This tool works extremely well, but read the following first as if you have an Astra G (1998-2004) there is a potential problem which can arise. It may affect other cars too.
The box contains a hexagonal allen key for removing the brake caliper guides. This is unnecessary as you would not know the guide pin threads had stripped unless you had removed them already. There are ten cleverly designed thread inserts, a special double-diameter drill for enlarging the holes in your caliper bracket ('steering knuckle' on the Astra), a tap for clearing out the old thread (this too is unnecessary), and three drill guides (VW, Ford, Vauxhall/Opel).
The inserts have a 3mm flange at one end - think of a top hat upside down. The process is very simple and the instructions quite clear: using the appropriate drill guide for your car drill the old threads out of the hole in the steering knuckle with the tip of the drill bit , then continue drilling so that the wider diameter enlarges the hole to accommodate the insert.
The inserts are fitted so that the flange butts against the steering knuckle thus preventing the insert from being pulled out in use. They are an "interference" fit - in other words they have to be pressed in with a bench press. It is possible to tap them home with a hammer but make sure the knuckle is supported as if you break it you are looking at an expensive part to replace. If you must do the job in situ I recommend using a small vice or G-clamp to squeeze the insert home.
The smaller of the pictures shows the insert fitted snugly into the body of the steering knuckle, with the caliper guide pin screwed home. Note the copper washer. Also note that the insert sits 4mm proud of the surface, this dimension comprising 1mm copper washer and 3mm insert flange..
And this is where you can encounter a problem. If you drive an Astra G with the smaller engine (1.4, 1.6) and with drum brakes at the rear you will almost certainly find that when you fit new pads the inside brake pad will foul the thread repair insert and in the worst case can - and will - jam the brake on. This was certainly my experience and the car becomes undriveable as the disc heats up and glows cherry red!!
The solution requires a simple modification to the fitting process. I used a workshop pillar drill and a 10 ton press for accuracy and control, but if you work carefully there are other ways of achieving the same thing.
This is the fix: after using the special drill to enlarge the steering knuckle hole for the insert, use a 14mm HSS drill to enlarge the hole to take the full width and depth of the thread insert flange. This means drilling no more than 3mm below the surface. Press home the thread insert without using the copper washer. Now the thread repair insert is flush with the surface of the steering knuckle - see second picture.
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