Sometimes, it’s those simple automotive fixes that become tedious and time-wasting. For example, removing the screws to change a license plate should be a slam dunk. However, if you encounter stuck screws, unscrewing them can be quite a hassle.
Overtightened, rusted, or stripped screws will create a major headache when removing them. Depending on the cause, there are various techniques and tools to help you deal with those pesky license plate screws.
I provide different ways you can handle a license plate screw stuck. Moreover, you’ll know how to prevent screws from getting stuck.
Answer: Ways to Remove Stuck License Plate Screws
You can remove a stuck license plate screw by:
- Using a different screwdriver
- Using penetrating oil
- Using white vinegar and salt
- Utilizing a pair of vise grips
- Using a rubber band
- Using an impact wrench
- Heating the screws
- Utilizing a rotary tool
Try With Different Screwdrivers
A different screwdriver could be all you need to remove stuck license plate screws. If you’re like most automotive DIYers, you probably have a No. 1 or No. 2 Phillips screwdriver. The truth is, the correct screwdriver for removing most license plate screws is the No. 3 Phillips screwdriver.
The correct size screwdriver should fit snugly on the screw head and help budge it. Place your screwdriver on the screw head and press it down with your weak hand. Then, use your strong hand to twist the screwdriver.
This method will help if you have overtightened screws. However, if you have a rusted screw head, place your screwdriver on the screw head and use a hammer to hit the screwdriver’s head. Doing so may allow the screwdriver to fit snugly and loosen the rusted screws.
Use Penetrating Oil
If the rusted screws won’t come out, apply penetrating oil to the stubborn screws. As its name implies, penetrating oil should penetrate through the inserts and lubricate the rusted screws.
Spray penetrating oil on the rusted screw head and allow it to sit for 15-30 minutes. Luckily, most penetrating oil spray cans have a nozzle to allow spraying directly to the problematic screw.
Access the back of your license plate and locate the rest of the screw if possible. Spray more oil on this part of the screw. Once the oil has lubricated the rusted screw, use your screwdriver to remove it.
Use White Vinegar and Salt
White vinegar and salt make an effective abrasive mixture that quickly dissolves rust. So, mix the two in a bowl and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. White vinegar is a mild acid that removes rust by itself. Fortunately, adding salt increases acidity, allowing the mixture to chew rust faster.
Pour some mixture on the rusted screws. Alternatively, soak a cloth in the mixture and rub it on the rusted screws.
Wait for the white vinegar and salt mixture to do its work. You should see some rust coming off the screws. Apply more mixture if necessary, and use your screwdriver to remove the screws.
Utilize a Pair of Vise Grips
Sometimes, your screwdrivers won’t help remove a license plate screw stuck, no matter how you try. For example, stripped or worn-out screw heads won’t offer a good grip when using a screwdriver. In this case, you’ll need a pair of vise grips to remove the screws.
Vise grips can also help if the screws keep turning without coming out.
To get the job done:
- Clamp the vise grips’ suckers on the stuck screw head.
- Turn the screw counterclockwise or clockwise until it budges.
- If you feel the screw giving in, turn it counterclockwise to remove it.
Use a Rubber Band
If you don’t have vise grips to remove stripped screws, try using a rubber band. Place your rubber band over the stuck screw head. Then, position your screwdriver on the rubber band and press it firmly. The goal is to create a firm grip when moving the screwdriver.
Turn your screwdriver counterclockwise, ensuring a good grip between the rubber band and the screw. Keep rotating the screwdriver until you get the screw out.
Use an Impact Wrench
Rusted license plate screws might fail to come out even after using penetrating oil, a mixture of vinegar and salt, or the correct screwdriver. All you need is a tool that exerts more force to remove the stubborn screws.
An impact or torque wrench could be all you need for this job. This tool delivers high rotational torque that can loosen and remove the screws. Before using this tool, spray some penetrating oil on the stuck screws. An impact wrench lets you control the rotational torque for removing the screws.
Heat the Screws
Heating the stuck license plate screws can be another method of removing them. You can use a gas torch to heat the rusted or stuck screws.
But first, use a vinegar and salt mixture to clean the rusted screw head. Avoid using penetrating oil as it’s flammable. Heat the screw with your gas torch but avoid overheating it. Next, spray cold water on the heated screws and repeat this process 2-3 times.
Heating and cooling should loosen a license plate screw stuck, making it easier to remove with your screwdriver. You must wear safety gloves and have a fire extinguisher nearby for safety.
Utilize a Rotary Tool
A rotary tool can be helpful if you’re dealing with stripped screws. You should utilize this tool if using vise grips and a rubber band didn’t help. The rotary tool will help create a groove on the screw head to fit your screwdriver.
To get the job done:
- Wear protective leather gloves and goggles.
- Ensure your rotary tool has the right attachment for making the correct groove size.
- Make a groove on the stripped screw and spray some penetrating oil.
- Use your screwdriver to loosen and remove the screw. You can expand the groove with the tool if it’s narrow.
Answer: Ways to Prevent License Plate Screws from Getting Stuck Again
- Suitable tightening: Don’t overtighten the screws, as this can wear out the slots in the screw head. Spin the screw with your screwdriver until it reaches its limit.
- Use rust-resistant screws: Go for stainless steel screws to keep off rust or corrosion. Rust-resistant screws can be effective if you drive in areas with road salt, snow, or debris.
- Clean the threads before installation: Use white vinegar to clean the screw threads and the insert to remove any stuck debris or rust.
- Use coarse threaded screws: Fine threaded screws will likely wear out faster and get stuck. To avoid this problem, use coarse threaded bolts to provide a better grip with the inserts. Such screws won’t corrode or wear out quickly, allowing easier unscrewing.
- Apply an anti-seize compound: An anti-seize compound prevents corrosion and keeps the screws lubricated. Apply this product on the screw threads before installation.
Wrapping Up
We’ve detailed tools and techniques you can use to handle a license plate screw stuck. Remember to use protective gear like leather gloves and goggles when using power tools. Moreover, keep a fire extinguisher nearby when using a gas torch.
Lastly, apply our tips for preventing license plate screws from getting stuck. This way, you can unscrew the screws effortlessly when cleaning or replacing the license plate.