The Complete Guide to Heli-Coil® Tangless Inserts

When it comes to precision engineering, ensuring a secure, reliable connection is critical. Stanley Heli-Coil® Tangless® Inserts stand as a prime example of innovation in threaded insert design, offering robust, permanent solutions for threaded fastening while addressing specific challenges like foreign object debris (FOD). As a trusted supplier, HTF is proud to spotlight these inserts and provide a guide for understanding their unique value and applications.

What Are Tangless® Inserts?

Tangless® threaded inserts, expanding from the traditional Heli-Coil® design, are specially engineered to offer the same wear-resistant and durable internal threads without the need for tangs. This design simplifies installation and maintenance, eliminates potential complications, and boosts efficiency across a wide range of industries.

In traditional threaded inserts, tangs (small tabs) are necessary for installation, but they must be broken off and removed after insertion. This introduces the risk of leaving behind debris, a problem that can lead to performance issues, particularly in high-stakes environments like aviation and military applications. Tangless® inserts reduce this concern substantially.

Insert Styles

Stanley Heli-Coil® Tangless® Inserts come in two distinct styles, each designed for specific performance needs:

Free-Running Tangless® Inserts

These inserts are engineered to create smooth, free-running internal threads. They allow fasteners to be easily inserted and removed without adding friction or resistance beyond what is normal for a threaded connection. This makes them ideal for applications where frequent assembly and disassembly are required, ensuring a durable thread each time without compromising on performance.

Screw-Locking Tangless® Inserts

Screw-Locking Tangless® Inserts offer an additional self-locking feature. These inserts provide a self-locking torque on the male member through a series of "chords" embedded on one or more coils of the insert. This feature ensures that once installed, the fastener will resist loosening due to vibration or shock. The Screw-Locking Tangless® Inserts are highly suitable for applications where maintaining a secure hold under dynamic conditions is essential.

Key Advantages of Tangless® Inserts

The innovative Tangless® design brings with it several compelling advantages, particularly when it comes to installation, long-term performance, and overall reliability. Here are some of the standout benefits:

1. No Tangs Means Reduced FOD Risk: One of the most significant advantages of Tangless® inserts is the elimination of tangs. In environments where foreign object debris (FOD) can compromise safety or performance, such as in aerospace and military sectors, Tangless® inserts offer an effective solution. By removing the need to break off and retrieve tangs, they simplify installation and decrease the risk of loose debris.
2. Permanent Anchoring: Tangless® inserts anchor securely in place without the need for staking, locking, swaging, or keying. Once installed, these inserts are firmly locked into the tapped hole, creating a permanent hold that resists loosening due to shock or vibration. This is particularly important in environments where mechanical stresses are constant or significant, such as automotive or industrial machinery.
3. Automatic Adjustability: The Tangless® inserts can adjust automatically to any expansion or contraction of the parent material, ensuring a secure and consistent fit even in conditions where the material undergoes thermal or mechanical changes. This flexibility makes them ideal for use in applications where the components are subject to varying temperatures or stresses.
4. Vibration and Shock Resistance: Particularly in the Screw-Locking variety, Tangless® inserts provide positive self-locking torque that secures threaded members against vibration or shock loosening. This performance meets rigorous industry standards, including compliance with NSAM8846, ensuring reliability even in demanding conditions.
5. Ease of Maintenance: Since Tangless® inserts do not have tangs, they are easier to remove or adjust after installation. This makes maintenance simpler and less time-consuming, reducing downtime in environments where speed and efficiency are paramount.

Applications Across Industries

The versatility of Stanley Heli-Coil® Tangless® Inserts has led to their widespread use across multiple industries. Their performance characteristics make them especially valuable in environments where reliability, safety, and precision are of utmost importance:

• Aviation and Aerospace: In aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, where FOD is a critical concern, Tangless® inserts help ensure that no loose parts are left behind. Their ability to anchor securely and resist vibration is crucial in the high-stress conditions of flight.
• Electronics: In delicate electronic assemblies, the smooth installation of free-running Tangless® inserts ensures that fasteners can be installed and removed without damaging sensitive components. Their compact design makes them suitable for high-density electronic boards.
• Automotive and Industrial: The self-locking torque provided by Screw-Locking Tangless® inserts is highly beneficial in automotive and industrial settings, where vibration and dynamic loads are common. These inserts ensure that threaded connections remain secure over time, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
• Military Applications: In military equipment, where performance under extreme conditions is a non-negotiable requirement, the secure, debris-free installation of Tangless® inserts helps ensure that critical systems remain operational in the field.

Conclusion

Stanley Heli-Coil® Tangless® Inserts represent a significant advancement in fastener technology, offering a solution that addresses critical concerns like FOD, while delivering high-performance characteristics such as vibration resistance, ease of installation, and secure anchoring. Whether you're working in aviation, electronics, automotive, or military sectors, these inserts offer a reliable and efficient solution to your threaded fastening needs.

HTF is committed to providing high-quality fastener solutions tailored to the needs of modern industries. We offer a wide selection of Stanley Heli-Coil® Tangless® Inserts, available in both inch and metric sizes, ensuring compatibility with your specific project requirements. Our knowledgeable team can assist with product selection, technical support, and guidance to ensure you get the right insert for your application.