Ditto
When it comes to screws in nutplates, Iv'e learned the hard way over 20 years of RV maintenance:
Never install #6 hardware if #8 will serve instead. #6 is notoriously tight/binds easily.
Stainless looks better, but is too soft to trust.
Valve lap compound on screwdriver tip gives a good grip.
A toilet wax bowl ring will thread-lube about a million screws going into nut plates, and prevents heartache.
Toss any screw that looks sketchy. Keep a backup inventory so you won't be tempted to re-use one that isn't pristine.
Screwdrivers eventually wear out, just slower than screws do.
Electric screwdrivers are great for removing screws and for installing them 3/4 of the way in. For final tightening, mankind was given manual screwdrivers to do the job right - preferably ones that bear the Wiha brand name.
Most of us tend to over-torque screws (and AN-3 hardware) by feel alone.
__________________
Bill Boyd
Hop-Along Aerodrome (12VA)
RV-6A - N30YD - Built '98 / sold '20
RV-10 - N130YD reserved - under construction
donating monthly to the VAF - thanks, Doug
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