One little piece of the question that didn't get answered--how good is a
helicoil. The answer can be very good, depending on who makes them. The
best thread inserts are not actually helicoils, but solid
inserts--helicoils introduce a diamond-shaped spacer between the female
and male threads which is not necessarily the strongest solution. I bought
some thread inserts at a swap meet that are solid. You screw them in place
and then drive down three square pins that cut into the base threads and
lock the insert from turning out. The thread insert material is very hard
and strong. I have no idea who makes these, but they work great. I had
some problems with the frame of my radical (bolts pulling out of the mild
steel inserts welded to the tubing) and these inserts eliminated the
problem.
-----Original Message-----
From: BillDentin@aol.com [mailto:BillDentin@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 06, 2002 8:26 AM
To: n196x@mindspring.com; fot@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Lug nuts
In a message dated 04/05/2002 4:27:24 PM Central Standard Time,
n196x@mindspring.com writes:
> But now I'm having seconds thoughts. First off, under the best of
conditions
> there appears to be only about 1/4" of purchase length with the stud and
> secondly, how good is a helicoil.
> Help!
> A little experience in this arena would be greatly appreciated.
>
Richard:
I agree with Brad Eells. Bob Wismer and I torque the lug nuts on our old
American Racing MAG wheels to 55 lbs, and to 65 lbs on our new Panasports.
While I have no experience with a helicoil, I have lost a wheel 'at speed'
more than once, and I share your concern.
Bill Dentinger
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