Brass screws are ideal for many wood working projects because they won’t rust over time, and if they’re going to be exposed, they have a more attractive look than steel. But brass is soft, and it’s easy to strip them, particularly when you’re using harder woods. So take these four precautions.
1. Drill a pilot hole, of course. Use a bit that’s about the same diameter as the main shaft of the screw, so that the threads will bite. You can go a little wider in diameter if you’re having trouble driving the screw.
2. Lubricate the screw with a bit of soap or wax – carefuly, that is. You don’t want that material getting on the surface of the wood.
3. You can even drive in an identical steel screw to pre-cut the threads. Remove it and insert the brass screw. Double the work, but might save time in the long run.
4. Finally, use proper driving technique, keeping firm downward pressure on the screwdriver, so it doesn’t slip from the slot.