If you are building any of the die-cast metal large scale models out there, you are probably familiar with the pain around driving screws into metal parts. In my experience, some of these screws have a tendency to bind up, strip threads, or simply snap off. Not only does it cause frustration, but it could cause a long delay in your build waiting for replacement parts.

For a while now, I have read about other builders that were using a little oil on their metal screw threads to help reduce the risk of damage and the effort needed to seat these screws fully. Up until this point, I had taken my time to carefully pre-thread metal screws, but it turns out they were on to something. I recently picked up some 3-in-One Multi-Purpose Oil (from the WD-40 Company) and it has changed everything!

I simply dip the tip of each metal screw into a tiny drop of this stuff and they go right in and without any drama. I should have done this sooner! If putting a little oil on the end of a metal screw is not feasible, you can also use a toothpick or other small tool to apply the oil directly into a screw hole before installing the screw.

To hold the oil, I use this fantastic 4 oz dispenser bottle with a built-in pump and metal lid. I fill it up and pump the lid when I need a little oil to work with. Additionally, it has a nice wide base to reduce the possibility of spills:

I highly recommend grabbing a bottle of this oil (or other similar lubricant). It will surely save you time and headache!

I have had many visitors ask about the tools and supplies that I use to build my partworks, so I have created a ‘Shop‘ over at my main build site with Amazon links to most of the items I have used along the way. All proceeds go towards supporting my site costs, not for profit. I hope you all find this helpful!

Go to Shop

If you want to build this specific partwork, check out the Agora Models 1:24 scale FDNY Tower Ladder 9 ordering page!

It is time to start a new, but old, partwork. As my first build from Agora Models, This adventure should result in a beautiful 1:24 scale model of the 2001 Seagrave 75′ Aerialscope tower ladder truck used by the Fire Department of New York from 2001 to 2013.

Agora Models is quite a bit different from the other partwork publishing companies we partwork builders are used to – such as Eaglemoss, DeAgostini, and Hachette. First off, Agora focuses on the large-scale models themselves, not the content of the magazine issues. Agora also wants a close relationship with their customers, promoting collaboration, open communication, and even supporting modifications to their products. Additionally, they don’t force us to wait years to complete a model by offering 12-month purchasing options!

Agora’s website also offers an Expert Directory (of which I am already a member), a welcoming community forum, and a downloads section with all of the available instruction guides. They openly encourage all of their builders to share stories and photographs regarding their own experiences and will even publish them (with permission of course) in a “YOUR MESSAGES AND MEMORIES” section of each product.

I can’t wait to get started on this model and look forward to a successful relationship with Agora Models!