Screw vs. purpleheart wood - GIF

[owen moore]

I knew an old cabinet maker years ago that was making some small intricate parts for a grandfathers clock. He would always rub a small screw or a nail across his nose before he would drive or hammer it. I asked him about it and he said it put just enough oil on it to keep the wood from splitting and the screws would drive easier. I like soap better.