Shortening a thread insert (helicoil)

[m_c]

Has anybody shortened a thread insert?

I've got a repair to do that needs a M16x1.5 insert about 12mm deep (~0.75xD) into a blind hole, but the shortest insert I could get is 1xD (the repair kit comes with 1.5xD, so I'll just use them as they'll need shortened anyway).

I'm thinking cutting with a dremel before fitting will the most reliable option, and as it's a fairly large thread, a quick tidy up of any burr with the dremel should work.

 

[doubleboost]

slitting disc no problem "they get hot"

 

[oldbikedavey]

Got some Facom high - leverage wire cutters that I normally use.
Seems to work well enough.

 

[Agroshield]

If it is going all the way to the bottom of a blind hole, maybe think a little about or test elsewhere how breaking and retrieving the tang will work out.

 

[RichardM]

Only thing I would add is put a thin piece of metal between the coils when cutting so you don't knick the adjacent coil.

 

[Maker]

I made a surface grinder fixture last year to shorten 32x M2.5 helicoils. Probably overkill for a one off.