How to Remove the License Plate Fasteners?
3 Answers
Methods to remove the license plate fasteners: 1. Use an angle grinder to cut a straight slot on each screw cap of the license plate. Be sure to hold it steady while cutting to avoid damaging the plate. There are a total of 8 screw caps, and each one should be cut with a straight slot using the angle grinder. 2. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the straight slot cut by the angle grinder on the screw cap and pry it off. 3. After removing the screw caps, use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the bolts securing the license plate. Be careful to turn slowly to avoid stripping the bolts. The license plate fasteners are anti-theft fasteners and cannot be removed without tools. They are generally one-time use and cannot be reused once removed; new ones must be installed.
I've also encountered situations where the license plate screws couldn't be removed, and it took trying several methods to finally get them off. The most common ones are those anti-theft screws with a small cap in the middle. If the screw head is hex or cross-shaped, you can just use the corresponding screwdriver to twist it off. The anti-theft type is the most troublesome, requiring special tools or pliers to grip and twist hard. Some screws get rusty over time, so you can spray some rust remover and wait ten minutes before trying to unscrew them. If you really can't manage it yourself, taking it to a repair shop for them to use pneumatic tools is the easiest solution. Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands when removing them, and don't use too much force to avoid stripping the screws.
There are several types of license plate fasteners, including regular screws and anti-theft ones. Let's not talk about the regular ones; the anti-theft fasteners require special tools. Last time, I used a flathead screwdriver wedged at the edge of the fastener and gently tapped it loose with a small hammer. If the screw head is still visible, try gripping it with needle-nose pliers and slowly turning. If it's really stuck, drill a small hole in the center of the screw with an electric drill, then use a screw extractor to remove it. Remember to protect the car paint with a cloth during the operation. Actually, this job isn't highly technical; with the right tools, it can be done in about ten minutes.
