A Closer Look at the KATO Prewinder Hand (KPH) Tool for Threaded Insert Installation
The KATO Prewinder Hand (KPH) tool is designed for manual installation of CoilThread inserts, both Tangless and tanged, and is intended for low-volume or maintenance-level use. Built entirely from steel, the KPH tool avoids the durability issues sometimes found in plastic-bodied alternatives. It’s a straightforward, mechanical solution for installing threaded inserts with better consistency and reduced insertion effort.
At the core of the KPH tool is a prewinder mechanism that compresses the insert prior to installation. This compression allows the insert to enter the parent material more easily and seat with less resistance, which can improve both repeatability and thread quality—especially in softer base materials.
Key Features and Functional Details
| Feature | Function / Impact |
|---|---|
| All-Steel Construction | Resists wear and breakage in shop or field conditions. |
| Prewinder Mechanism | Compresses insert to facilitate smoother entry and more uniform installation. |
| Ergonomic Design | Supports better control and comfort during manual use. |
| Size Coverage | Supports sizes up to 1-1/2″ and M39 for tanged inserts, and up to 3/8″ and M12 for Tangless. |
| One Pawl Fits All (Tangless) | Simplifies use across multiple sizes without changing parts. |
| Cross-Compatible | Works with inserts from Helicoil, Recoil, and other common brands. |
Industry Use Cases and Fit-for-Purpose Scenarios
In many technical environments, threaded insert installation is needed outside of high-volume production lines—often during maintenance, custom builds, or prototype work. The KPH tool offers a reliable, manual solution for these cases, where consistency, control, and material adaptability matter more than automation.
- Aerospace MRO and Assembly: When threaded inserts need to be installed in the field or on the shop floor—whether during scheduled maintenance or unplanned repairs—the KPH tool provides a compact, dependable option. Its support for Tangless inserts also helps address FOD concerns common in aerospace applications.
- Prototype and Test Engineering: During prototyping or low-volume test builds, the need to work with various insert sizes and materials is common. The KPH tool streamlines this process by offering broad size compatibility and cross-brand support without requiring tool changes between insert types.
- Custom Machinery and Tooling: In small-run fabrication environments, such as tool-and-die or custom equipment shops, a manual prewinder tool offers installation consistency while maintaining flexibility across different thread sizes and materials—especially important when working with aluminum or composite housings.
- Automotive Powertrain and Engine Repair: When reinforcing or restoring threads in components like engine blocks or cylinder heads, a durable manual tool is often preferred for its tactile control and reliability under shop conditions. The KPH’s steel construction holds up well in this context.
- General Industrial Maintenance: When maintenance teams encounter damaged threads in housings, brackets, or mounting plates, having a consistent method for insert installation—without introducing variability from plastic tools—can be critical to ensuring secure reassembly and long-term performance.
The KPH tool offers a mechanically reliable, low-complexity solution for users who need to install CoilThread inserts by hand. It fills a niche between single-use tools and more expensive automated systems, making it suitable for technicians, engineers, and maintenance professionals who value consistency, durability, and cross-compatibility.
You can find size options, specifications, and availability at biscoind.com.
Understanding the Benefits of KATO Tangless® Inserts
Understanding the Benefits of KATO Tangless® Inserts
When it comes to threaded inserts—especially in precision applications like aerospace, automotive, or electronics—choosing the right insert can make a big difference in performance, reliability, and ease of installation. One of the most innovative options available today is the KATO Tangless® Helical Coil Insert.
What Are Tangless Inserts?
Traditional helical coil inserts use a small metal “tang” to assist with installation. Once the insert is installed, this tang has to be broken off and removed—adding an extra step and potential complications, particularly in high-precision or clean environments.
Tangless inserts, as the name implies, eliminate this tang. Instead, they are designed to be installed and removed without any breakaway features, offering several practical advantages.
Key Benefits of KATO Tangless® Inserts
- FOD-Free (Foreign Object Debris-Free)
No tangs means no risk of loose metal pieces falling into sensitive equipment or assemblies—a major benefit in aerospace, medical, and cleanroom environments. - Bi-directional Design
Tangless inserts can be installed in either direction, which simplifies orientation and speeds up installation. - Easier Maintenance & Removal
If a Tangless insert needs to be replaced, it can be removed non-destructively using standard tooling. This can save time and prevent damage to the surrounding material. - Depth Adjustability
These inserts can be adjusted after installation to ensure they’re seated exactly where needed. - Cost Savings
According to KATO, users can save up to $0.50 per hole by eliminating the tang break-off process and potential rework. - Wide Range of Sizes
Available in SAE sizes from 0-80 to ½” and Metric sizes from M2 to M16, making them versatile across industries. - Approved for Aerospace & Military Use
KATO Tangless inserts meet strict standards such as NASM8846, NAS1130, and NA0276, making them suitable for demanding environments.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
While Tangless inserts offer many advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Special Tooling
Installing and removing Tangless inserts typically requires dedicated KATO tools, which may involve an upfront investment if you’re switching from a traditional system. - Learning Curve
For teams used to working with traditional inserts, there may be a slight adjustment period when adopting Tangless inserts and tools. - Cost of Inserts
While they can save money per hole in many cases, the inserts themselves may be more expensive than tanged versions, depending on your supplier and order volume.
