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!
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!