I've had no trouble installing into seasoned red oak (hardwood). Hardwood Solution: Take your time at first and don't use a percussion tool. Drill a hole of the desired size and depth. Second, use a screw short enough not to reach the bottom of the insert and a washer between the screw and the insert. Third, use a socket wrench and socket to screw the insert into the wood, take your time, don't use an impact wrench or drill, only hand tools. Fourth, remove the short screw, sometimes you need to