My Tee Nuts don't hold well. :(

[RandyT]

Everything is relative.  Don't be afraid to open up the holes in the joysticks to a full .250".  I've found that the holes are so close to that size, you can just form threads right into it with the machine screw.

Also, the size of the hole you make for the inserts is crucial.  If you don't have the right size bit, get one and make sure you drill a nice clean, straight hole.  Like anything, an idea is only as good as it's execution.  These wouldn't exist if a wood screw was better, but they take some care to install properly.

RandyT

[DrewKaree]

I've not used these, but I've heard they have to be installed straight, and the easiest way to do so is to use a drill press or one of those drill press-like attachments for a hand-held drill.

Are they reverse threaded in order to keep them in the wood?

[Granger]

They are normal threads. The small ones I bought (for #8's), only have 3 threads. started straight, they are short enough that they can turn in the hole if one side catches going through the plys in the plywood, and yes the hole was drilled straight, with the recomended size bit.

[RandyT]

There are a couple of other evils to avoid. 

When installing into a blind hole, be sure that the holes are deep enough.  Even they are even a litlle shallow, they will bottom out and cause any further turning of the insert to act like an auger and break the wood because the threads are so coarse.

The other is just plain overtightening.  If using the flanged variety, once that flange seats against the surface of the wood, stop turning.  Otherwise, you will  get the same bad effect as bottoming out as described above.

RandyT

[nostrebor]

I ddid not recommend threaded inserts because they are difficult to install correctly. They are superior to other inserts when used, and there are some tricks out there to installing them straight.

http://www.woodsmith.com/main/pdf/144-insertjig.pdf

The link shows a simple jig that will allow you to get them straight. I have a short piece of threaded rod that I chuck in my drill press. Then I load the insert onto the rod, and hand turn the chuck to screw it into the wood. The listed jig allows the same trick without the DP.

Dave.

[dphirschler]

Try these t-nuts.

[markrvp]

Try these t-nuts.

[dphirschler]

Not sure.  Probably close to 3/4" looks like.  They are made for speaker cabinet building, so I woulb guess no longer than 3/4".  Hopefully, they are just shy of 3/4" so that I can flush mount them.  I will measure mine when they arrive.


Darryl

[markrvp]

Good deal!

[quarterback]

Try these t-nuts.

[dphirschler]

I got the t-nuts in the mail today.  They are nice quality!  I don't have the old t-nuts in front of me (they are installed in the cpanel) to compare to, but these are definately deeper.  The teeth are 3/16" long and there are six of them.  The shaft is 1/2" deep.  Anyone care to measure the Lowe's T-nuts?  I bet they are 3/8" deep.


Darryl