A tool for installing a helical coil insert in a tapped hole formed in a workpiece includes a tubular body having a bore extending along its axis, a mandrel coaxially disposed in the bore of the tubular body, a motor for rotating the mandrel, and an air cylinder for applying an axial force to the mandrel. The tubular body includes a recess at one end for carrying a helical coil insert in alignment with the bore. An opening in the tubular body allows a user access to the recess. The tubular body is moveable to position the helical coil into selective engagement with the mandrel, whereby rotation of the mandrel installs the helical coil insert a selected depth in the tapped hole of the workpiece. In addition, the mandrel slides axially within the bore of the tubular body to remove the tang from the helical coil insert upon installation of the helical coil insert in the tapped hole.