Top 5 Threaded Inserts, Rivet Nuts & Helical Inserts in Canada 2025 — Expert Guide to Durable, Repairable Threads for Plastics, Thin Panels & Composites

E-Z LOK brass heat-set inserts are best-in-class for permanently reinforced threads in thermoplastics, offering excellent pull-out and torque performance at low per-part cost. They hold their position because they are fast and simple to install with common heat-set or soldering equipment and are typically cheaper for high-volume plastic assemblies than using helical repair kits or metal rivet nuts. Compared with ultrasonic or press-fit solutions, E-Z LOK inserts trade higher temperature exposure for lower tooling cost and very compact final footprint, making them a practical choice for consumer and electronics manufacturing.

Rivnut Original steel rivet nuts are a market-leading, economical solution for creating strong internal threads in thin-sheet and tubular materials where backside access is restricted. Their technical advantage is rugged steel construction and a proven blind-installation method that is significantly faster and less labor-intensive than welding or nut-plate installations, giving clear cost savings in production and repair applications. Compared to rivet nut systems from premium tool makers and to plastic inserts or helical thread repairs, Rivnut originals remain the go-to choice when metal-to-metal threaded joints are needed quickly and affordably.

HeliCoil free running kits are the established leader for restoring stripped or damaged threads and for installing wire-threaded helical inserts that return fasteners to full strength. They excel technically by re-establishing original thread sizes with durable stainless-steel coils, avoiding costly component replacement and offering superior load distribution compared with single-point repairs. Financially, HeliCoil kits reduce downtime and part scrap in maintenance and aerospace/automotive repair work, and they complement rather than compete with rivet nuts or plastic inserts where original metal threads must be preserved.

Yardley ultrasonic threaded inserts specialize in precision ultrasonic installation into thermoplastics, delivering consistent joint strength with minimal thermal degradation and cycle time advantages over conventional heat-set methods. Their technical edge—ultrasonic energy for fast, repeatable seating—reduces scrap and improves cosmetic finish, which can offset the higher initial tooling cost for medium-to-high volume, quality-sensitive assemblies. Compared to E-Z LOK heat-set inserts, Yardley’s ultrasonic approach is better for temperature-sensitive polymers and offers lower long-term rework expenses in demanding production environments.