E-Z LOK - 801420-20 E-Z Lok Threaded Insert, Zinc, Hex-Flush, 1/4"-20 Internal Threads, 0.789" Length (Pack of 50)

These inserts work beautifully in all the woods I've tried so far, ranging from poplar to hard maple.I really like that they go in with a 4mm hex wrench or hex driver bit (look online for those, McMasterCarr has them).They glide right in, even in hard maple and walnut, and even with using a hex wrench or hex bit in a hand driver, it's very easy to keep them straight.They're durable enough for most applications, and about 1/4 cheaper than the brass inserts, which I did have a bit of trouble with in the harder woods, even with using an oversized hole and using a bit of paraffin wax on the threads. The recommended hole for these is 15/64", but a 1/4" hole works just as good and is a more commonly available drill bit size; most people will have a 1/4" bit on hand, not so much with a 15/64".Like I said, I've used these in all types of woods ranging from poplar to hard maple. I have no idea why E-Z LOK markets these as being for soft woods; they work great in hard wood as well. So if you're trying to decide between these and the brass variety, give these a try, they work great, are easier to install than the brass ones and are way cheaper.4/18/12 UPDATE:I've been using these inserts in a lot of different woods and the 15/64" hole works for every wood I've tried. One exception is purpleheart (a VERY hard and dense wood). The inserts go in with the 15/64" hole, but a 1/4" hole works a lot better; they glide right in. I couldn't get the brass inserts to go in purpleheart at all. These are great inserts and I'm glad I made the switch.

Love these inserts, just wish they were still available in the 3/4 " length.

My RV has MDF cabinets and many of the wood screws were stripped out. People recommended toothpicks and other fillers, but I wanted something substantial that would last. These worked like a charm. Threaded right into the MDF and because the threads were now steel I was able to tighten them up with worry of stripping out again.These will be in my bag of tricks for future projects.

The sharp threads allows you to drive these into soft woods like butter. It calls for a 9/32" pilot hole. However, I didn't have a 9/32" bit, so I used a 1/4"; worked great. I always test these in a scrap piece of wood of the same specie being used. The hex drive is a great feature. I've used the inserts with slotted heads and ended up breaking one or 2 everytime. I recommend purchasing the E-Z Lok 8600 hex driver tool since using a drill is much faster and insures a smoother installation.

I used these inserts for a bunch of knobs for little projects. I inserted them into premium pine plywood (if there is such a thing). I used a regular allen wrench and it was really tricky to get them to go in straight. Once they start there isn't really any correcting. I also had to take the allen wrench and give it a smack with a hammer to seat it into the threaded insert before driving it into the wood. Otherwise, the wrench would just slip out almost immediately. That looks like a design "feature" so they really grab onto the tool. It was annoying, but it worked.The threads area reasonably strong. I tried inserting a 1/4 20 bolt like a complete ape and did manage to peal off a thread. once they grab a few threads I am sure they are as strong as you would need.Bottom line - They work and they are a good value.

I have been using threaded inserts in wooden connections for a long time. Anytime a wood screw strips out, the threaded insert is usually the next step, if the are several screws replace all screws with threaded inserts. One of the most common uses, is stripped door hinge screws.

These are great quality. Quite surprised. (Retired Toolmaker)

Some of the common complaints I see on here are that they strip out and they don’t go in straight.Tips for those issues:-use a 5/16” drill bit and it will go in no problem-as far as them not going in straight, if your predrilled hole is crooked, it’s going to go in crooked. My advice would be to check constantly while drilling to maintain a perpendicular hole or to use a drill pressI’ve been using these for a few months now and I have installed 100+ into walnut, maple and dense mahogany without a single issue. They work perfectly when prepped and installed properly.