Installing threaded inserts into the edge of plywood presents a challenge. First, you have to make sure you’re drilling a straight hole. Second, there’s always a chance that the edges of the plywood will split as you install the insert. Luckily, there are a few easy solutions to these problems.
The first step is to use a drill guide. You can see what I mean in the photo and drawing above. It’s a plywood cleat with a through hole glued to a hardboard fence. To ensure the hole is at 90°, I drilled it out on the drill press. Then I simply clamped this to the edge of the plywood and drilled the hole for my insert, using tape to gauge the depth.
I used a handscrew (a clamp works as well) to support the plywood edges as I drove the insert home. The photo above shows this. To install the insert, I used a bolt, a nut, and an insert guide. The insert guide is just two pieces of plywood with a hole to fit the bolt to keep the insert straight. From there, a socket wrench makes it easy.
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