What are threaded tube inserts?
Threaded tube inserts are inserted into the ends of tubes or pipes to allow for the adjustment or levelling of your application. Available in different shapes, their internal threading provides a secure connection. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about threaded tube inserts, covering:
Applications
Benefits
Variations: Types of Threaded Tube Inserts
Materials
Applications
Threaded tube inserts are perfect when you need a strong, threaded connection point within a hollow tube. Some of their common uses and their industries include:
● Furniture Manufacturing
This is a primary application for threaded tubing inserts. For example, threaded inserts for steel tubing are widely used to attach legs, castors, adjustable feet, and other components to furniture frames. You can use threaded inserts for aluminium tubing or any other material.
● Metalworking
Threaded tube inserts can be used when flow drilling, which is a metalworking technique. Threaded inserts are fitted into pre-drilled holes to create a threaded connection point. This allows for the attachment of various components, such as adjustable feet, or even for joining of multiple tubes.
● Machinery and Equipment
Threaded inserts for metal tubing serve as reinforcement and threaded anchor points in light- to medium-duty machinery. They can be used to mount control panels, levelling feet, brackets, and other functional elements.
● Construction and Shelving
Shelving systems, handrail supports, and other structural applications use threaded tubing inserts. They provide a secure way to connect tubes, pipes, and other components within a framework.
● Consumer Goods
Threaded inserts for steel tubing find uses in various consumer products, such as appliance legs and exercise equipment. They offer a reliable way to incorporate threaded connections where needed.
● Automotive
Threaded tube inserts are used in vehicle frames, roll cages, and other structural components to attach panels, brackets, and accessories securely. They’re especially important in ensuring that parts subjected to high stress and vibrations, such as engine mounts and suspension components, remain securely fastened. Their use also allows for modular design approaches, enabling the customisation and upgrading of vehicles with various accessories and components.
● Healthcare and Medical Equipment
Used in hospital beds, mobility aids, and medical apparatus to provide strong, reliable threaded connections. This allows for the secure attachment of parts, such as adjustable bed frames, wheelchair components, and medical device housings, which are crucial for the functionality and safety of the equipment. They’re also used as end caps on bed frames.
The material, size, and specific type of threaded tube insert – also called a threaded insert tube – will depend on the application's requirements. For heavy-duty situations, metal inserts provide superior strength. Plastic inserts offer a cost-effective solution for lighter loads.
To learn more about tube inserts, both threaded and non-threaded, check out our Guide to Tube Inserts.
View our Range of Tube Inserts
Benefits
Threaded tube inserts offer several advantages:
● Easy Installation
They are typically simple to push or tap into place, requiring minimal tools or expertise for installation.
● Versatility
Threaded tube inserts come in various sizes and materials to suit different tube diameters and weight capacities.
● Strong and Secure Connections
They provide a reliable and robust threaded connection point within a hollow tube.
● Reinforcement
Threaded tube inserts can reinforce weak areas around the tube ends, preventing damage and improving structural integrity.
● Cost Effective
They offer a relatively inexpensive way to add threaded functionality compared to welding or other techniques.
● Improved Aesthetics
Threaded tube inserts can provide a clean and finished look to the ends of tubes, especially when compared to exposed threads or raw cut edges.
● Multi-functionality
In furniture applications, they can combine creating a threaded connection point with offering stability and protecting the floor from scratches through levelling feet or casters screwed into the insert.
In some cases, depending on the application, a hole plug might better serve you. Learn more in our guide, Hole Plugs, Explained.
Variations: Types of Threaded Tube Inserts
While the core function remains the same, threaded tube inserts come in various types to suit specific needs.
Threaded Round Tube Inserts
Threaded round tube inserts offer a practical solution for furniture and equipment construction. These inserts screw into the ends of round tubes, providing a secure base for attaching various adjustable components. Their internal threads allow you to easily attach:
● Levelling feet
● Tilt glides
● Casters
The all-metal tube threaded inserts are made of steel for maximum strength with a zinc-plated finish for corrosion resistance. Internal metal ribs ensure a secure grip within round tubes. Our round plastic threaded tube inserts are available in HDPE, Nylon, PA, Steel, PP, LDPE, Aluminium, PE. You can also get steel and
aluminium threaded tube inserts for enhanced durability.
