If you’re modifying or building a bass, guitar, or other wooden instrument, there’s a real danger of messing up the finish or cracking/splitting the hard woods when inserting screws.
To make it easier and safer, rub some beeswax (candle wax will work in a pinch) on the screw’s threads before inserting it into the wood. The lubrication will help prevent cracks, splits, and lifted or chipped finish problems.