Ratings & Reviews for Hillman 1/4-in x 20 Zinc-plated Steel Wood insert Nut 4 Count
Ratings may include incentivized customer reviews.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers report mixed results with these threaded inserts. Many describe the metal as too soft and prone to cracking or stripping during installation, particularly in hardwoods, with some finding the material non-magnetic and brittle. However, a substantial group confirms the inserts work well in soft woods, particle board, and MDF when pre-drilled correctly or combined with epoxy. Success depends heavily on application type and installation method. While some praise smooth threads and functionality, others cite poor value and lack of clear installation guidance. Overall, reviewers find them suitable for specific soft-wood projects but unreliable for demanding applications.
Customer review summary generated by AI, including incentivized reviews.Threaded inserts
Easy installation
From 1_SLASH_4-in x 20 Steel Cast zinc Wood insert Nut 4 Count Verified Purchaser
Soft metal won't withstand pressure
Would Not RecommendI had installed 16 inserts into a slab of wood (soft wood) and the opening for the hex key got stripped on 4 of them (thankfully they were about 95% of the way in) and 2 the side walls of the head split. I had to hand saw one out and was able to use the remainder of the insert but I these are not reliable enough to be able to use. Would recommend a sturdier / stronger metal insert through a competitor. The ones that installed correctly and didn't strip I was able to twist flat with the wood but ...
Threaded inserts
I am using these to make wine bottle stoppers on lathe they seem to be working great for this application.
From 1_SLASH_4-in x 20 Steel Cast zinc Wood insert Nut 4 Count Verified Purchaser
Very poor quality
Would Not RecommendVery poor quality. I had to look up to see what size drill bit to use for these. The manufacturer says 5/16. I tried one out on a sample piece of wood. First one split out the head of the insert. You have to use a 6mm hex head Allen wrench to insert it. Drilled a true a straight hole. No Good. Second one I wallard out the hole. Seemed to work better. Went to the work piece. And the head split open again. Had to use pliers to remove the 3/4 of the way insert. They are tapered. So th...
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Use a larger bit than you think for the pilots.
Would Not RecommendPre drilled holes but every other one of these stripped out while inserting.
From 1_SLASH_4-in x 20 Steel Cast zinc Wood insert Nut 4 Count Verified Purchaser
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These are cheap metal.
the threads are bad, bolt will not go all the way down, had to use a tap to use it. Put a bolt all the way in and use the bolt to tighten into the hole. The hex key part will strip before you are done if you use that option. Cheap foreign metal. Not even as good as brass
From 1_SLASH_4-in x 20 Steel Cast zinc Wood insert Nut 4 Count Verified Purchaser
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Brittle
Would Not RecommendVery brittle, used one for a crib and the end crumbled into peices adding a whole days work. Do not buy your better of getting some rockler.com
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Good for some scenarios.
Would RecommendIt's easy to use but not easy to get enough glue into the hole that you are inserting it into. If you don't get enough in there, it will pull out if you apply to much force from a screw. Probably best used in a situation where you don't have to put a lot of tightening force on it.
Verified Purchaser
Seems good on soft wood.
Would RecommendBroke on Hard Wood
From 1_SLASH_4-in x 20 Steel Cast zinc Wood insert Nut 4 Count Verified Purchaser
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easy to use
Would Not RecommendWorked well, as they were supposed to.
From 1_SLASH_4-in x 20 Steel Cast zinc Wood insert Nut 4 Count Verified Purchaser
Decent but fragile
Strong hold once installed, but the material makes installation difficult. The top section, where you insert the Allen wrench, easily crumbles with any resistance. I broke close to half of the pieces I used. The broken ones still worked, but I had to cut & file the jagged edges so they were flush.
From 1_SLASH_4-in x 20 Steel Cast zinc Wood insert Nut 4 Count Verified Purchaser
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Worth the dough
Would RecommendThis was a project saver and I wish I knew about these earlier.
From 1_SLASH_4-in x 20 Steel Cast zinc Wood insert Nut 4 Count Verified Purchaser
Excellent Inserts
Would Not RecommendDoes the job intended
Good holding power
Would RecommendThese were easy to install, now I hope they hold as well.
Easy to install.
Would RecommendGood value. Product fit as it should
From 1_SLASH_4-in x 20 Steel Cast zinc Wood insert Nut 4 Count Verified Purchaser
Stripped Out, Very Soft.
Would Not RecommendThis will work for soft woods like pine. It will not work for anything harder than pine. You will strip out the inside trying to screw it in.
Hello, Thank you for providing us feedback on your product experience. We apologize that the product did not perform to your expectations, and we wil...
Hello, We’re sorry to hear that this product was unsatisfactory and did not meet or perform to your expectations. We will continue to monitor product...