Saving fasteners with Teflon tape, emery cloth for threaded tailpieces, new use for worn-out gloves
To avoid breaking or stripping fasteners and to make fastening into hardwood easier, I always wrap a little Teflon tape around the threads. It lubricates the threads but won’t leave any residue behind if the item is going to be stained or treated in some way. It is especially useful for weak screws or screwing in large lag bolts to hardened wood.