As a cabinet installer, I drive a lot of screws into hardwoods, and I’ve found that silicone caulk is the best lubricant. It also acts as an adhesive once the caulk has cured. A so-called “used-up” tube of caulk has enough dregs left in it to grease dozens of screws. So that it doesn’t take up too much room in my tool caddy, I cut away the part of the caulk tube that no longer has any caulk in it, and I cut the nozzle off at its base. I use a piece of duct tape to cap the hole when I’m not using the tube.
Jim Roberts, Charlotte, NC
