TIME-SERT ® FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

TIME-SERT® is a thin wall, solid bushing, self locking insert with positive placement.

TIME-SERT® inserts are a thin wall solid bushing insert. This guarantees easy installation and allows for full load use of tapped hole, ensuring protection against stress and vibration.
TIME-SERT® inserts are "timed" internal to external which gives a very thin wall thickness which means TIME-SERTs can be installed in areas of limited space and clearance.
TIME-SERT® being a solid bushing insert gives it added strength, easily withstands high temperatures without damage or deforming. TIME-SERT® inserts have no prongs or tangs to break off or deal with down in the hole, which can be a problem in deep holes.

TIME-SERT® inserts are self-locking having an actual locking feature which will prevent them from coming out when a bolt is removed. On installation the bottom few internal threads of the insert are cold rolled to expand into the mating external threads of the base material locking the insert in place.

TIME-SERT® inserts have a flange, which will give them a positive placement on installation for “accurate specific depths”. This ensures that the insert does not wind down into the threaded hole.
Thin wall, self locking , solid bushing insert with positive placement .

Customers have asked if they may also use Loctite® adhesives for additional strength. Yes you may due to the solid wall design. There is no danger of loctite passing thru the threads of the insert and locking up the bolt as in coil types. Time-Sert inserts are used in Aluminum, cast iron, steels and even some hard plastics. MADE IN THE USA
Click here for close up tooling video

The tool kits listed are the "Internal size". Metric Example: If your bolt is M6x1.0 and your stripped thread is M6x1.0 you will need a M6x1.0 thread repair kit. Inch Example: If your bolt is 3/8-16 and your stripped thread is 3/8-16 you will need a 3/8-16 thread repair kit.

Check the correct size and pitch for your bolt. We have a Printable bolt chart click here.
Printable bolt charts must be printed with scaling set to NONE.

TIME-SERT inserts are made from 12L14 carbon steel and 303 stainless steel.

Click links for material specifications in PDF format.

12L14 Carbon Steel (click here)

303 Stainless Steel (click here)

2024 T351 Aluminum (click here)

MPa to PSI calculators

Stainless steel is recommended for the medical or food industry, and water applications or where there may be exposer to the elements as in disk brakes.

Yes TIME-SERTs can be installed in blind holes.
A basic dimension we give is .250 inches or 6mm deeper hole, than the insert itself.
This is the relief angle length of the tap we have to account for to get a full thread.
This can vary as small taps will have shorter relief angle length than larger taps.
Again this is the length from the tip of the tap to the first "full" thread.

The extra depth also gives us enough room for the install driver to slightly pass thru the bottom of the insert to expand the last few threads, locking it in place.
Example.  The blind hole depth for a 5/16-18x.450 should be a minimum of .700 inches or 17.8mm deep.
Insert length .450 + relief angle of tap .250 =.700 inches or 17.8mm Hole Depth.

Another thing to keep in mind when repairing a blind hole application is that you "do not" want to bottom out the driver tool on installation. There is a simple method to safeguard against bottoming the tool out, by placing a visual mark the driver tool.
BEFORE installing the insert, place the driver tool into the hole and mark the tool at the point it can't enter any further. Use a ink marker or even use a small strip of electrical tape around the driver. This way we know exactly how deep the hole is and there is no danger of bottoming the tool out.

TIME-SERTs can be removed with a spiral point screw extractor, or drilled out with the drill that came in the repair kit.
Not recommended to use ez-out or screw extractor on BIG-SERT because of the locking pin at the bottom of BIG-SERT it will create a cam lock effect. Drill out BIG-SERT's.

Link: Screw Extractors

Yes, if the threads in the base material are not damaged a new TIME-SERT can be re-inserted into that hole. This is a common practice on CNC pallet changers. When an insert starts to show wear over time, the insert can be removed with a screw extractor then replaced with a new one.

