I have had good luck first using a steel screw of the same size as the brass screw to cut the hole. Then unscrew the steel screw and replace it with the brass screw. Using this method I have never broken a brass screw, or stripped a head yet.

Jason

: If you are mounting into hardwood, it will be difficult, even with
: pre-drilled holes, and require some force. You don't want to snap off any
: of the screws at this stage or any other for that matter. What I normally
: do is get some parafin wax and scrape the screw threads over it to get
: just a tad on the end of the screw. That way the screw will work much
: easier going in. A bar of soap will also work. Good luck with your task!

: Rehd