bisco industries Blog

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

FeatureFunction / Impact
All-Steel ConstructionResists wear and breakage in shop or field conditions.
Prewinder MechanismCompresses insert to facilitate smoother entry and more uniform installation.
Ergonomic DesignSupports better control and comfort during manual use.
Size CoverageSupports 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-CompatibleWorks 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.

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.

Read more…

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!

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

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.

Cost Savings from KATO Pawl