Keenserts Key-Locking Thread Inserts
Positive Mechanical Locking - No Special Tooling Required
- External keys knocked down for positive mechanical lock
- No special tooling - uses standard ISO, UNC, or UNF threads
- Simple installation with conventional drills and taps
- Can be manually installed with just a hammer
- Multiple series: Miniature, Lightweight, Heavy Duty, Extra Heavy Duty
Australian Importer & Trade Supplier | Fast Australia-Wide Delivery
What Are Keenserts?
Keenserts (Kee-n-serts) are key-locking threaded inserts designed for OEM and thread repair applications. They feature positive mechanical locking into the parent material by means of external 'keys' that are knocked down during installation.
Unlike other threaded inserts that require special installation tools, Keenserts use standard ISO Metric, UNC, or UNF external threads. This means they can be installed using conventional drills and taps that you already have. The simplicity extends to manual installation - they can even be fitted with just a hammer.
The key-locking mechanism provides superior resistance to rotation and loosening under vibration, making Keenserts ideal for high-stress applications in aerospace, automotive, industrial manufacturing, and military equipment.
How to Repair a Thread Using a Keensert Insert
How to Repair a Thread Using a Keensert Insert
Applications & Use Cases
Aerospace & Aviation
- •Aircraft structures and engine components
- •Critical vibration resistance applications
- •Thread reliability in lightweight alloys
Automotive & Racing
- •High-performance engines and transmissions
- •Suspension systems under constant stress
- •Repeated tightening/loosening cycles
Manufacturing & CNC
- •Molds, dies, and fixtures
- •Heavy thread wear applications
- •Extended machine part service life
Military & Defence
- •Maximum pull-out strength requirements
- •Mission-critical assemblies
- •Milspec grade available by special order
Electronics & Cabinets
- •Secure mounting in soft housings
- •Prevents thread damage during maintenance
- •Electrical equipment protection
Rail, Marine & Heavy Machinery
- •Trailer and rail systems
- •Marine engines
- •Vibration and corrosion resistance
Choosing the Right Keensert Series
Miniature Series
For small, precision applications
UNC Sizes
Metric Sizes
Lightweight Series
Relatively thin walls for general applications
Metric Range
5mm to 12mm
Inch Range
#10 to 1/2"
Heavy Duty Series
Thicker walls for demanding applications
Metric Range
4mm to 24mm
Thicker walls than lightweight series
Inch Range
#8-32 to 1-1/2"
Enhanced strength for high-stress applications
Extra Heavy Duty Series
Maximum wall thickness - Inch sizes only
Inch Range Only
#6 to 1"
Note: Extra Heavy Duty series not available in metric sizes
Technical Resources
5-Step Installation Process
Drill the hole to the specified size using a conventional drill bit.
Tap threads using standard ISO, UNC, or UNF tap. No special taps required.
Thread the Keensert into the tapped hole until fully seated.
Tap the locking pins/keys down to engage with parent material.
Check that insert is secure and keys are fully engaged.
Quality Specifications
Industrial Spec Grade
Standard specification for all Keensert products
- High-quality materials and manufacturing
- Suitable for most industrial applications
- Consistent performance and reliability
Milspec Grade
Available by special order for military and defense applications
- Meets military specifications
- Certificates of Conformity available
- Mission-critical applications
Contact us for Milspec grade ordering and documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Keenserts?
Keenserts (Kee-n-serts) are key-locking threaded inserts that use external keys for positive mechanical locking into parent material. They require no special tooling and use standard ISO Metric, UNC, or UNF threads.
How do Keenserts lock in place?
Keenserts lock using external keys that are knocked down during installation. This creates a positive mechanical lock into the parent material, preventing rotation and loosening under vibration.
Do Keenserts require special tools?
No, Keenserts require no special tooling. They use standard ISO Metric, UNC, or UNF external threads, can be installed with conventional drills and taps, and can even be fitted manually with just a hammer.
What size ranges are available for Keenserts?
Keenserts are available in multiple series: Miniature (UNC #2-56 to #8-32, Metric M2 to M4), Lightweight (5mm to 12mm metric, #10 to 1/2" inch), Heavy Duty (4mm to 24mm metric, #8-32 to 1-1/2" inch), and Extra Heavy Duty (#6 to 1" inch only, not available in metric).
Can Keenserts be used for secondary thread repairs?
Yes, heavy duty Keenserts are effective for second-stage thread repairs when initial helical coil or Time-Sert repairs fail.
What applications are Keenserts best for?
Keenserts are ideal for OEM applications, thread repair in soft materials, replaceable thread bushings in injection molding dies and metal stamping equipment, aerospace components, automotive high-stress applications, and any application requiring vibration resistance and high pull-out strength.
Are military-spec Keenserts available?
Yes, industrial-spec grade is standard, but Milspec grade Keenserts and Certificates of Conformity are available by special order for military and defense applications.
Key-Locking Thread Insert Solutions
Keenserts provide positive mechanical locking without special tooling. Simple installation with maximum reliability for demanding applications.