Where to Find KATO Tangless® Inserts
If you’re ready to explore Tangless inserts or simply want to compare options, you can browse KATO Tangless® inserts here.
Final Thoughts
KATO Tangless® inserts offer a thoughtful upgrade over traditional tanged inserts—especially in applications where FOD prevention, ease of maintenance, and long-term performance are critical. Whether you’re working in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing, these inserts can help streamline operations and reduce rework.
If you’re unsure whether Tangless inserts are right for your application, it’s worth comparing them side-by-side with traditional options and factoring in the long-term time and cost savings.
NAS & MS Inserts from KATO
Need Wire Thread Inserts That Meet Military & Aerospace Standards?
Look no further than KATO!
KATO offers a large variety of wire thread inserts that meet Military Standard (MS) and National Aerospace Standard (NAS) specifications. Often referred to as heli-coil (helicoil) or helical inserts, wire thread inserts are formed from coiled wire and provide a cost effective solution for increasing thread strength or repairing damaged threads. KATO manufacturers both tanged and tangless inserts available in free-running (non-locking) and locking configurations.
Product Spotlight: KATO KPH Prewinder Tools
KATO’s prewinder hand tools are designed to install tangless and tanged threaded inserts and are hand operated making them suitable for small production runs. Whether you’re using threaded inserts to repair threads or strengthen parent material prewinder tools are a must for installation.
Product Spotlight: KATO Linear Torque Arm
Introducing the Linear Torque Arm
KATO Fastening Systems recently announced the launch of the all new KATO Linear Torque Arm. The linear torque arm is designed to install tangless or tanged threaded inserts using any KATO electric driver or air tool (with optional air tool kit). The Linear Torque Arm offers an unprecedented smoothness of linear and rotational movements as it absorbs the torque reaction inherent with power installation tools.
Features & Benefits
- Keeps the installation tool perpendicular to the work surface
- Reduces RMI (Repetitive Motion Injury) and CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) while boosting production
- Prevents cross threading and side load, prolonging the life of installation mandrels
- Maneuvers smoothly as the arm absorbs torque reactions from electric and pneumatic tools
- Torque capacity of 177 in-lbf (20 Nm)
- And more…
the KATO Linear Torque Arm is fully compatible with KATO strip-feed packaged tangless inserts, and KATO prewinder electric tools (2KPE series).
Click to learn more about KATO Linear Torque Arm
Manufacturer Profile: KATO
KATO: Manufacturer of Tangless Inserts
KATO Fastening Systems is a leading manufacturer of threaded inserts known for their invention of the bi-directional tangless threaded insert. Founded in 1997, KATO provides a full line of tanged and tangless inserts, insert tools, hinges, and thread repair kits. KATO manufactures equivalent inserts to HeliCoil and Recoil and can often provide cost savings and shorter lead times compared to their competitors. KATO also produces inserts certified to military specifications.
KATO Mil-Spec Insert Series
- NAS1130
- MS122
- MS124
- MS21209C
- MS21209F
Advantages of KATO Tangless Inserts
Tangless inserts have the same fit, form, and function as tanged inserts but with a couple key advantages. One, tangless inserts reduce the possibility of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) from loose tangs which can cause damage to machinery. This translates into reduced costs for maintenance and repair. Two, tangless inserts are bi-directional which means that no orientation is required when installing inserts. This can speed up assembly providing additional cost savings.
bisco industries – Authorized KATO Distributor
bisco industries is proud to be an authorized KATO Distributor. bisco stocks 1000s of KATO parts and offers online pricing and availability as well as production information. To find KATO stock visit biscoind.com today!
Product Spotlight: KATO Hexatorq Hinges
KATO Hexatorq Hinges set the industry standard for reliable and cost effective motion control. Hexatorq hinges feature an innovative metal and plastic resin hinge design which provides extraordinarily smooth motion as well as unparalleled durability.
Spring Hinges vs. Hexatorq Hinges
Conventional spring hinges tend to lose their lubrication and damage mating parts by seizing up in high temperature environments. In contrast, the Hexatorq design, utilizes modern engineered plastic resin that requires no lubrication. In fact, in an elevated temperature application, KATO Hexatorq Hinges experience a predictable drop-off in torque and then return to preset torque values after a minimal cool down period. This means NO damage to expensive components!
KATO Hexatorq Hinge Features and Benefits
- Designed for at least 30,000 cycles without failure.
- Smooth operation throughout 360° range of motion.
- Holds position throughout the full range of motion, no spring-back.
- Corrosion resistant stainless steel and engineered resin design.
- Light-weight and compact design maximizes space and weight savings.
- Hex configuration provides for easy mold-in mounting without brackets.