The standard TIME-SERT carbon steel inserts " Black in color" are plated with Zinc Phosphate. Sparkplug washer seat inserts are plated with a copper flash good for heat and anti-seize properties. Sparkplug taper seat are silver plated.

1) Was the insert actually installed correctly using Time-Sert tools and square to the hole? This would have a huge effect on the outcome of the torque specification. Along with what type of material being inserted, plastics will not have the same torque values as aluminum's, steels, or cast irons. Another thing to keep in mind is the length of the insert. Inserts must match the length of the bolt threading into the hole. Too short of an insert length could result in thread failure.

TIME-SERT will state that if the thread repair is done correctly and with the proper length of insert used for the application e.g. the insert is the same length of the original thread engagement, the result should be a hole that should match the original torque specification of the hole. 

Customers have found in their own testing data that TIME-SERT’s have exceeded their expectations. Many of our larger customers will test TIME-SERT’s before placing them in critical applications and find excellent results.

Yes Spark plug repair can be done without removing the head by placing a heavy grease on the step tap flutes to catch the chips. TIP: mechanics have mentioned that using a shop vac with a plastic tube taped to the nozzle end works well for removing any stray chips left over.

Yes we have many special lengths of inserts available not listed in our catalog. Please inquire with our order department to see if we have the length you are looking for.

Yes custom lengths can be ordered but a minimum of a 1000 insert quantity will be required. The estimated time of delivery is 4-6 weeks.

What type of spark plug do you have? Washer seat or Taper seat. Washer seat sparkplug's  will have a washer to seal the spark plug against the head. Taper seat spark plugs will have a taper to seal against the head.

Measure from either the spark plug (Washer) or (taper) to the last thread. (Not to the end of the electrode). This will give you the correct length on insert. TIME-SERT inserts cannot be shortened for length. Please refer to our catalog or web site for length of inserts.

The diameter of the spark plug will be the size. The threads or pitch will be a standard for the diameter. Example if the diameter is M14 the standard pitch will be 1.25 or M14x1.25.
If you can provide the spark plug number or make, model, year, liter of vehicle we can give you a part number for the kit and insert required. Use form at the right.
link to: Sparkplug page

This sparkplug has a straight section between the taper seat and threads. sparkplug picture

Ford spark plug Repair kit p/n 5553 to repair blown out sparkplug's.Ford Triton Sparkplug repair kit includes all the tools and 5 inserts.

No, you cannot repair a helicoil with a TIME-SERT because the are too close in size. We can offer a larger diameter insert called BIG-SERT Link: BIG-SERT
NOTE: We do not recommend BIG-SERT for oil pan repair because you would be locking and releasing on the insert please go up in size in Time-Sert for oil pan. Example M12x1.5 all we could offer would be the Time-Sert M14x1.5 drain plug repair kit.

Normally if the hole is just stripped out and has never been repaired TIME-SERT will repair that hole. You can also check the drill size from the online TIME-SERT catalog or go to engineering data page, the drill size should be slightly larger than the stripped out hole.

Link: INCH ENGINEERING DATA PAGE

Link: METRIC ENGINEERING DATA PAGE

 If the hole is bigger refer to our Big-Sert line for oversized holes . BIG-SERT information page

No! you cannot cut off the bottom or top of the inserts for these reasons. The top has a flange which give the insert a place to sit for positive placement. The bottom of the insert is the locking portion.
Read more about shorter hole depth options here.

Yes, TIME-SERT inserts use S.T.I taps which are considered special.
S.T.I stands for "Screw Thread Insert" an example would be a TIME-SERT M8x1.25 repair kit would require a M8x1.25 S.T.I tap, this is "larger" than a standard M8x1.25.

