Why does the tang have to be removed at all?
The driving tang is an important component of the thread insert, needed for installation. It serves as a drive aid to screw the insert into the hole. Once the insert is firmly in place, the tang has fulfilled its function and would block the insertion of a screw, which is why it must be removed.
What thread sizes is the tang breaker suitable for?
The tang breaker is primarily designed for smaller thread inserts. For thread inserts from M13 and above, the tangs are usually larger and can typically be broken off easily with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Can I remove the tang without the tang breaker?
For very small thread inserts, it is almost impossible to cleanly remove the tang without a special tool. The tang breaker snaps the tang off precisely at the predetermined breaking point, which minimizes the risk of damaging the thread. For larger inserts from M13, using needle-nose pliers is a common alternative.