If you are building any of the die-cast metal large scale models out there, you are probably familiar with the pain around driving screws into metal parts. In my experience, some of these screws have a tendency to bind up, strip threads, or simply snap off. Not only does it cause frustration, but it could cause a long delay in your build waiting for replacement parts.
For a while now, I have read about other builders that were using a little oil on their metal screw threads to help reduce the risk of damage and the effort needed to seat these screws fully. Up until this point, I had taken my time to carefully pre-thread metal screws, but it turns out they were on to something. I recently picked up some 3-in-One Multi-Purpose Oil (from the WD-40 Company) and it has changed everything!
I simply dip the tip of each metal screw into a tiny drop of this stuff and they go right in and without any drama. I should have done this sooner! If putting a little oil on the end of a metal screw is not feasible, you can also use a toothpick or other small tool to apply the oil directly into a screw hole before installing the screw.
To hold the oil, I use this fantastic 4 oz dispenser bottle with a built-in pump and metal lid. I fill it up and pump the lid when I need a little oil to work with. Additionally, it has a nice wide base to reduce the possibility of spills:
I highly recommend grabbing a bottle of this oil (or other similar lubricant). It will surely save you time and headache!
Hi! Is not the first time I heard about the possibility to use Oil. I see Wayne of World of Wayne using it in the latest building (e.g Ecto-1, he put an oil drop in the screw holes), but what emerges in the next videos are showy stains on the metal in correspondence of the oiled screws. They look like impossible to dry.
Does it happen to you?
(Thank you for all your work!!!!)
No, I have not had the same problem. I noticed the same stains on Wayne’s model, but he should be able to clean it up. I just dip the tip of each screw in the oil, then drive it in. If it gets tough, I will back out and try again. You don’t need very much oil at all.