Mechanical Problems & Technical Chat If you've got a problem you just can't figure out, a noise you can't diagnose, or a check engine light that won't go away, ask about it here!

Seized License Plate Screws

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 16, 2011 | 04:40 PM
  #1  
TheStig's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
HCF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 54
From: United States
Default Seized License Plate Screws

Exactly as the title says. Both front and back... stuck. Will not budge. I've tried WD-40 with no luck. I even just bought a can of PB Blaster. I sprayed behind the screw head and let it sit for 5 minutes like it says to. No luck. I'm hoping it will sit overnight and loosen the bolt by the morning. The most frustrating part is that the bolts in there are STAINLESS STEEL! (and yes, the correct size.)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Next time I'm getting plastic screws.

TheStig

P.S. I'd really like to leave cutting and re- tapping holes as a last resort.
 

Last edited by TheStig; Mar 16, 2011 at 04:43 PM.
Old Mar 16, 2011 | 04:58 PM
  #2  
cvcrcr99's Avatar
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 7,319
From: DUB Caeser
Default

Are you rounding the bolt head off? Or are they just not budging? Using a breaker bar, or something with leverage than an average rachet?
 
Old Mar 16, 2011 | 05:12 PM
  #3  
TheStig's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
HCF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 54
From: United States
Default

It's a screw, not a bolt. I've been using a screwdriver. The screw just will not budge.

Similar to this:
 
Old Mar 16, 2011 | 05:33 PM
  #4  
Mecca8383's Avatar
HCF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 428
From: Copperas Cove, TX
Default

Tell you what...put the screwdriver in the screw..hit the end of the screwdriver with a hammer a couple times(not really hard..but hard enough to break the rust up in the treads), spray alittle more Lube on there & try it now.
 
Old Mar 16, 2011 | 05:42 PM
  #5  
TheStig's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
HCF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 54
From: United States
Default

Originally Posted by Mecca8383
Tell you what...put the screwdriver in the screw..hit the end of the screwdriver with a hammer a couple times(not really hard..but hard enough to break the rust up in the treads), spray alittle more Lube on there & try it now.
I'll give it a shot tomorrow when it's light out. The can of PB Blaster said more extreme cases may require a longer period of time to work. I'm hoping letting it soak overnight will break it free. Thanks for the tip.
 

Last edited by TheStig; Mar 16, 2011 at 05:48 PM.
Old Mar 17, 2011 | 03:23 PM
  #6  
01WIEX's Avatar
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3
Default

Torch it..a bit..then turn..done
 
Old Mar 21, 2011 | 05:17 PM
  #7  
winston61's Avatar
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
Default

I have not found anything that Kroil would not budge, fine stuff. A little goes a long way. Disclaimer: I have no association with the firm that produces Kroil. I am a paying customer. They always have discount buys on their products, so they very reasonable. Moderator, I hope I have not violated policy.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Thefbomb13
General Civic Talk
14
May 31, 2007 04:51 PM
greatfoxmusic
Mechanical Problems & Technical Chat
3
Sep 25, 2005 05:28 PM
alan4359
Mechanical Problems & Technical Chat
4
May 18, 2005 07:51 AM
1995civic3
Mechanical Problems & Technical Chat
1
Nov 9, 2004 01:23 AM
ImportTrendz
General Civic Talk
12
Aug 24, 2004 12:08 AM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:02 AM.