Aerospace Threaded Inserts
Roughly 2,000 threaded inserts in our catalog of 266,000+ aerospace parts. Helical coil, key-locking, and blind inserts for metallic and composite structures, ready to order with full AS9120 traceability.
Aerospace Threaded Insert Types
From MS21209 style helical coils to key-locking bodies and potted inserts for sandwich panels, we cover the hardware that puts reliable threads into aerospace structure.
Helical Coil Inserts
Wire thread inserts wound from diamond-section CRES wire, styles such as the MS21209 series, in free-running and screw-locking variants. They create strong, wear-resistant threads in aluminum, magnesium, and other soft materials.
Key-Locking Inserts
Solid-bodied inserts locked by drive keys staked into the parent material, styles such as the MS51830 series. Typically chosen for higher pull-out and torque-out capability, both in original design and thread repair.
Blind & Potted Inserts
Inserts for honeycomb sandwich panels and composite structure, typically potted in place with adhesive, styles such as the NAS1832 series, plus blind rivet-nut style inserts for closed sections reachable from one side only.
Thin-Wall & Special Inserts
Thin-wall inserts, styles such as the NAS1130 series, save weight and space where a full coil or solid insert will not fit, alongside OEM proprietary inserts quoted by exact part number.
Insert Materials, Locking & Installation
Materials & Finishes
Insert bodies and wire are typically CRES, with higher-strength grades such as A286 for demanding applications and coatings such as dry-film lubricant or silver plate on some variants. The standard and dash number govern.
Locking Options
Free-running inserts leave the fastener to provide locking; screw-locking coils grip the screw with a deformed chord; key-locking bodies resist rotation mechanically. The drawing selects the locking method.
Tanged & Tangless Coils
Traditional coils install by a tang that is broken off and retrieved afterward. Tangless designs are increasingly specified because they remove that FOD risk and the retrieval step.
Repair & Overhaul Use
Inserts are a staple of MRO work: a stripped hole can typically be drilled, tapped, and fitted with an insert to restore the original thread size, subject to the applicable repair scheme or OEM instructions.
How to Order Aerospace Threaded Inserts
Search by Part Number
Enter your MS, NAS, or OEM insert part number, including the dash number for thread size and length, and review the available options.
Get a Fast Online Quote
Add the quantities you need to your quote. Compare options sourced from our approved suppliers on price, lead time, and minimum order quantity.
Order with Confidence
Check out securely online. Every shipment includes certificates of conformance backed by our AS9120 Rev B quality management system.
Reliable Threads in Metal and Composite Structure
Threaded inserts solve a fundamental problem: aerospace structure is built from light materials, but fasteners need strong, durable threads. An insert puts hardened CRES threads into aluminum, magnesium, or composite parent material, so fasteners can be torqued, removed, and reinstalled through years of maintenance without wearing out the structure itself.
The main families divide by how they anchor. Helical coil wire inserts, styles such as the MS21209 series, screw into a specially tapped hole and suit high-volume production use in soft metals. Key-locking inserts, styles such as the MS51830 series, stake mechanically into the parent material for higher pull-out and torque-out capability. Sandwich panels and composite structure typically rely on potted inserts, styles such as the NAS1832 series, bonded with adhesive so loads spread into the face sheets. Each family carries free-running or locking thread options, and the drawing callout, including dash number, selects the exact configuration.
Every insert we supply moves through our AS9120 Rev B certified quality management system. Instaparts, a division of RFQ2Go, Inc. based in Toronto, Canada, sources exclusively from approved suppliers, applies counterfeit prevention controls aligned with AS6081, and ships with certificates of conformance and full lot traceability.
Inserts exist to receive fasteners, so the same drawings typically call for aerospace screws and aerospace bolts threading into them, with aerospace studs anchoring adjacent joints. For a multi-line requirement, send your bill of materials through our quote page and our team will price the complete package.
Aerospace Threaded Insert FAQs
What is a helical coil (wire thread) insert?
A precision coil of diamond-section CRES wire that screws into a specially tapped hole and forms a hardened internal thread, styles such as the MS21209 series. Helical coils create durable threads in soft materials like aluminum and magnesium, and they are also used to restore damaged threads to original size capability.
When is a key-locking insert used instead of a helical coil?
Key-locking inserts are solid-bodied bushings with drive keys that are staked into the parent material after installation. They typically offer higher pull-out and torque-out resistance than a coil and install into a standard tapped hole, which makes them a common choice for heavy-duty joints and for repairs where a coil is not suitable.
What inserts are used in composite and honeycomb panels?
Sandwich panels typically use potted inserts, styles such as the NAS1832 series, bonded into the panel with adhesive so fastener loads spread into the face sheets rather than crushing the core. Blind rivet-nut style inserts serve closed sections and thin structures where only one side is accessible. The panel drawing defines the insert and potting requirements.
Do threaded inserts require special installation tooling?
Generally yes. Helical coils typically install with pre-winder tooling and, on tanged designs, a tang break-off step; key-locking inserts need a staking tool; potted inserts use bonding fixtures while the adhesive cures. The applicable process specification and drawing govern the tooling and verification steps for each type.
What documentation comes with insert orders?
Instaparts operates an AS9120 Rev B certified quality management system. Shipments include certificates of conformance, with lot traceability maintained from our approved suppliers through delivery and counterfeit prevention controls aligned with AS6081.
Need Aerospace Threaded Inserts?
Browse the catalog by MS, NAS, or OEM part number and get a fast online quote with full AS9120 traceability.
Browse the Insert Catalog