S.T.I TAPS are a mathematical formula from a nominal size thread.
S.T.I Basic P.D. = Nominal Thread O.D (Basic Major Dia.) - Basic P.D. + Basic Major Dia.
Example for a "1/2-20" S.T.I tap:
S.T.I "1/2-20" O.D =.500 Dia. - P.D .4675 + O.D .500 = .5325 S.T.I Basic P.D
Metric Taps are generally (4H limit) Inch sizes use class 3B.
Taps are made from M2 high speed tool steel.
Example of Stock S.T.I gage sizes available at Balax
Balax is now gwstool group. https://www.gwstoolgroup.com/

The Original NorthStar 4.0/4.6 TIME-SERT kit p/n J-42385-500 only has one line on the tooling because it is specifically made for the early Cadillac NorthStar 4.0/4.6 engine block only had one depth of head bolt. This engine block was developed first.

In the year 2000 the North Star block had a change where the lower bank head bolts
were dropped to a deeper depth. Kit p/n J-42385-2000

The NorthStar BIG-SERT kit will repair the 4.0/4.6 along with the NorthStar 2000 block which have a deeper depth on the lower bank of the block. Since the BIG-SERT repair came several years later we decided to consolidate the two. The BIG-SERT kit p/n J-42385-500BS is for blocks that have already been repaired! This is a second oversized repair.

Question: What if i have a NorthStar J-42385-500 kit and want to fix a NorthStar 2000?
Is it possible to do a 2000 repair with my J-42385-500 kit ?
Answer: Yes, this can be done by remarking the tools for the deeper depth on the lower bank of the 2000.
Core Drill: The Core Drill has a positive stop collar, remove the silicone in the set screw and back up the collar starting from the larger cutting diameter (not the tip of drill) back toward the square, this should measure 3.100 inches.
Tap: Mark a line from the cutting edge of tap back toward the square 4.550 inches.
Driver: Mark a line from the front of driver back toward the square 3.550 inches.
Picture of new marking of tools: J-42385-500 to J-42385-2000
Note: Additional bolt length would be required for deep holes on the lower bank of the 2000 blocks. Attachment bolts p/n J-42385-604 quantity 2 would be required to attach the fixture plate to the engine block. The correct kit for the NorthStar 2000 is our p/n J-42385-2000.

Instructions for J-42385-2000

First check that the thread pitch is matching the external thread.

Click for larger view

What is happening is the plating is slightly heaver on some inserts that is why it will feel tighter when screwing inserts on driver tool by hand. This is common on all inserts, if some of your inserts only screw on a few threads of the driver tool don't worry the driver tool will screw through the insert fine when installing. Of course always use oil on the install driver tool when installing inserts, this can be a 30wt motor oil.

No! Because the oversized drain plug has oversized the hole in the drain pan making it larger, so the insert will not hold properly. The 1485 kit will work by reducing the hole from M14x1.5 to M12x1.5 there is no drilling because the tin pans are to thin and the thread would break out entirely. So no oversized drain plugs in tin pan repair.

Aluminum pan repair:
If the drain pan is aluminum use kit 1415C, it does not matter if there are oversized drain plugs used because we are drilling out the hole to bring it back to its original size. Aluminum pans normally have enough material to drill out and insert back to the standard M14x1.5 just make sure the oversized drain plug O.D outside diameter is not larger than .578 inches.

One possible solution. The hole being repaired has a depth shorter than the length of our shortest insert. There are a few cases where we do not have a short enough insert for a particular application. For example: trying to repair a hole 5/16-18 our shortest length insert is .350 inches and the hole depth is .250 inches deep. You can install a TIME-SERT without using a counterbore. Leaving the shoulder sticking up to remove later on by milling or filing.
One possible suggestion on this type of installation.

1) Drill hole (2) Tap hole (3) let insert set up with locktite (4) install insert (5) file insert flush.

Drill the hole out, "DO NOT" use counterbore tool, tap the hole.
On installation: Screw the insert in the hole with loctite to the desired location. Let the insert set up with the loctite before running the insert driver tool through the insert. The loctite will prevent the insert from going to deep into the prepared hole.
Use the driver tool to expand the last few threads of the inserts.

The insert will now be protruding or sticking up higher in the hole, you will have to "file down" or mill the top of the insert to get the insert flush with the surface. It's recommended to run the insert driver back through the insert to clean any burs at the top of the insert. The repair is complete.

