Time-Sert Australia - Thread Repair Kits
Australia's #1 Helicoil Alternative | Authorized Importer | Fast Australia-Wide Delivery
- Stronger than original threads - won't back out under vibration
- Minimal material removal - thin-wall design
- Roll-forming lock creates permanent mechanical bond
- Complete kits with drill, tap, counterbore, driver & inserts
- Kits for spark plugs, head bolts, and OEM specific repairs
Australian Authorized Importer | Fast Australia-Wide Delivery | Trade Supplier
What Are Time-Serts?
Time-Serts are thin-walled threaded inserts made of solid steel with internal and external screw thread profiles. The peaks of the inside threads nest into the peaks of the outside threads, creating extra-thin walls similar to Helicoil inserts - but designed as a superior alternative.
Unlike wire coil inserts that can unwind or loosen, Time-Serts lock permanently into place using a unique roll-forming mechanism. The insert has extra material in the bottom internal threads. During installation, the driver tool roll-forms these threads, forcing the excess metal outward into the parent material to create a mechanical lock that cannot back out.
This makes Time-Serts the professional choice for repairing stripped threads in aluminum engine blocks, heads, spark plugs, sump plugs and other critical applications where vibration resistance and permanent repair are essential.
Best Use Cases & Applications
Primary Applications
- •Spark plug hole repairs - specialized kits available for all common sizes
- •Oil pan/sump plug threads - quick repair for stripped drain holes
- •Engine and headbolt repairs - heavy-duty kits for aluminum and cast iron blocks
- •Transmission case threads - permanent repair in high-stress areas
- •Manifold threads - vibration-resistant repair
When to Choose Time-Sert
✓ Best For:
- • Repairing stripped threads in aluminum
- • Creating stronger threads in soft materials
- • Applications with vibration or thermal cycling
- • When permanent repair is required
- • Spark plug and critical engine repairs
Material Compatibility:
- • Aluminum (primary use)
- • Cast iron
- • Plastics and composites
- • Magnesium alloys
- • Other soft materials
Technical Resources & Specifications
Engineering Data & Size Charts
METRIC & INCH Engineering Data
For detailed engineering data and specifications, please view our complete engineering data tables.
Complete Time-Sert Kit Range
Multi-Size Range Kits (Professional)
Complete sets of 5 sizes with all tools + 100 total inserts (20 of each size)
Metric Coarse Kits
Metric Fine Kits
Inch UNC Kits
Inch UNF Kits
Individual Metric Time-Sert Kits
Single size kits - includes drill, counterbore, tap, installation driver, and 5 steel inserts
Individual Inch Time-Sert Kits (UNC & UNF)
Single size kits - includes drill, counterbore, tap, installation driver, and 5 steel inserts
Spark Plug Thread Repair Kits
Specialized kits with washer seat and taper seat configurations (Note inserts are not included in most sparkplug kits)
Cylinder Head Bolt Kits
Heavy-duty kits for aluminum and cast iron block thread repair
Manufacturer-Specific Kits
Pre-configured kits for common vehicle manufacturer applications
Drain Pan Thread Repair Kits
Oil pan and transmission pan drain plug thread repair
What's Included in Every Kit
- Correctly-sized drill bit - removes damaged thread to exact specification
- Special Time-Sert tap - creates new threads for insert installation
- Counterbore tool - creates recessed lip for insert flange
- Insert driver tool - fluteless roll-forming installation driver
- 5 steel inserts (excludes sparkplug) - thin-walled solid steel threaded inserts
Multi-size range kits include complete tool sets for 5 different sizes plus 20 inserts of each size (100 total inserts per kit).
Installation Procedure
Drill out the damaged thread to the specified size using the provided drill bit. Clean the hole thoroughly to remove all debris.
Create a recessed lip at the top of the hole using the counterbore tool. This accommodates the insert's top flange.
Tap new threads using the special Time-Sert tap included in the kit. Tap to full depth and back out carefully.
Screw insert in with driver until threaded-through. The driver roll-forms the bottom threads, locking the insert permanently.
Complete Time-Sert Product Catalogue
Download our comprehensive catalogue featuring all Time-Sert kits, specifications, and technical data
Click here to download the Time-Sert catalogueRelated Thread Repair Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Time-Serts?
Time-Serts are thin-walled threaded inserts made of solid steel with internal and external screw thread profiles. They provide a permanent thread repair solution that is stronger than the original thread.
How do Time-Serts lock in place?
Time-Serts use a unique roll-forming locking mechanism. The insert has extra material in the bottom internal threads. During installation, the driver tool roll-forms these threads, forcing the excess metal outward into the parent material, creating a permanent mechanical lock that cannot back out.
What comes in a Time-Sert kit?
Each Time-Sert kit includes: a correctly-sized drill, special tap for hole preparation, counterbore tool for creating the recessed lip, insert driver for installation, and a starter supply of 5 steel inserts. Multi-size range kits include complete tool sets for 5 different sizes plus 100 total inserts (20 of each size).
Can Time-Serts be used in aluminum?
Yes, Time-Serts are ideal for aluminum and soft materials. They require minimal material removal due to their thin-wall design and provide superior thread strength in aluminum engine blocks, heads, and other components.
What's the difference between Time-Sert and Helicoil?
Time-Serts are solid steel inserts that lock permanently using roll-forming, while Helicoils are wire coils. Time-Serts provide a stronger repair and become a permanent part of the parent material, preventing back-out under vibration. They're considered a superior alternative to Helicoil for critical applications.
Are there multi-size Time-Sert kit options?
Yes, Time-Sert offers multi-size range kits including Metric Coarse (5 sizes, two variants), Metric Fine (5 sizes, two variants), UNC Inch (5 sizes), and UNF Inch (5 sizes). Each boxed range includes complete sets of tools and 100 total inserts (20 of each size), making them ideal for professional use.
What manufacturer-specific Time-Sert kits are available?
Time-Sert offers specialized kits for BMW, Ford, General Motors (Gen 3 and LS engines), Toyota (including M11×1.5), Harley, Honda, and VW engines. These are pre-configured for common thread repair scenarios on specific vehicle manufacturers.
Professional Thread Repair Solutions
Time-Sert inserts are the professional choice for permanent thread repair. The thin-wall design and solid steel construction create a repair that is stronger than the original thread.