# Removing a Sav-A-Thread by Helicoil **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** caravan, dodge\ **Created:** [May 26, 2017, 6:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-a-sav-a-thread-by-helicoil/104359 "2017-05-26T18:37:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![kruger.keith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c89c15/32.png) [@kruger.keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kruger.keith)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2017, 6:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-a-sav-a-thread-by-helicoil/104359/1 "2017-05-26T18:37:55Z")
Has anyone ever removed a Sav-A-Thread Helicoil? they installed one due to stripping the threads on the middle plug in the back on a 3.3L Dodge Caravan. It is not in straight and the plug keeps fouling out after about 1,000 miles. This will be the third time to replace the plug. I want to try to remove the insert and either re-drill and re-tap it. Any suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2017, 6:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-a-sav-a-thread-by-helicoil/104359/2 "2017-05-26T18:52:38Z")
Obtain a Helicoil removal tool. > **[HeliCoil repair procedure for stripped threads - Rugged Portable](http://www.rugged-portable.com/helicoil-repair-stripped-threads/)** > > A damaged HeliCoil sometimes needs replacement on the Getac A-Series rugged laptop. Complete repair instructions, part sources and tools described. Tester ---
**Author:** ![kurtwm1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/13edae/32.png) [@kurtwm1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kurtwm1)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2017, 6:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-a-sav-a-thread-by-helicoil/104359/3 "2017-05-26T18:53:50Z")
When you drill out the plug hole the old helicoil will be part of the drilled out shavings. A little warning, there are only so many times you can drill out and re-tap a hole. Each time you do it it gets a little larger and you have to use larger and larger coil. Also, you better make sure none of the shavings fall into that hole. ---
**Author:** ![kruger.keith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c89c15/32.png) [@kruger.keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kruger.keith)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2017, 7:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-a-sav-a-thread-by-helicoil/104359/4 "2017-05-26T19:49:50Z")
Thanks, My concern is the Sav-A-Thread system is a little different then a traditional Helicoil. The insert is a solid piece. Just a little nervous about getting it all the way out. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2017, 7:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-a-sav-a-thread-by-helicoil/104359/5 "2017-05-26T19:53:49Z")
I’ve used the tool to remove Save-A Thread and helicoil type inserts. It works on both. Tester ---
**Author:** ![kruger.keith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c89c15/32.png) [@kruger.keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kruger.keith)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2017, 10:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-a-sav-a-thread-by-helicoil/104359/6 "2017-05-26T22:58:37Z")
Thanks for the vote of confidence I needed. I’ll try it and let all know how it goes. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2017, 12:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-a-sav-a-thread-by-helicoil/104359/7 "2017-05-27T00:17:44Z")
Before you try to do this yourself, ask the local auto machine shop how they’d do it, and how much they’d charge to do it for you. I think that might be a better option here.