Reusable fasteners - the benefits of tangless wire thread inserts

Reusability is a way to improve efficiency and cut costs in engineering. Fasteners that can be installed, removed and reused without compromising performance are increasingly valuable in industries where maintenance and cost-effectiveness matter most. One of the best solutions for reusable fastening is the tangless wire thread insert.

Tangless inserts combine the proven strength and durability of traditional wire thread inserts with a design that eliminates installation tangs, bringing unique advantages in terms of ease of use and cost savings.

What makes tangless wire thread inserts different as a reusable fastener?

Traditional wire thread inserts use a small “tang” to drive the insert into place. After installation, the tang must be broken off and retrieved which is an additional engineering step that takes time and can also generate foreign object debris (FOD). This is particularly problematic in aerospace, automotive and other safety-critical industries.

Tangless wire thread inserts solve this issue by removing the tang entirely. Instead, they feature a bi-directional notch design, allowing them to be installed or removed from either end using specialised tools.

The benefits of tangless wire thread inserts

When it comes to reusable fastening solutions, tangless wire thread inserts stand out for the wide range of advantages they bring to engineers and manufacturers alike. From simplifying installation and maintenance to delivering reliable performance in demanding environments, these inserts offer benefits across the entire lifecycle of a joint.

Ease of use and maintenance

• No tang retrieval: Maintenance teams save time by avoiding the process of locating and removing broken tangs, which can be especially difficult in deep or blind holes.
• Fast installation and removal: With bidirectional design, tangless inserts can be quickly installed or extracted, simplifying rework and reducing downtime.
• Reusable by design: Their robust structure allows bolts and screws to be reused multiple times without thread degradation, extending component lifespan.

Enhanced reliability

• Eliminates FOD risk: By removing the tang, tangless inserts eliminate a common source of debris that can damage sensitive equipment, especially in aerospace applications.
• Improved joint strength: Like all wire thread inserts, tangless designs distribute stress evenly along the fastener, reducing wear and preventing thread stripping in lightweight materials.
• Performance in harsh environments: Available in specialised alloys and coatings, tangless inserts resist corrosion, vibration, and thermal stress, ensuring long-term reliability across demanding industries.

Cost savings across the lifecycle

• Lower maintenance costs: By simplifying installation, avoiding tang retrieval, and enabling fast rework, tangless inserts reduce overall maintenance time and labour costs.
• Extended component life: Protecting parent materials from wear and fatigue means fewer replacements of costly components like aerospace structures, automotive parts, or industrial machinery.
• Increased productivity: Faster assembly cycles support leaner manufacturing processes, reducing overall production costs.

Leading tangless wire thread inserts across industry

Tangless wire thread inserts are widely used in aerospace, automotive, defence, electronics, and industrial equipment, where reliability and cost control are extremely important. By offering reusability, eliminating FOD and ensuring reliable performance in lightweight materials, they enable engineers to design with confidence while reducing long-term costs.

At KATO® Advanex, we pioneered Tangless® wire thread inserts to give engineers the benefits of wire thread reinforcement without the drawbacks of traditional tanged designs. Our inserts comply with an array of commercial and industrial standards and are available in a wide range of materials, sizes and finishes to suit your specific application.

If you’re looking for a reusable fastening solution that improves productivity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, Tangless® wire thread inserts are the answer. Download our product brochure below to find out more.