Rectangular Threaded Tube Inserts & Glides
Our comprehensive selection of threaded inserts and glides offers a versatile solution for furniture construction and finishing.
Rectangular in shape, both our metal threaded tube inserts and plastic threaded tube inserts are designed for easy installation. Simply insert into the ends of tubes and pipes for:
● Clean finish: Creates a neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance compared to exposed tube ends.
● Surface protection: Safeguards surrounding elements from the tubes’ sharp edges.
● Dirt and debris prevention: Helps prevent dirt and other contaminants from entering the tube cavity.
● Functional enhancement: Internal threads allow you to attach adjustable feet, tilt glides, and casters.
We offer a range of threaded inserts to suit different applications:
● All-metal inserts: Made from robust materials like aluminium, these inserts provide a strong and secure connection.
● Plastic threaded tube Inserts with metal nut: Cost-effective options combine a plastic body with a metal nut for a secure threaded connection. They come in single or two-piece designs for ease of use.
Combined with our selection of glides, you can create a complete solution for enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of your furniture projects.
View our Range of Rectangular Threaded Inserts & Glides
To help you learn about attachments, our experts have put together our Guide to Levelling Feet.
Round Threaded Tube Inserts
Round threaded tube inserts offer a practical and secure solution for connecting and reinforcing tube ends. These inserts feature internal threads, allowing for the easy attachment of components using screws.
The threaded design provides a strong and reliable connection point for a range of furniture and equipment components, including levelling feet, casters, and other threaded elements. Installation is quick and easy, streamlining the assembly process.
We offer a range of round threaded inserts in various materials like HDPE, nylon, PP, PE, steel, and as aluminium.
Threaded Square Tube Inserts
Threaded square tube inserts transform a plain square tube into a versatile base for furniture. They seamlessly integrate into the tube ends, creating a clean and finished look. The internal threads let you screw in components such as adjustable feet, tilt glides, machine feet, and casters.
The metal thread design ensures smooth and effortless adjustments of the attached hardware, making it easy to find the ideal level or angle for your furniture. We offer horizontal insert options alongside the standard threaded versions, providing additional flexibility for your design. Available in nylon 6, HDPE, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), cast aluminium alloy and steel.
View our Range of Threaded Square Tube Inserts
Materials
Choosing the right material for your threaded tube inserts depends on the weight requirements and environment of your project. Here's a comparison of metal and plastic threaded tube inserts to help you select the best option.
| Material | Characteristics | Benefits | Drawbacks | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE | Lightweight, cost-effective, good chemical resistance | Affordable, easy to install, works with multiple gauges | Lower strength compared to metal | Standard duty applications, furniture (lighter weight) |
| Steel with Zinc Plated Finish | Strong, durable, good for heavy loads | High strength, corrosion resistant | Heavier weight, higher cost | Heavy-duty applications, furniture requiring high load capacity |
| Nylon | Lightweight, good abrasion resistance | Affordable, lightweight | Lower strength compared to steel or glass-filled nylon | Standard duty applications, furniture (lighter weight) |
| Nylon 6 | Lightweight, good wear resistance, good chemical resistance | Affordable, versatile | Lower strength compared to steel or glass-filled nylon | Standard duty applications, furniture (lighter weight) |
| PP (Polypropylene) | Lightweight, good chemical resistance, moisture resistant | Affordable, lightweight | Lower strength and heat resistance compared to nylon | Low-duty applications |
| Aluminium | Lightweight, good strength-to- weight ratio, good corrosion resistance |
Strong for its weight | Lower strength compared to steel | Standard and heavy-duty applications depending on thickness, furniture requiring lighter weight but good strength |
| HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) | Lightweight, cost-effective, good electrical insulation | Affordable, lightweight, easy to machine | Lower strength and heat resistance compared to nylon, brittle at low temps | Low-duty applications, furniture (cosmetic applications) |
Try before you buy
You can request free samples (some exclusions apply) to make sure the threaded tube insert you’ve chosen is exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you. You can also download free CADs.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast dispatch.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.