Has Anybody Ever Used THREADED INSERTS in MDF or Particle Board

[Punisher]

I would like to know if anybody has any comments on threaded inserts for MDF and Particle board?  I know that there is a bunch of different ones out there but I just want to know if anybody has had good luck with them.  Also does anybody know if the flanged ones will be flush mounted or do I need to put a counter bore in?

Here are a couple of links to what I'm talking about
Flanged
http://www.ezlok.com/TechnicalInfo/pdf/hexDriveFlanged,pdf.pdf
Flush
http://www.ezlok.com/TechnicalInfo/pdf/hexDriveFlush.pdf

Any info would help Thanks

[Franco B]

Ultimarc sells M5 and M6 threaded insert kits for  $7/£4.55/€6.16 per set of four.

No more coach-bolt heads spoiling your panel!
These kits contain inserts which are designed for use in 5/8 or 3/4 inch wood.  A hole is drilled in the panel but not all the way through, and then the inserts are wound in using a hex key.
Available in 2 sizes, 6mm suitable for Mag-Stik and 5mm suitable for all other joysticks.
You will need a 1/4 in hex key (6mm) for the large size inserts or a 3/16 in key (5mm) for the small size.

[Linky]

[StarControl]

The nice thing about inserts is that they are easy to experiment with.  The flanged inserts I used did not sit quite flush, so they would have had to have been counterbored slightly if flush was a requirement.  It's also very important not to drill the hole oversized or they will rip right out.  I ended up going slightly undersized compared to the recommendation.  I was also able to find sacks of 50 inserts for a good price on eBay.  They do work much better on the face of the wood than in edges.  I have seen splitting in the MDF edges where I've installed them, and that was with the holes drilled oversize.

In short, they are excellent for mounting joysticks and trackballs.  For me, the jury is still out on whether or not they are a good idea for screwing your cabinet together.

[Todd H]

I have some that I ordered from GGG.

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70&products_id=317

I haven't installed them yet though. As soon as I do I'll post some impressions.

[mccoy178]

I used them on my jukebox and it was mdf.  Worked like a dream!

[Punisher]

I just got done using some of these to mount some angle iron inside of my cabinet and they worked great.  Thanks for the help

[evitagen]

I'm going to use these in mounting my joystick in the next week or so.

One thing, though... You don't need to buy those from online.  They seem to be pretty overpriced with shipping included, imo.

I purchased mine from my local Ace Hardware store, but Home Depot will have them as well.

Just make sure to get it smaller then the thickness of your board(obviously).

I think I paid like 29 cents each for mine.