E-Z LOK 400-332 Threaded Insert, Brass, Knife Thread, 10-32 Internal Threads, 0.500" Length (Pack of 25)

E-Z Lok is a well know brand of threaded inserts. These cost less per unit than the store brand ones from local big box store. As for ease of installation, they work well if installed using a method other than the screw driver slot.

I was skeptical at first hearing about what size hole to drill and inserts not going in. One reviewer said to use a 14mm Forstner bit and he was right on. I was drilling into a maple glue up table top so it was the worst of situations for the inserts, super hard wood. The 14 mm bit worked perfectly and the inserts screwed in without flaw. I also bought the drill adapter specifically for the inserts which was worth every bit of 10 bucks, it made for very secure turning in the inserts. Be sure to put your drill on low speed and start very slow, making sure you are as plum straight as you can be with a handheld drill. Low and slow is key for these inserts, don't try to spin them in on high. I only screwed 1 out of 12 up and that's because I started crooked and though i could straighten as i went but no, you should immediately back out and start again. I barely got the insert out because the adapter bit is designed to put them in and not so much to remove them, it tore up the top edge of the insert but did get it out. Again, this was only the case because it put it in crooked to begin with, I was easily able to remove the ones that were put in straight. All in all this product worked perfectly as well as the optional adapter which is a must have. Also worth noting, i bought the M8 bolt size insert, the adapter bit fits down into the 14mm pocket which allows you to turn the insert flush or even below the surface if necessary.

This review is for 1/4-20 brass inserts.First off, I got some really good tips from other reviewers and hats off to them! I will give a more detailed review to help other folks install these as it is tough to install in hardwoods straight. Here is my pictorial review based on a live edge bar project:Photo 1: As with any thread, there is a lead angle which allows the insert to sit at a slight angle when sitting in the hole.Photo 2: Using the E-Z LOK installation tool, I installed the insert but went in at a slight angle equal to the thread lead angle (Not good!). See the remaining photos for alternate installation methods.Photo 3: I cut the head off a 3" 1/4-20 bolt and threaded two nuts on the end and jammed together. In red oak, I first drilled 25/64 holes for the inserts in my drill press. This was the drill size listed with the inserts. I tried a slightly larger drill bit, 13/32", which allowed the insert to go in easier but the insert tended to pull out slightly when tightening down the 1/4" fastener. I would stick with the manufacturer's recommendation on the bag (Using the methods in this review, you will have no issues installing). I then chucked the tool I made in my drill press.Photos 4 and 5: For work you can fit in a vice, it is better to use a drill press if available (If not see photos 6, 7 and 8). While applying a downward force with the drill press handle, turn the upper nut using a 7/16" ratchet wrench. When the bottom nut is flush with the work, un-chuck the inert tool and remove it from the insert using the bottom nut. (Note: use soap or thread wax on the insert threads. It will go in much easier. Also go slow and never turn on the drill press to install !).Photo 6: The live edge bar top was too large to fit on the drill press. The top was from a large cherry branch. I used a drill guide to drill the holes. You can get a drill guide on Amazon for about 30 bucks. I would get one anyhow since you can use it for many other projects. They also have a nice depth stop to keep from drilling through the board.Photos 7 and 8: I installed the inserts in the bar top using the drill guide. I chucked the tool I made for the drill press into the guide chuck. I got a 3/8" chuck with a 1/4" hex shaft on Amazon to chuck to the guide top shaft. Then I used a 1/4 drive 1/4" socket with a 6" extension and T handle to fit onto the top chuck hex shaft. Then installed the insert while applying a downward force on the T handle. The tool can be removed by just turning back the T handle. The inserts went in perfectly straight using the drill press or drill guide! (They go in easy with the drill press but also go in without much difficulty using the drill guide).Photos 9 and 10: This is the finished bar project. The bar legs were made from 1" black pipe and fittings all attached to the top, foot rest and feet using the brass inserts.Installing the inserts with the E-Z LOK installation tool is difficult in hardwood, but I am still giving them a "5" since they are such a quality product. I made all the pieces in my garage then assembled easily in the basement due to the inserts and can be easily disassembled if necessary.The only thing I would change with the insert is to have a slightly longer unthreaded nose to help overcome the thread lead angle.FYI, in order to remove an insert, you have to use the E-Z LOK installation tool. A screw driver will just bugger up the slot (So even with the above installation methods without the tool, I would still purchase one to remove an insert if necessary).Oh, also use a scrap board to practice a couple of installations to get the hang of it.

I purchased these to repair hardwood dining room chairs where the original hex drive flanged inserts were failing and pulling out. After reading many reviews I agree with the negative feedback 100% and can sympathize. Unfortunately, it’s not a simple slam dunk installation and having fundamental understand about how threads stretch and cut into wood helps. Does insert stray and go in crooked? Yes. You need to watch after several turns and see if it’s going in straight enough. I was replacing hex drive inserts that completely lost its holding power and luckily, there’s enough forgiveness when joining with fasteners that being slightly off was ok. Does a screwdriver work? No and as other reviews mention, the brass tabs break because for my project, the torque needed was applied with a socket wrench in the >20ft-lb range and no way will a screwdriver apply that without slipping. Lubricant help? Yes, I used Titebond for a more permanent installation and the glue post cure helps with lubricity when turning. Did I use special tool? No, and I can see some reviews spending a lot for this specialized tool and it breaks. I used a fastener with same internal thread and nut. When driving insert to the desired depth, quite often the fastener will not release from insert because of thread stretch. You have to know how to release and trial and error. Don’t get frustrated and maybe even practice. For my project, the EZ LOK knife insert worked well after a little research before using. Your application may be different with less forgiving requirements so I can see how people give 1 star. Good luck.

I read plenty reviews. These work great if you prepare correctly. If going into hardwood. Do NOT use a drill to install these. Their brass and will get chewed up. Key to install. I tried several ways. I’m very knowledgeable on this stuff and there really is only way way to make a successful install. First hole size. You need 33/64 for the 3/8. Second you MUST get the install tool from company. It’s an additional 15 bucks. But is only way your getting them in. Here is the trick. You MUST rub the threads of insert onto a candle. Wax up the threads. Will go in easy. Other thing is use install tool with a ratchet and small extension. It’s the only way to keep even pressure. And will go in straight. Put one hand on extension and ratchet in. Insert will not keep chewed up this way and your install will look great.

Very good product and delivery. Should have multiple packs instead of just a 25pcs pack

EZ Lok are the Best Hardwood insert available.

Exactly what I needed it for

These are awesome. They do what they claim. I suggest using a drill press and hand screw them into the hole.

Este producto se usó para reparar las patas de una silla. Los insertos originales se dañaron y los reemplazos que llegaron fueron la solución perfecta, inclusive mejores que los originales.