I have a question about threaded inserts.  Specifically, does the slot stay up, or does it go into the wood first?  There was a thread on the Wood forum that basically concluded that the slot is not for screwdriver installation of the insert, but goes in first to aid in installation.  Recently, I saw a hardware ad that showed the slot up instead of down.  I have done it both ways, and it doesn't seem to make much of a difference.  BTW, I don't use a screwdriver in the slot, I instead use a piece of threaded rod with a couple of jam nuts, chucked into my drill press.  Of course, no power, I turn the chuck by hand.  So, what is the general consensus on the slot?  Up, or down?

I remember that discussion, and personally concluded after all was said and done that the assertion of the slot being there to cut the wood was  not the reason. I think it is for slotted screwdrivers, and a carry over from years (many years) ago that never got changed as time marched on. It's wise not to use it for the driver, since it almost always gets buggered (at least for me) and I do it as you do. That said, if you find the slot unattractive, out it in first...doesn't seem to make much difference with how well they work.

Yes I remember that discussion and I had always heard the opposite. I can see having the slot down will give a better look when there is no connection made to it, but how often is that going to happen?

 

Like everyone else 2 nuts locked on a threaded rod is the way to insert.

bolt and one nut...

The slots definitely was intended go out for a slotted screwdriver, Using this method isn't recommended because the driver can slip out of the slot,possibly causing damage, Another problem with using the slotted screwdriver is that the insert may tilt as it enters the wood.Using 2 nuts locked together on a threaded rod, or  machine screw as suggested above is the best way to install them. 

or you get one of these and use it to drive them in.  personally i have always installed with the slot out and often with a screwdriver.

Edited September 18, 20169 yr by p_toad

I have read that the slot goes down, or does it go up...doesn't make a difference to me.

 

I use a hex head bolt with the head cut off instead of a threaded rod. The smooth section of bolt chucks up better then threaded rod. I then chuck it up in the drill press with double nuts and rotate the chuck by hand while applying downward pressure with the press.

 

Logically, if you look at the driver in the photo above, the two tabs engage the slot. This means that the insert gets installed with the slot up.

 

Bottom line...whatever floats your boat. It's not the method that counts it's the end result.

9 hours ago, schnewj said:

Logically, if you look at the driver in the photo above, the two tabs engage the slot. This means that the insert gets installed with the slot up

I've never seen one of those drivers, but  what you said makes a lot of sense.  And thanks for the tip about the bolt instead of threaded rod.  Threaded rod has worked ok for me, but there is no point in unnecessarily chewing up the jaws on my DP chuck.

For the price of the dedicated tool you can make 15-20 of the bolt/nut arrangements. I guess if you were doing a production line the driver would pay for itself. If you misplace you homemade driver you can always make another in a few minutes.

 

As for the threaded rod...I, too, would worry about two things. Certainly, potential damage to the chuck jaws and possible misalignment. I just take a 1/4-20 or a 5/16 bolt of sufficient length and cut the head off. Dress up the ragged cut and add a couple of nuts to form a jam nut. You only need enough thread to; get the insert threaded on (full engagement) and the two nuts. I, also, leave enough to add a flat washer between the insert and the nuts. This can prevent the edge of the nut from crushing the edges of the wood around the insert in soft wood.

 

The system has always worked for me, so, whatever, you're happy using...

12 hours ago, p_toad said:

or you get one of these and use it to drive them in.  personally i have always installed with the slot out and often with a screwdriver.

That's the tool for installing them. Anything else is wrong or jury-rigged.

13 hours ago, p_toad said:

or you get one of these and use it to drive them in.  personally i have always installed with the slot out and often with a screwdriver.

I had one of these drivers kicking around in the drawer for years, never knew what it was (came in some set of pieces I suspect), and finally googled the part number.  Lo and behold.  That does argue in favor of the slot being designed for up,  but dissenters and rebels can still put them down!  I notice that some inserts come with an angled "nose" that indicate the leading edge.

In the event of a mistake slot out might help for removal.

The inserts that I use require an Allen wrench instead of a screwdriver.  The are much more stable than a slotted insert.  The hex is on one end so you have to keep the hex up. 

 

From Boat US magazine:
"Inserts intended for installation into wood can be the barbed type, which are pressed or hammered into the hole. But as a rule, STIs will prove more durable. These are typically spun in, much like a wood screw. Some have a hex socket and are installed with an Allen wrench. Slotted inserts can be installed with a screwdriver, but because the slot is fragile, the better method is to thread a nut, then the insert, onto a long bolt. Lock the nut against the insert, then turn the insert into the hole with a wrench or socket. Or cut the head from the bolt and chuck the whole rig into a power screwdriver. When installing inserts this way, putting the slot in the hole first makes for a neater installation, and the slot helps to cut the threads. "

 

So, whatever floats your boat (pardon the pun).

 

In my experience, the ones that take the Allen wrench are made of pot metal and you need to be careful with sizing the pilot hole, and maybe even wax up the threads or you can really mess them up in hard woods.

My insert tools don't look like the ones pictured above.