50 Handy Tricks

Step 17 Bar Soap is Screw Lube

This is a boatbuilder's trick. If you lubricate a screw with soap, it goes in a lot easier and holds just as well. You're much less likely to break the head off when putting it in.

Comments

[Guyj]

I've used wax stubs to rub down the threads before screwing in an outdoor lightbulb. The threads tend to corrode and stick when exposed to outdoor humidity. Not too much wax though or it acts like loctite once the wax is heated by the bulb. Just a little wax goes a long way in lubricating the threads. If you do lock up a bulb with too much wax then just heat it with a blow dryer to soften the wax.

[Liquidhypnotic]

Please, please, please: be sure NOT to misinterpret the title of this "step".

[derttiej]

lol. nice one..

[jakedeathless]

I always go with wax rings for toilets. They're cheap and come in a convenient plastic "container".

[shooby]

My grandpap taught me to mix soap with candle wax, works great for this, especially if you are going to disassemble whatever you're putting together

[frankmci]

Better than soap: candle wax from an old candle stub. Soap will absorb moisture and hold it against the screw, leading to rust/corrosion. The paraffin wax used in most candles will shun moisture and prolong the life of the screw, even in wet conditions, (like on boats.)