I'm an idiot... can't remove a brass mic clip insert...

The traditional way (I'm a former mechanic) to remove a threaded insert is to take a bolt of suitable size, (I forget the sizes offhand but they are easily obtained at the hardware store) and a nut. Screw the nut on the bolt and gently bottom it out. Screw the bolt (and nut) into the insert. Now use the nut (which is on the bolt) as a locking nut by unscrewing it on the bolt so that it presses tightly against the insert and binds it tightly.

After you have your lock nut in place you should be able to coax the threaded insert out of the mic clip by unscrewing the botl/nut/insert assembly.

The alternative is to sacrifice the insert and simply jam a large screwdriver into the guts of the insert and unscrew the insert like it's really important to you to clear the clip.

You can also try heating and cooling the insert... heating will expand the metal and the plastic a bit. Quick cooling (like with ice) will contract the metal a bit quicker than the plastic and that may provide some ease in unscrewing the insert.

I recommend the first method I suggested.

best,
mike

teflon is a lubricant... good luck with that.

Plastic usually has good heat tolerance... I'm not talking about a blow torch here. You can safely try Boiling water? a Hair Dryer? maybe a soldering iron placed directly on the metal? (and not on the plastic) These are all classic techniques.

But honestly my first suggestion is the best method.

Have a great day,
mike

"Yes, that's true Mike, but teflon tape is widely used in plumbing to wrap around male threads prior to screwing into a female thread - not for lubrication, but to provide a water tight seal over the threads."

Yes, I've done my share of plumbing and I recall making the transition from thread putty to teflon tape. It's chief benefit is that it serves as a lubricant while you tighten the threads and then it simply becomes a generic material that enhances the seal. If by chance you need to disassemble the joint the teflon once again becomes a lubricant.

Something about rounded edge inert molecules... :-)

all the best,
mike

the bolt with a nut binding to the insert is the best suggestion here that could work non destructively

wut she said

You could use a bolt that fits the inside threads and glue it in. After it dries you should be able to back the entire thing out if the glue holds. The locking nut thing is a good idea if the insert is still sticking out enough beyond the clip body.

You can also use the T bar tool that is used to repair sprinkler systems, it's like a reem with the teeth reversed.

ORIGINAL: RRabbi

Didn't get a chance to try yet... gonna go over to my neighbour's garage and get the bolt to do it... I'll be sure to keep everyone posted! :)

By the way don't worry about the brass insert... I have a box full if you need one.

ORIGINAL: ohhey

You could use a bolt that fits the inside threads and glue it in.

That's what I suggested, but using nail polish in lieu of Loctite.

ORIGINAL: Lanceindastudio

wut she said

She??? How many bald-headed bearded women do you know??? OK, you don't need to answer that!