Does Helicoil really make pedal thread size inserts, right and left-hand thread? I have never been able to source any.
The ones I have used are Eldi brand and are not helical coils, they are thin tubes with threads inside and out.
I suspect people are using the name Helicoil (a brand name) when they mean "thread inserts" but I would love to be wrong - real helicoils are pretty cool.
I take issue with the poster who said they make the crank stronger - cranks do break across the pedal "eye" now and then, and we've just removed some crank material there (made the hole larger). From the cranks perspective, it's seeing a smooth threaded steel thing, applying the same force either way, but with less aluminum to hold against the force after the operation.
I have done it a number of times, and ride my tandem hard, most every week, with cranks I modded that way. So I'm not saying it's a prescription for road rash. But probably a little weaker.
Mark Bulgier
Seattle WA USA