"Jim Wilkins" wrote in message
...

wrote ...

No luck in fumbling thru with it. I tried to twist the insert to
reduce the OD, I tried to deform the end of the insert to make it
undersize, I tried to install the insert backwards, I threaded the
insert on a short 1/4-28 SHCS to use as an install tool. Looking in
the McMaster catalog, I see that the installation tool for the 1/4-28
is a winder style to reduce the OD of the insert for $32+. For those
of you who use these regularily and know what you are doing - advice
please. Obviously, I am not overly interested in spending more money
to install one insert.

How about a 3/16" dowel with a saw slot across the end?

Or the equivalent made of metal, if you can.

jsw

In a couple cases I succeeded in installing an insert using a pair of wire
forming pliers. Not ideal, but it got the job done. For a tough fit a
drill bit with a slot cut in the back with a Dremel fiber wheel, and a pair
of locking pliers to hold the bit work also. I have not had good luck with
cheap steel rod stock, but it may also work if the tap is a good match to
the coil.