E-Z LOKKnife Thread Insert Installation Tool with Threaded Mandrel - 1/4-20 - DT-4

This is a pretty straight-forward tool. Insert in the driver/drill, put a threaded insert on the end and away you go. About the only two things that would make this even better are 1) a sleeve to ensure you are threading the insert perfectly perpendicular to the surface, and 2) fins which would allow you to back the insert out if you needed to for some reason.

I read the reviews and I found that setting the adjustable speed drill to a lower setting than full on allows better control installing the inserts. Once set, ramp up the speed setting and set the insert.Tool works fine.When I went full speed right off, the insert came out with tool. Too much torque I guess.I’d recommend this tool, just take your time.

It works.

The insert comes back out with the tool and you have to use pliers or the like to get the insert off, usually destroying the outside threads on the insert.

The advantage of this over the DIY alternative of 'a bolt and two nuts' is 1) that the length of the threads is fixed (bolts frequently require readjusting on the bolt) and 2) the hex drive is gripped better -- especially better than a decapitated threaded bolt. For what it is, it seems priced a bit on the high side.

After threading the insert into the wood and you try remove the driver, the insert comes with the driver and gets removed as well!

While installing a threaded insert, the installation tool snapped off inside the insert, and I was unable to remove the insert because of this. total garbage.

Mine broke the 1st I used it

The insert comes back out with the tool and you have to use pliers or the like to get the insert off, usually destroying the outside threads on the insert. Same comment as Scot on June 15, 2023.