How to Remove License Plate Screw Caps?

[NevaehRose]

Here are the methods to remove license plate screw caps: 1. Clean the surface: The owner can first clean the surface of the license plate screw caps, including any rusty areas, to facilitate the subsequent removal process. 2. Use a flat-head screwdriver: Insert a relatively small flat-head screwdriver into the gap of the screw cap, mainly to loosen the crimped part inside the screw cap that acts as a snap. Once loosened, apply slight force to pry the screw cap outward. 3. Loosen the screw: After the screw cap is loosened, the owner can directly insert the screwdriver into the hole to unscrew the screw, thereby removing the screw cap. If the screwdriver cannot pry it open, pliers can be used. Grip the outer shell of the screw cap with the pliers, maintaining an angle parallel to the license plate, and rotate counterclockwise to loosen the original fixing screw. Then, change to an angle perpendicular to the license plate, pulling outward while rotating counterclockwise until the screw is completely removed.

[MacAniyah]

When I last changed my license plate, I encountered this issue—the screw caps were very hard to pry open, which is usually a theft-proof design. I used a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the edge of the cap, moving slowly and avoiding excessive force to prevent scratching the plate or damaging the cap. If the cap is particularly tight, you can first spray some lubricant like WD-40, wait a few minutes for it to penetrate, and then try again. Remember to check if the license plate screws are loose, as this could be one reason the cap is difficult to open. Safety first—work in a well-lit area to avoid tools slipping and causing injury. The whole process took me about 5 minutes. It’s best to regularly check the fastening of your license plate to prevent such minor hassles.

[OAdeline]

As an amateur car enthusiast who often tinkers with vehicles, I always keep some basic tools handy for dealing with license plate screw caps. The first step is choosing the right tool—flathead screwdrivers or specialized cap-prying pliers work best. Gently pry up one corner of the cap, gradually widening the gap until you can remove it by hand or with pliers. Avoid using excessive force to prevent cracking plastic or metal caps, which could leave fragments in the screw holes. If the cap is rusted in place, applying rust penetrant lubricant before attempting removal is recommended. After completion, ensure the screws are securely tightened to eliminate any loosening risks—this is crucial for driving safety. With a few practice attempts, the process becomes quite effortless.

[HarperRose]

The screw caps mainly serve to prevent dust and protect the screw heads. When removing them, I recommend using simple tools like a screwdriver to gently pry the edges. Be careful not to damage the license plate surface, especially since newer car paints are prone to scratches. If the caps are aged and brittle, handle the fragments with care. The entire process emphasizes safety with no complicated steps.