Heat-set inserts aren’t just oddly satisfying to install—they’re also incredibly useful, adding value to your 3D-printed parts. These tiny pieces of metal provide durable threads in plastic prints, creating a strong, reusable connection that elevates the quality and appearance of your projects. But what happens if you need to remove them? Whether you installed the wrong size, want to reuse them in a new project, or plan to recycle your leftover prints through services like Germany’s RecyclingFabrik, removing heat-set inserts can be a challenge.

Buy an Insert Extractor: https://cnckitchen.store/products/insert-removal-tool-for-m2-m2-5-m3

We’ve been selling threaded inserts of all sizes for years, and we’ve finally come up with a solution: the Insert Extractor.

Why Remove Inserts?

There are many reasons to remove heat-set inserts:

• You accidentally installed the wrong size.

• You want to reuse the inserts in another project.

• You’re recycling your prints and need to separate materials.

While there are DIY methods to extract inserts, they can damage your tools or leave your inserts unusable. That’s where our Insert Extractor shines—a simple yet innovative solution designed specifically for this task.

Buy an Insert Extractor: https://cnckitchen.store/products/insert-removal-tool-for-m2-m2-5-m3

How the Insert Extractor Works

The Insert Extractor is an accessory that attaches to the installation tips we sell for most soldering irons. These tips already make installing heat-set inserts easier and more precise, and now, the same adapter system can be used for removal. Here’s how:

1. Preparation:
   Attach the Insert Extractor to your soldering iron adapter. Set your soldering iron to about 20°C above the usual printing temperature for the material. For PLA, for instance, I set my iron to 240°C. Too low, and the insert won’t budge; too high, and you risk generating harmful fumes. Once the iron reaches its target temperature, allow the nickel-plated copper extractor to heat through—this might take a couple of extra minutes.

2. Setup:
   Screw the copper screws from the extractor set into the inserts you want to remove. Ensure they’re screwed in at least the length of the insert for good heat transfer.

3. Extraction:
   Hook the extractor under the screw’s head. The heat will soften the surrounding plastic in about 10 seconds (for PLA). Gently pull the insert out as the plastic softens, being careful not to apply excessive force that could damage your tools.

4. Reuse the screws:
   The removed screws should quickly cool down. Once they are cool to the touch, you can unscrew the insert and re-use the screw to extract the next inserts.

Reusable Inserts?

Once removed, inserts can often be reused. They usually come out pretty clean, but you should avoid re-installing them with incompatible materials. For example, don’t reuse inserts from PLA prints in PETG projects, as the leftover plastic residue may compromise the connection. While reused inserts might not offer the same precision and strength as new ones, they’re perfect for prototypes and non-critical applications.

Where to get one?

The Insert Extractor is available in our Online Store.