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We get this question a lot. Customers want to purchase just the Time Sert inserts because they already have a tap and die set. After explaining that a tap and die set is not the same, our question for them is "I know you're trying to save money, but how will you drill the correct size hole, counter-bore for the lip of the insert and how will you cold roll the bottom threads of the Time Sert insert if you don't have the proper install driver?" In short a Time Sert kit is needed to install Time Se …

We're often reminded through the questions we receive via our contact form that certain topics, though covered years ago, remain new to some individuals. Below, we address one such inquiry and provide additional resources such as articles and videos to assist newcomers navigating similar issues.Question:  I have a 2007 Kia Sedona 3.8 liter engine. I'm putting in a salvage engine and the upper idler pulley has stripped threads. It uses an M10X1.5 bolt. Question is should I use a Heli Coil or …

Few things can be as frustrating as a failed thread repair. Whether it's a spark plug hole or head bolt threads in a cylinder head, a botched fix can lead to larger issues immediately or down the road. At WiseAutoTools.com, we've noticed a concerning trend in recently: an increase in failed repairs due to China knock-off or copycat thread repair kits flooding the market.As a trusted provider of automotive tools and solutions since 2005, we've seen firsthand the consequences of using subpar threa …

We recently came across an article that stated the more expensive, longer Time Sert kits made for head bolt thread repair are not really needed. They suggested using a less expensive, shorter tooling Time Sert kit and installing threads near the surface, then switching to different head bolts entirely.The article discusses the common issue of stripped threads in aluminum engine blocks when torquing head bolts. It mentioned that manufacturer-specific thread repair kits can be expensive, particula …

Aluminum head bolt threads pulling out on Polaris engines is a fairly common problem. Installing a solid bushing-type steel insert is the best fix. Avoiding the expense of some of the larger kits designed for automotive applications is a smart way to save money and still get a quality repair. The larger Time-Sert kits, for example, are designed for doing repairs when the threads start down several inches. With threads flush or near the surface, a much less expensive kit made by Time-Sert can be …