starter hole

Key Techniques

Small screws seldom require pilot holes (see following steps). However, they do need a starter hole. Poke a hole with a scratch awl. Give it a few twists, back it out, and you're ready to drive in the screw.

hand screwdriver

Start screws by holding the screwdriver handle with one hand and the screwdriver blade with the other. Don't hold the screw. If the screw is spinning around and not going into the wood, put two hands on the handle to apply more pressure.

power-drive

Even a few screws can take a long time to drive by hand, so consider using a drill with a screwdriver bit. When driving slotted screws, take care that the bit does not wander partway out of the slot, or you could damage the surface into which you are screwing. Don't drive screws too quickly, or the bit may slip out of the slot. Maintain firm, even pressure as you work.

drywall screws

You can buy drywall screws by the pound at bargain prices and drive them into most materials in which you would use nails. If you use a magnetic sleeve, place the screw on the bit first, then set the tip of the screw in place on the material. If you need to hold the screw to keep it from wandering, hold the head only, not the sharp threads.