Uploaded September 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
When making jigs, and even furniture, sometimes we want connections that are strong but easy to take apart. Enter the threaded wood insert. These little guys give your project superpowers, letting you attach and detach pieces without wearing out the wood, unlike screws.
But wait, we’ve covered t-nuts on this channel before. How do inserts compare? The great thing about wood inserts, aside from being more discreet on the surface, is that they offer a more neutral hold. While t-nuts are stronger when bolts pass through the wood and into the t-nut, inserts are more forgiving since they thread directly into the wood itself.
The catch? You’ve got to be precise with your holes. T-nuts can handle a looser fit and still work fine, but inserts require tight pilot holes, similar to screws. Too loose, and they’ll spin out; too tight, and you risk damaging the insert or the wood.
Ultimately, both options have their place, but for certain projects, wood inserts offer that perfect balance of strength and flexibility.
I have a project that requires a couple of these...I've not used them as much, admittedly, but they do solve the problem that t-nuts have, and that is that t-nuts, even with epoxy, are weaker one direction compared to the other.
I would definitely add epoxy with these as well (as I'm going to do with my project), but really do serve a good purpose.
BONUS tip: install them with a hex bit (Allen wrench bit) in the drill press for an easier install.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.
#MTbitesize
When making jigs, and even furniture, sometimes we want connections that are strong but easy to take apart. Enter the threaded wood insert. These little guys give your project superpowers, letting you attach and detach pieces without wearing out the wood, unlike screws.
But wait, we’ve covered t-nuts on this channel before. How do inserts compare? The great thing about wood inserts, aside from being more discreet on the surface, is that they offer a more neutral hold. While t-nuts are stronger when bolts pass through the wood and into the t-nut, inserts are more forgiving since they thread directly into the wood itself.
The catch? You’ve got to be precise with your holes. T-nuts can handle a looser fit and still work fine, but inserts require tight pilot holes, similar to screws. Too loose, and they’ll spin out; too tight, and you risk damaging the insert or the wood.
Ultimately, both options have their place, but for certain projects, wood inserts offer that perfect balance of strength and flexibility.
I have a project that requires a couple of these...I've not used them as much, admittedly, but they do solve the problem that t-nuts have, and that is that t-nuts, even with epoxy, are weaker one direction compared to the other.
I would definitely add epoxy with these as well (as I'm going to do with my project), but really do serve a good purpose.
BONUS tip: install them with a hex bit (Allen wrench bit) in the drill press for an easier install.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
Doug F.
#MTbitesize
