MTH SHELLS - SCREW LUBRICATION

I've never had to lube the screws.  I make sure they're threaded correctly before I try to tighten them.  I also use a very small handle screwdriver to minimize the torque that can be applied.  Remember, we're screwing into fairly fragile plastic tubes, so gentle is the name of the game.

I've used this trick and seen some very tight screws into those plastic posts. Just used a tiny bit of plastic safe grease. I only used a tiny, tiny bit on the tip and let the screw spread it as it's going into the plastic.

If the screws are that tight, I tend to reach for my drill.  One issue with lubing the screws is they'll go in easy, but they will also be more likely to split the post.  A trick in replacing the screws is to back them up first and then screw them in.  You want to find the same threads as were cut by the initial use of the screw.

Good method and nice alternative solution.

Agree with backing first and finding the original threads, and no lube. You must make sure the threads are clear of any plastic shreds from the original installation as they will strip the threads for sure.

I always thought the reverse motion start was a no-brainer...Slowly rotate the screw backwards till you feel it drop, then proceed forward. This makes sure the screw threads slot into the post threads and not across them.

---PCJ

I’ve been putting on a small dab of red and tacky lube on the post screws for years.  I know too many people that have cracked their screw posts or stripped the threads trying to loosen/tighten those screws. The plastic safe lube allows for smooth removal and replacing of screws (just hand tighten at the end to ensure you don’t over-tighten).  I haven’t cracked a post yet or had any issues removing shells since doing this.

I agree with GRJ’s method of starting the screws.  I also add a tiny drop of synthetic oil to the screw tip to make for smoother operation in future shell removals.

Ron