Best externally threaded inserts according to redditors

Earlier I made a practice station for a set of 6 locks, but it was uncomfortable to hold in my lap while I watch TV. So I made a couple of these small holders in an hour or so. There is a brass insert for the screw, so these will last forever, and the screws will turn easily.
I would recommend making these before you try to duplicate the big rig.

I used the E-Z Lok 1/4-20 brass inserts. You can use thumb screws or knurled screws (as shown in the picture). Thumb screws are available at nearly any hardware store.
The special tool I used to screw in the brass insert is shown here, but some people may want a driver bit.

I rounded off the edges using a router table, but a sander can be used. The slot can be cut with a table saw or a small dovetail or gent's saw.

I didn't apply a finish yet, as I wanted to use them for a while. I can do that later. I used oak for these holders.

The parts can be purchased here. here. here or here and the T-handle wrench I used is available here.

Some tips:

• Drill some small pilot holes and make sure they line up because the holes from the side and top have to intersect.
  
• The large hole may cause tear-out, so you might want to drill from both sides. (That's why a small pilot hole is useful).
  
• Make sure you drill the proper size hole for the brass insert. I have 3/8" marked on the bag to remind me.
  
• When you, ah, insert the insert. make sure the slots for the screwdriver face out, so you can remove the insert in case it gets messed up.
  
• I find the T-handle wrench is easy to control and to make sure you hold the tool at the right angle. If it's tilted, the insert may not go in easily.
  
• Be prepared and have extra inserts, in case you mess up.
  
• If you use a hard wood like cherry (like my practice station), you may have to use one of the brass inserts to start the thread, then back it off (with a screwdriver) and replace it will the final one.
  
• Be safe and protect your fingers. Drilling the large hole into the block will cause the wood to grab and spin with the bit. I held it in a small vice. I also used a professional hold-down when I used the router table. Those pieces of wood are too small to be hand-held.
  
  Let me know if you have any questions.

Looks like the brass threads are something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Z-Threaded-Insert-Internal-Threads/dp/B0026GZU0Q/

3/8" - 16 looks like the right threads, check with your faucet manufacturer though.

Tool this:

https://www.amazon.com/Z-LOK-Drive-Tool-Optional/dp/B00209X86W/

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This is neat, but it does assume you have some tools to make the handles look good. You're resawing the wood with your table saw and getting accurate length cuts with a chop saw. These tools are expensive to own and take up a lot of space.

I think it would be really cool to have a wood laser to put a design on the handle, or I guess you could paint them with chalk paint and change them as you see fit. I will probably do this because I need some better labeling on my keezer.