Brass Inserts

Types of BRASS INSERTS

• Brass Threaded Inserts: The most common general category.

• Brass Press-Fit Inserts: Inserts designed to be pressed into a hole.

• Brass Knurled Inserts: Feature a knurled outer diameter for better grip in the host material.

• Brass Bushings: Often used when the insert provides a bearing surface rather than a thread, but sometimes used interchangeably.

• Brass Inserts for Wood: Specifically describes their primary application material.

• Brass Inserts for Plastic: Specifically describes their primary application material.

• Embedded Nuts / Captive Nuts: Refers to their function of providing a permanent, internal thread.

Technical & Engineering Terms

These are terms used in design, engineering, and manufacturing specifications.

• Helical Inserts / Wire Inserts (e.g., Heli-Coil®): A specific type of insert made of wound wire, often stainless steel, used to repair stripped threads or provide stronger threads in soft materials. Brass versions exist.

• Key-Locking Inserts: A high-strength, vibration-resistant insert that locks into place with keys.

• Brass Ultrasonic Inserts: Inserts designed to be installed using ultrasonic energy, which melts the surrounding plastic for a secure fit.

• Thermal Inserts / Heat-Set Inserts: Inserts installed by applying heat to the insert, which then melts into the surrounding plastic.

• Self-Tapping Inserts: Have a thread on the outside that cuts its own thread into the host material during installation.

• Expansion Inserts: Inserts that expand during or after installation to grip the side of the hole tightly.

• Brass Blind Hole Inserts: Inserts designed for use in a hole that doesn’t go all the way through the material.

• Brass Through-Hole Inserts: Inserts designed for use in a hole that passes completely through the material.

• Internal Thread: The primary feature the insert provides.

• External Thread: The thread on the outside of the insert that grips the host material.

• Knurl Pattern: The specific pattern on the OD (e.g., diamond knurl, straight knurl) for anti-rotation.

• Drive Style: The method of installation (e.g., hex drive, slotted drive, phillips drive).

Related Hardware & Components

These are parts that are used with, instead of, or are similar to brass inserts.

• T-Nuts (Tee Nuts): A pronged nut that presses into wood, often used as an alternative.

• Rivet Nuts / Nutserts: Blind threaded inserts installed with a rivet-like tool, typically made of steel or aluminum.

• Threaded Rod / All-Thread: A rod that is fully threaded, which can be cut and used as a custom insert.

• Standoffs: Spacers with threaded ends, often made of brass.

• Screws / Machine Screws / Bolts: The fasteners that are driven into the brass insert.

• Washers: Often used in conjunction with the screw and insert.

Installation Methods & Tools

Terms related to how brass inserts are put in place.

• Soldering / Brazing: A method of permanently fixing a brass insert into a metal part.

• Press Fit: Installation using force to push the insert into a slightly undersized hole.

• Heat Installation: Using a soldering iron or specialized heated tip to install inserts into plastic.

• Ultrasonic Welding: Using high-frequency sound waves to install inserts into plastic.

• Insertion Tool / Installation Tool: A specific tool, often a heated tip, designed to drive the insert.

• Alignment Jig / Fixture: A tool to hold the part and ensure the insert is installed straight.

Applications & Industries

Terms related to where and why brass inserts are used.

• Woodworking / Furniture Manufacturing: For creating strong, wear-resistant threads in wood.

• Plastic Injection Molding: Often molded-in-place or installed post-molding.

• 3D Printing: A very common use case for adding strong threads to printed parts (PLA, ABS, etc.).

• Fixtures & Jigs: For durable, reusable threaded points.

• Electrical Connectors: Brass is conductive and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for certain electrical fittings.

• Corrosion Resistance: A key reason for choosing brass, especially in marine or moist environments.

• Non-Sparking: Brass is non-sparking, a critical safety feature in flammable environments (compared to steel).

Material & Properties

• Brass Alloy: Common types include C360 (Free-Machining Brass), C377, etc.

• Zinc Alloy / Zamak: A common, cheaper alternative material for inserts.

• Stainless Steel: A stronger, often more corrosion-resistant alternative.

• Aluminum: A lighter-weight alternative.

• Nylon / Plastic Inserts: Used for electrical insulation or in less demanding applications.

In short, “brass inserts” are most commonly threaded sleeves pressed or installed into a softer material (like wood, plastic, or a soft metal) to create a durable, wear-resistant, and reusable threaded hole. The related terms above branch out from this core concept into their types, uses, and installation methods.