Keensert® Style Key locking Inserts Guide

If you’re looking for reliable information on Key locking Inserts (also known as Keenserts®), you've come to the right place. Whether you need insights on installation requirements, material specifications, or any other questions you might have about these threaded inserts fastening solutions, our comprehensive guide has you covered. Here, you'll find expert answers to common queries about Keenserts®. Dive into our resource to ensure you're making the most informed decisions when sourcing or buying key locking inserts.

Key locking Inserts - Quick Navigation.

1. What is the difference between a key locking and a self-locking Keensert®?
2. What tools do I need to install a key locking insert?
3. How do I install key locking Inserts?
4. What is a broaching tool and when will I need one?
5. Where do I find the drill size to install a key locking insert?
6. Where do I find the tap size to install a key locking insert?
7. How do I find the correct tool to install my Keensert®?
8. What materials are key locking inserts available off-the-shelf?
9. Do Keenserts key locking inserts come in different lengths?
10. Why are the measurements of the outer diameter's of Keenserts® slightly larger than the standard UNC or UNF thread tolerances?
11. Why are self-locking Keenserts® a darker color than non-self-locking Keenserts®?
12. How do I select the correct Keensert® material for my application?
13. What is the difference between a Keensert® and a Heli-coil®?
14. Which Keenserts® have dry film lube?
15. What are floating Keenserts® used for?
16. Why is there such a long lead time on A286 Keenserts®?
17. What is the difference between Keysert® and Keensert®?

1. What is the difference between a key locking and a self-locking Keensert®?

A key locking threaded insert, also known by its trademarked name Keensert®, is a solid bushing style insert with both internal and external threads. It has wedges or “keys” on one end that lock it into place after installation, preventing loosening due to vibration. All Keenserts® are key locking inserts. Key locking inserts come in self-locking and non-self-locking styles (sometimes referred to as free-running). Self-locking style key locking inserts have a distorted internal thread that creates a mechanical lock, making them some of the strongest inserts available. This mechanical self-locking feature is stronger than adhesive-based chemical thread-lockers.

2. What tools do I need to install a key locking insert?

To properly install a key locking insert, AKA Keensert®, you will need the following tools:

• Drill: to make a hole in the parent material.
• Tap: To tap threads that will accept the external thread of the insert.
• Keensert® Installation Tool & Hammer: to drive the keys into the parent material.

3. How do I install key locking Inserts?

To manually install a key locking insert it requires a 4-step process:

Step 1: Drill a hole and countersink the parent material. Note: The drill size is specific to the Keensert® you are installing. Step 2: Tap threads into the parent material according to the insert’s external thread, pitch and tolerance. Step 3: Manually screw the key locking insert into the tapped hole. Step 4: Place the installation tool on top of the insert. Strike with a hammer to drive down the locking keys creating a mechanical lock.

4. What is a broaching tool and when will I need one?

A broaching tool is an extra installation tool that is used in hard material. Parent materials harder than RC30, such as A286, A4140 or anodized aluminum may require the tapped holes be broached prior to installing the key locking insert. The broaching tool has blades that create slots so the keys can be driven into the parent material.

5. Where do I find the drill size to install a key locking insert?

The drill size for a key locking insert is typically found in the product specifications or installation guide provided by the manufacturer.

Note: The outer diameter of Keenserts® are slightly larger than the standard drill hole to ensure a tight fit and sufficient thread engagement in the base material, compensating for tapped hole variations.

6. Where do I find the tap size to install a key locking insert?

The tap size for a key locking insert is typically found in the product specifications or installation guide provided by the manufacturer. The tap will typically match the size, pitch and tolerance of the inserts’ external diameter and thread.

7. How do I find the correct tool to install my Keensert®?

The correct installation tool is usually specified by the Keensert® manufacturer and can be found in the product's documentation or on the manufacturer's website. Installation tools are specific to the external and internal diameter of each unique insert part number. Note: Some tools work for multiple sizes.

8. What materials are key locking inserts available off-the-shelf?

Key locking inserts are commonly available off the shelf in carbon steel and stainless steel. Additional materials include A4140, A286, and Nitronic 60 which may require a lead time and/or a minimum order. Note: All sizes may not be available in all materials.

9. Do Keenserts key locking inserts come in different lengths?

Yes and no. The length of each key locking insert is preset and is a function of the insert’s internal and external diameter. This ratio is determined by the manufacturer.

10. Why are the measurements of the outer diameter's of Keenserts® slightly larger than the standard UNC or UNF thread tolerances?

The outer diameter of Keenserts® is slightly larger to ensure a tight fit and sufficient thread engagement in the parent material, compensating for tapped hole variations.

11. Why are self-locking Keenserts® a darker color than non-self-locking Keenserts®?

Self-locking Keenserts® are often treated with a dry-film lubricant that makes them easier to install and can result in a darker appearance compared to non-self-locking types.

12. How do I select the correct Keensert® material for my application?

The material choice depends on the application's requirements, such as strength, corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance, parent material and environment. Broadly speaking, stainless steel is more common for harsh environments and carbon steel is used for general applications. We recommend consulting a fastener engineer as a best practice.

13. What is the difference between a Keensert® and a Heli-coil®?

Both “Heli-coil®” or helical wire inserts and “Keensert®” or key locking inserts fall under the “Threaded Insert” category of fasteners. Both helical wire and key locking inserts are used to repair damaged threads or to strengthen/reinforce a weaker parent material.

A key locking insert (Keensert®) is a solid bushing style insert that is threaded on the inside and the outside with keys on the top. A helical wire insert (Heli-coil®) is a spring-like precision form wire coil that provides a permanent thread that’s stronger than the parent material.

The main differences between helical wire inserts and key locking inserts lie in their strength, ease of installation and price.

Here are some directions on how to select the correct threaded insert for your application:

• Keenserts are the best bet in heavy wear, high vibration and high heat situations where saving space is not a concern and the hole depth is limited.
• Helical wire inserts are the way to go when reducing costs and minimizing space are priorities. Helicals are useful for creating permanent strong threads in softer materials, in lower heat and lower torque environments, or to convert threads between inch and metric sizes.

14. Which Keenserts® have dry film lube?

Dry film lube is a lubricant applied to reduce friction, which is available on some Keenserts® for applications requiring reduced torque or where liquid lubricants are impractical.

Note: Self-locking Keenserts® are often treated with a dry-film lubricant that makes them easier to install and can result in a darker appearance compared to non-self-locking types.

15. What are floating Keenserts® used for?

Floating Keenserts® allow for slight misalignment in bolt holes. They're not typically off-the-shelf due to their specialized application, often requiring a custom order with a minimum buy and a lead time.

16. Why is there such a long lead time on A286 Keenserts®?

Compared to more commonly used materials such as carbon steel and stainless steel, A286 has a limited pool of suppliers. Keenserts®, made from A286 superalloy are known for their strength and corrosion resistance at high temperatures, which makes them ideal for many aerospace applications. However, due to their specialized nature, the availability of A286 Keenserts may be limited and may involve longer lead times and minimum buys compared to other more common materials. Plan accordingly.

17. What is the difference between Keysert® and Keensert®?

Keysert® and Keensert® are both brand names for key locking inserts. Keensert® is a registered trademark of Huck Patents, Inc. & Keysert® is a registered trademark of Alcoa Fastening Systems.

We hope you found this resource helpful in addressing your questions about Key locking Inserts. If you have further inquiries or wish to speak with a representative, please send us an RFQ or contact us directly. Remember, "Finding the right screw for you" is our commitment to you!