The bolts on this print out will probably not look like your bolt or drain plug, that's not a problem as we are only looking at the "Threads" Size and Pitch.

Page Scaling NONE or in Adobe it would be Actual size.

Metric
Click Here for: Printable Metric Bolt chart. Set print scaling to NONE or Actual size
Charts must be printed and use scale check after printing on page.
If the chart does not open in Chrome or Firefox try Internet explorer.

Printable Metric Thread Pitch Gauge

Inch
Click Here for: Printable Inch Bolt chart. Set print scaling to NONE or Actual size
Charts must be printed and use scale check after printing on page.
If the chart does not open in Chrome or Firefox try Internet explorer.

Printable Inch Thread Pitch Gauge

Rule -  This is a printable 8” rule for metric and inch.
Fractional/Decimal chart -  Fractional / Decimal chart.
You can also bring the bolt to your local fastener house in your area, they will be able to measure it for you. You will need to know the thread size and pitch of the bolt to repair it.

With out the proper tool removing head alignment dowels can be tricky.
The tool in the link above can be purchased through SPX corp.
(507)-455-7206 p/n PT6575

Possible work around:
Place a suitable bolt that will fit closely into Dowel so that it will not crush.
Use a pair of vise grips to hold on the "outside" of the dowel. Slowly work the dowel back and forth as you use slight pressure under the vise grip with a screw driver to give up lift.
Use care not to scratch the top of block in the process.
Sometimes head alignment dowels will come out easy and sometimes hard depending on tolerances of the block, how much the dowel gets crushed in the process, or rust, etc.
Link to picture of work around.

Used items sold by Amazon Warehouse deals, Ebay or any other outlets.
Notice: These purchase are forbidden, unlawful and against our terms and conditions. NO warranty expressed or implied customer uses at own risk. Time Fastener Co. will not recognize any of these USED purchases because of the fact that we can not know the condition of these items being used are in like New condition. There is a high chance the repair will fail with dull or broken tools. We encourage the customer to always by NEW so we can recognize if there is a problem with the repair. Time-Sert is a registered trademark and these companies selling product under used condition are in violation of trademark patents and do not have authority to do so.

Returns: 2022
Returned items must be new and unopened with copy of original invoice with 15% restocking fee. After 30 days there will be a 25% restocking fee applied. We do not refund shipping costs.. Items more then 60 days old or special order items are non returnable. Do not send us used items, used items will not be credited.
Shortage or discrepancy in shipment:
Any claims for Discrepancies in shipment must be made within one week of receipt of merchandise or no credit will be issued.

Warranty:
The following is made in lieu of all warranties, expressed or implied.
There are no warranties. Seller's only obligation shall be to replace such quantity of the product proved to be defective within the first 30 days and provide a copy of the invoice. Seller shall not be liable for any injury, loss, or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use or the inability to use the product. Before using, user shall determine the suitability of the product for their intended use, and the user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. The foregoing may not be changed.
Time Fastener Co. expressly retains the right to make changes or discontinue any product it manufactures or sells at any time and without notice.

Terms and conditions:
Time Fastener Co. does not accept blanket or future dated purchase orders all order received are processed within 2 to 3 business days if items are in stock. Placing orders in the USA have a $20.00 min order overseas $50.00 min order. Drop ship fee $5.00. Time Fastener does not pay any shipping or receiving fees. Time Fastener Co. does not accept any third party shipping account numbers and will only drop ship in the United states. Restocking fee 25% after 30 days on returns. Map Pricing: Distributors must sell /advertise Time-Sert and Big-Sert products at Map price or Higher. Any distributor found to be in violation of Map pricing can lose their distributorship. If a distributor supports a third party who undercuts our approved distributors map pricing they will lose their distributorship. Distributors will not rent or offer used tooling. If we find a distributor selling or renting used tooling we will no longer consider them a distributor. Distributors must not list individual tools for sale.
The max number of individual tools in one size that can be ordered is 10 pcs per month. Distributors may not modify any tool kit or sell tooling or inserts under any name other than Time-Sert® a registered trademark.

