A downhole tool for use in a wellbore that includes a mandrel made of a composite material, the mandrel having a distal end and a proximate end. The downhole tool has a metal slip having a slip body comprising at least one longitudinal hole, and a face surface configured with a set of mating grooves. The downhole tool has a lower sleeve disposed about the mandrel at the distal end, the lower sleeve having a set of pin inserts configured to engage the set of mating grooves.