- Available with brackets for external mounting.
- No lubrication required! Eliminates the possibility of contamination or corrosion to sensitive parts.
- FOD free design. No metal to metal friction means no foreign object damage from metal particles.
bisco – Authorized Source for KATO Hexatorq Hinges
KATO’s standardized range of Hexatorq sizes and configurations were determined through extensive design and durability testing and meet virtually all common application requirements. If the standard sizes aren’t suitable then bisco and KATO can work to customize a solution for your specific application. Use KATO Hexatorq Hinges and significantly reduce your typical design-to-manufacture time cycle and overall costs. Visit biscoind.com to find Hextorq hinges.
Replacing Metal with Plastic? Here’s a Solution for Weaker Threads
Maintaining Thread Strength in Plastic Parent Material
Today, manufacturers and design engineers are looking for alternative ways to decrease the cost, weight, and size of their parts. As a result, more and more companies are turning to plastic to replace heavier and more costly metal materials. Using plastic not only reduces the weight, but can also lower cost, and provide design flexibility. In fact plastic components manufactured using injection molding can be produced in a fraction of the time it takes to machine the same component from metal.
There are many pros and cons to using plastic as an alternative to metal, however one major drawback is weaker thread strength. This issue can be resolved with a product bisco industires is a franchised distributor for – KATO Tangless® CoilThread® inserts.
KATO CoilThread inserts are a helically-coiled fastener that can provide permanent, wear-resistant screw threads that exceed the strength of plastic parent materials. While made of metal, KATO CoilThread inserts weigh less and require the smallest boss diameter (minimum required material thickness around the insert) for a given size when compared to solid/brass inserts. KATO CoilThread inserts can be installed in any plastic material that can be tapped.
Bonus! Additional Cost Savings
KATO Tangless inserts have a drive notch at each end which eliminates the need for orientation thereby reducing overall installation time. In addition, KATO Tangless CoilThread inserts usually cost less than solid inserts! That means, you can reduce costs both by switching to plastic components and by securing them with KATO Tangless® CoilThread inserts. In fact, customer studies show that using KATO Tangless inserts can save from $0.15 – $0.50 per hole in labor costs.
Already working with plastic materials? bisco carries a large selection of tangless inserts and tools. Visit biscoind.com for more info on all KATO products!
One Pawl Fits All – What’s in your tool?
Do you use KATO® Tangless® CoilThread® inserts or tools? If so, KATO has created a new system to simplify the pawl ordering process, streamline inventory management, and reduce overall costs for nearly all KATO Tangless installation tools.
The One Pawl Fits All™ system allows customers to use one pawl with ANY KATO installation tool of the same size. The pawl is an internal component that engages the drive notch of a KATO Tangless CoilThread insert, installing it into the tapped hole.
Many other manufacturers require users to purchase different pawls for different tools of the same thread size, but not KATO! KATO’s One Pawl Fits All system works with all KATO brand installation tools
- KATO Prewinder Electric Tool
- KATO Prewinder Air Tool
- KATO Prewinder Hand Tool
- KATO Hex Electric Tool
- KATO Round Electric Tool
Here’s how it works… order any size KATO installation pawl (2KIP Series) and use it in any KATO Tangless installation tool of the same size. It’s that simple! Go to biscoind.com/KATO and search 2KIP to see a complete list of KATO pawls.
Save Money with KATO Tangless Inserts!
Why Tangless Inserts = Cost Savings
As technology moves forward, customer expectations and demands for higher quality fasteners is at an all time high. KATO revolutionized the industry with the introduction of the Tangless® screw thread insert, the most advanced helically coiled screw thread insert in the market today.
Tangless® CoilThread® inserts are a continuous, helically-coiled, bi-directional, wire design. This innovative design allows for installation using a drive notch located at each end of the coil insert instead of a tang located at one end of the insert.
Because KATO Tangless inserts have a notch at both ends, this eliminates the need to orient the insert during installation and saves on production cost. But that’s not all…
After installing a tanged insert you have to go back and break off the tang, this process is eliminated with Tangless inserts. In blind holes the tang must be retrieved; this process is also eliminated with Tangless inserts. Tangless inserts are FOD-Free by design, so you never have to worry about contamination by a missed tang.
What It Means for your Bottom Line
The advantages of using KATO Tangless inserts are clear: less overall installation time means lower production costs and equates to money saved. In fact, customer studies show using a KATO Tangless insert can save from $0.15 – $0.50 per hole in labor costs.
Installation isn’t the only area of cost savings. KATO Tangless inserts can save thousands of dollars by eliminating the likelihood of damage to the machined part, and preventing the need to rework or even scrap parts. Having a notch on both ends means KATO Tangless inserts can be backed up (if installed too deep), or removed without any damage to the parent material or STI threads. Try that with a tanged insert!
So, what are you still waiting for? bisco industries carries a large selection of KATO Tangless CoilThread inserts and tools. Isn’t it time YOU go tangless?