Payment Terms are NET 30 days on open accounts.
If a distributor is out of terms more than 30 days we reserve the right to hold all orders until payment is current or terminate distributorship if they continue to pay out of terms . Time Fastener Co. will not connect to protals or external links for a customer placing orders, customers or distributors please place orders by Email or Fax only. If pricing on distributors purchase order does not match Time Fastener Co. pricing, the item will not be shipped until purchase order is corrected. We add 3% to the invoice for a credit card sale. Prices are subject to change if there is a change in the industry. Time Fastener Co. reserves the right to terminate the relationship and end all sales to distributor. Terms and conditions may be updated or ammended at anytime for any reason. By placing an order you agree to the terms and conditions. TIME-SERT® is registered trade marks no duplications are permitted. If TIME-SERT or any variation is used in your main URL this is a violation of our registered trademark and we will terminate the relatonship.

CLICK HERE: FOR VIDEO LINK TO INSTALL PROCESS
The video example shows the speed in which TIME-SERT inserts can be installed in a blind hole applications using a pneumatic push pull tapper. To our knowledge there is no insert on the market that can be installed faster in a hand volume application where a specific depth is required. The insert in the video is a M10x1.5x14mm.

Link to: Desoutter tools push pulltappers. D16-L 1000 p/n 1274624
You should be able to order through your local Fastenal dealer.
Tool Smith 205 323-2576 https://www.toolsmith.ws/ or Turner supply 251 431-0262

If multiple inserts need to be installed this can also be done using a CNC with a tapmatic reversing head.
Link to: Tapmatic self reversing tapping heads.

We do receive many questions regarding Helicoil / Save-A--Thread spark plug insert failure.
Please read link below.

Click Here for information on helicoil / Save-A-Thread spark plug failure:

The tool kits listed are the "Internal size". If you are repairing a M12 bolt or stripped thread you will need a M12 kit.

The problem is you may not have "REAMED" the hole fully. The reamer has a black stop collar and this collar must touch the head to ream the 45 degree counterbore which is pictured in step D.
https://www.timesert.com/images/sparkplug/triton_repair/image011.jpg

The problem that can happen is the reamer did not ream all the way thru the hole so it leaves a step in the hole that will STOP the tap because the 45 degree counterbore was not fully done. This can happen because of 2 possible things. The reamer is hitting a VALVE or the top of the PISTON which is stopping it from entering all the way.

Please check again that the valves are closed and the piston is all the way down, then your tap should easily tap all the way thru.

Follow the 2 man step on getting the valves closed and piston all the way down on the instructions.
Turn the engine over clockwise from the front use an 18mm socket.
Put your thumb in the hole like your giving someone the "thunbs down" the top of your knuckel should almost block the hole and you should feel compression as you come up on the compression stroke.
When you get to top dead center you won't feel anymore pressure use a wire hanger put down the hole.
As someone slowly turns the engine again clockwise as it is going down on the power stroke the second it tries to come back up STOP. The valves will be closed and the piston all the way down.

Click Link for MSDS to sealer p/n 6020 and Driver oil p/n J-42385-110

Possible solution to remove a broken driver that is flush to the surface. If the install driver is flush to the surface try to find nut that is close to the driver size. Place the nut over the broken portion. Using a wire welder tack the nut to the tool, then back out the driver.

NOTE: Try to not bend over the tool or bottom the driver out in the hole. We suggest using a tap handle wrench when installing.

Use Time-Sert driver oil p/n 6010 or 30 wt motor oil on the external threads of the driver when installilng inserts.

Click Link for pictures.

Yes taper seat spark plug inserts will stick up slightly to support the flange. Taper seat spark plugs seal on the insert itself.

Click Link for picture.

Note: Taper seat spark plug inserts require sealer p/n 6020 on the external threads.