How to Remove Anti-Theft License Plate Screw Caps?
3 Answers
There are several main steps to remove the anti-theft license plate screw caps, which are: 1. Use needle-nose pliers or duckbill pliers to grip the anti-theft screw ring. Once the screw ring shows slight deformation, release the pliers. 2. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the deformed part of the screw ring and pry downward to remove the anti-theft screw cap. 3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the inner screw. This completes the process. One important note: When using the flathead screwdriver to pry off the screw cap, apply force but avoid brute strength; use a bit of finesse. If it doesn’t come off on the first try, don’t rush—take your time.
Last time I tried to remove the anti-theft license plate screw covers myself, it took me quite a while to get it done. These screw covers are designed to be tricky - regular wrenches can't budge them at all. I went to the hardware store and bought a specialized anti-theft screw removal socket set with reverse hook teeth on the inner wall. After spraying some rust penetrant for lubrication, I aligned the socket tightly over the screw cover and slowly turned counterclockwise with a wrench. One screw was particularly stubborn, so I gently tapped the socket with a hammer a few times before twisting, and eventually got all of them off without damaging the license plate. The whole process took about twenty minutes, and the tools only cost thirty yuan. It's actually not that difficult. I'd recommend checking the screw specifications in advance and choosing the correct socket size to make things easier.
To remove license plate anti-theft screw caps, use specialized tools and avoid using pliers forcefully. The outer part of the anti-theft screw cap is a toothed metal shell, while the inner part is the nut—ordinary tools will just slip. Purchase a set of anti-theft socket wrenches, preferably ones with reverse grooves. Before operating, clean off any dirt or debris, ensure the socket fully covers the screw cap, and turn the wrench counterclockwise with a firm grip. If rusted, spray some WD-40 and wait 10–15 minutes for it to penetrate before turning. For stubborn cases, lightly tap the side of the socket to loosen the rust. Keep the socket pressed firmly to avoid slipping and scratching your fingers—that’s trouble. With over a decade of car repair experience, I’ve found the key to removing these screws lies in using the right tools and applying force patiently.
