Removing rusty number plate screws

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Sun 28 Jan 2007 15:22
Removing rusty number plate screws - JamesH
The cheap number plates fitted to my car when new by the main dealer have been delaminating. Along with a stone chip on the front one and rusty screws holding them on, I decided to get some nice new plates maden up to improve the appearance. I managed to swap the front one without problem but the rear one is proving more difficult.

The dealer did not use the yellow (or black) plastic screw covers, so the screws have been exposed to the elements for three years. Once screw turned about 1/4 turn before the posidrive part of the head crumbled. I still have the head in place but nothing for a screwdriver to grip. The other screw just sheared its head straight off, not quite flush with the car's panel.

I could probably just leave the sheared head in place, using either sticky pads or the other hole on that side to screw into, but treat it to ensure I won't be left with a rusty trail behind the new plate. Is there an easy way to remove the screw now?

Any ideas how to shift the screw that won't take a screwdriver anymore?

Thanks,

James
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 28 Jan 2007 15:34
Removing rusty number plate screws - yorkiebar
Try a pair good self grip "mole" type pliers on to it and unscrew it like that. Or small water pump pliers etc. Anything that can be firmly gripped on to shank of screw and used to undo it.

Once the screwhas turned a bit it will get easier.

Will probably (almost certainly) make you swear but just persevere. A drop of releasing oil may help too.

If you take it to a garage etc thats all they will do. So while you are swearing you will be saving the money!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 28 Jan 2007 15:40
Removing rusty number plate screws - LeePower
Small pair of mole grips as already said, that what I used on my sisters mk4 Astra rear number plate, took all of under a minute to get both screws out after she had been struggling for over an hour.

Using zinc coated screws when you fit the new plate back on plus the protective caps helps make sure that next time the job is easy.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 28 Jan 2007 15:43
Removing rusty number plate screws - Peter D
Can you access the rear of the panel of bumper to access the rear of the screws. Regards Peter
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Jan 2007 09:34
Removing rusty number plate screws - scotmech
Just break the old plastic number plate off ... and you will have a lot more of the screw to remove with pliers/self grips ... that 's the way i always used to do it (am retired now).
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Jan 2007 10:45
Removing rusty number plate screws - jc2
I asked this before-does anyone know who will still supply number plates-either pressed ali or with riveted numbers- usual white/yellow reflective?.I've had both types in the past but all I can find now are these horrible plastic which delaminate in about 13 months.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Jan 2007 10:49
Removing rusty number plate screws - markengland
Try www.framptons.net - have used him loads of times for conventional plates and he's excellent. I know he does loads of different types of plates though. HTH.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Jan 2007 10:57
Removing rusty number plate screws - jc2
Thanks;site looks good.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Jan 2007 10:58
Removing rusty number plate screws - markengland
jc2

Just checked the Framptons site and he does do the plates you mention. He offers a very quick turnaround too, we always get ours the next day, although they are the billy-basic acrylic ones for our coaches.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 8 Feb 2007 19:19
Removing rusty number plate screws - jc2
Ordered plates mid-day Wednesday-came in the post Thursday morning-excellent service.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 8 Feb 2007 21:13
Removing rusty number plate screws - markengland
Same as me - he's always delivered next day. Fantastic service and has never let me down once. I can recommend him to all. No relation/connection, just a very satisfied customer.

Mark.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 29 Jan 2007 10:50
Removing rusty number plate screws - L'escargot
I bought a screw removal kit for a pound or two from Focus. I haven't tried it yet so I can't say whether it works!
--
L\'escargot.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 6 Feb 2007 23:28
Removing rusty number plate screws - JamesH
Thanks to all posters. I only had the chance to give it a go this evening and managed to shift it using some small water pump pliers. That said, it turned a few times before shearing off just like the other one. They have both sheared reasonably flush with the panel so I will probably just treat them to prevent rust and use sticky pads to fit the new plate.

James
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 7 Feb 2007 17:40
Removing rusty number plate screws - Doc
They have both sheared reasonably flush with the panel


You still have the option of drilling out the screws using a small diameter bit.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 7 Feb 2007 18:15
Removing rusty number plate screws - gibbo007
jml have just brought out a screwdriver kit for dealing with the very problem of broken screwheads. buy from woolies or wilkinsons.
they do work.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide