclone rods through framing, floorboards and bearers or joists.

Need help choosing the most appropriate fastening solution for your application? SPIROL's Application Engineers will review your specific requirements, and design the most cost-effective Threaded Insert to meet your technical and commercial needs. Let us help!

This is when you need to drill holes smaller than your fastener. To use our M12 example again, if you were using a large M12 coach-screw, then you would drill a pilot hole of 10mm to 10.5mm.

In situations where you need to drill through your material, the bit should be at least 10mm to 20mm longer than the material thickness. This allows for the bit to cut a clear hole out the other side.

Types of threaded insertsfor metal

Application Engineering Assistance: If you would like assistance in selecting the proper Threaded Insert - including the recommended hole size, tolerance and boss diameter for your plastic assembly and mating component, please Request Technical Support! We are here to help!

These are used mainly to drill perfectly round holes. A cylindrical saw blade fits into a mount with a drill bit in the centre. It positions the saw and guides it through.Hole saw

How to installthreaded insertsin metal

RoHS compliant        TO ORDER: Product Code (Series #) / Thread Size / Length / Material / Finish    EXAMPLE: INS 19/M5 / .250S EK

It is also important to know the hole diameter you require for your project. This determines the type and size of bit you will need.

Designed specifically for use with impact drivers, these are designed to withstand percussive force emitting from the drivers.

The Bunnings Workshop community is here to assist if you need a hand in choosing the right drill bit for your project. Don't hesitate to hit the Start a discussion button and let us know your needs.

SPIROL offers a variety of Threaded Inserts for Plastics to meet your performance and installation requirements including Press-In, Self-Tapping, Heat / Ultrasonic and Molded-In Inserts in standard thread sizes ranging from M2 (2-56) to M8 (5/16-18) – depending on Insert type.

These can easily be drilled with HSS bits. However, it is advisable to run your drill at a lower speed. A fast drill can heat up and melt the material, resulting in swarf melting and sticking onto the material you are trying to drill into.

If you only need to drill about 30mm into a material, then use a bit that has extra fluted length. It is good practice to drill holes a little deeper than needed, especially in masonry. In these situations, drill swarf can fill the hole and reduce its depth.

These are designed for clearing short holes through timber quickly. Available mostly in larger diameters, they are used for running holes through framing for plumbing and electrical cables. Both bits have a sharp positioning and starter tips with the larger cutting section behind. Spade bit

SPIROL offers complimentary Application Engineering support to not only help you select the most appropriate Threaded Insert for your plastic assembly, but to also help you design your assembly to achieve the desired performance for the life of the project. Feel free to contact us at any time to engage our Application Engineering Team!

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These bits have tiered cutting stages. They are designed for cutting accurately sized holes through materials such as thin sheet metal, plastic, aluminium and fibreglass.