You will need to know the size of your license plate screws if you are installing them for the first time after buying a new car.
Over time screws can come loose and fall out, or you might have rusted and worn-out screws that need replacing. In most cases, you cannot use any size screw.
You must determine the right size screw that is required for your type of vehicle.
License Plate Screw Sizes & Types
| Screw Type | Sizing |
| Slotted truss head – 14099 | ¾ x ¼ universal zinc plated |
| Slotted truss head- 6717 | ¾ x ¼ GM, universal and black |
| Phillips truss head – 1434 ss | ¾ x ¼ stainless |
| Slotted pan head – 12932 | ¾ x ¼ GM, universal and black |
| Phillips truss head – 1012ss | No. 10 x ½ stainless |
| Slotted hex-head – 903 | No. 12 x ¾ universal, Subaru and zinc plated |
| Slotted hex washer head – 6552 | ¾ x ¼ universal, black zinc plated |
| Slotted hex washer head – 1939 | ¼ x 5/8 OD washer for Ford n800369-s2 |
Screw materials
| Material of the screw | Pros/cons |
| Regular steel | Low rust resistance Low strength |
| Alloy steel | Very durable Barely any corrosion resistance |
| Plastic | Break easily Doesn’t rust |
| Titanium | Extremely strong Resists most chemicals |
| Brass and bronze | Expensive High corrosion level |
| Zinc-plated steel | Cheap Hasn’t got high corrosion resistance |
| Aluminum | 1/3 of the weight of steel Low resistance to corrosion |
| Chrome and nickel steel | Medium corrosion resistance Polished appearance |
What Is the Best Way to Read the Size of a Screw?
Screws have sizing that is written differently from what many people are used to. For instance, you might read M6 6mm x 1.0.
This is essential to learn as it will help you purchase the right size screw you need for your vehicle type.
First, note the first letter in the example above is M. This means the biggest diameter.
The number that is directly after the letter is the thread pitch. The numbers follow that.
In the example, it is 6mm, which is the length in millimeters before reaching an inch. The number after the x shows how many threads are in the amount of thread length.
In every millimeter is one thread which will then extend when you get up to 16mm.
What Size Are License Plate Screws for Different Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Screw size |
| Acura | M6 x 20mm |
| Honda | M6 x 1.0 – 12 – 20mm |
| Toyota | 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.5 inch |
| Ram truck | #14 x 13/32 inch |
| Nissan | #14 1/4 x 3/4” |
| Ford | #14 1/4? x 5/8” |
| Chevolet | #14 x 3/4? |
| Ford F 150 | 1/4-14-5/8 inches |
| Lexus | 6.3mm X25mm |
| Volkswagon | 1/4-14-3/4 inch |
| BMW | M4.8 x 16mm |
| Mercedez Benz | M6 x 1.0 x 8-16mm |
| Infiniti | M6 x 16mm |
| Mazda | M6 x 1.0 x 25mm |
| General motors | 1/4? (#14) x 3/4? |
BMW
Image Source: e92n55.com
BMW prefers the 10mm size. You can get away with shortness of around 8mm and a length of 12mm. The M5x10 mm-sized screw is suitable.
The prime ave is stainless steel and has an average length.
The screws are resistant to corrosion, durable, and made with high-quality materials.
With a quality design, they’re best to replace your old screws.
Ram Truck
The Ram truck uses a standard screw size of 1/4-14-3/4 inches. For a good quality, perfect fitting screw for a Ram, try the Otospeed Rustproof screws.
These fasten well and being rustproof means you don’t need to worry about the screws becoming stuck.
Ford Truck and Cars
The Ford vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles all fit the screw size of ¼-14- 5/8 inch.
These screws work with vehicles that have nylon or plastic frames. Due to the screws having slots, they are easy to install with a 3/8 drive socket.
You can also use a basic flat head screwdriver.
Mazda
The Mazda screw size is a metric size. The M6 has an A6mm thread pitch. Any other screw you decide to use will need to have a length of ½ of an inch to safely secure the plate.
Nissan
The license plate screw to use for a Nissan Vehicle is 1/4-14-3/4 inches. The best choice here is the revolution steel plate screws.
These durable screws come in jet black and have quality zinc-plated stainless steel to avoid any rust development.
Mercedez Benz
For a Mercedez, you need a 6mmx12mm plate on the rear. A Phillips pan machine screw.
If you are mounting without a frame, then you need to go with a 10mm.
If you go with one with more length, then your rear lid is going to get drill marks. You will also have a gap between the screws and the license plate.
Acura
You need a M6 x 16mm screw to secure your plates on an Acura.
These are the common standard size and are easy to obtain.
Use a hex round head type SS screw as they require you to use a 4mm Allen key to undo.
Chevrolet
The standard size for a Chevrolet plate screw is one with a 10mm length. You can get away with a shorter one at 8mm or longer at 12mm.
The prime ave type screws work well with this type of car and are made with high-quality stainless steel.
These screws have a truss head, so there is no need for a washer. They are also self-tapping and are rust-resistant.
The prime screws offer a low profile and can be used with license plate frames.
Honda
The revolution steel type suit the Honda brand for both trucks and cars. These have a ¾ inch length and ¼ inch diameter.
They will also work with motorcycles. This type of screw has a universal fit and is very durable. You get resistance to corrosion, and they don’t require any nylon inserts for their installation.
Toyota
Toyota requires a 1 x 0.5 x 0.5 inch screw for plate installation. It is recommended to use RSD screws, and they never rust, and you end up with a secure fit. These screws will fit all types of Toyota models.
If you are using these screws instead of screws that were bigger previously, you might need to consider a plastic anchor. The RSD screws you get are the two standard rear screws and their fasteners.
Ford F-150
Ford F-150 trucks need a screw size of 1/4-14-5/8 inches.
The SNUG screw is a stainless steel fastener screw that fits this model well. High-quality and non-corrosive, they can also fasten onto other model cars with a tight fit.
You can use a flat head screwdriver as they have a slotted hex head. A 3/8 drive socket will also do the job.
The Process to Remove Rusted License Plate Screws
Hammering
Using a hammer carefully, hammer around the screw. Rust can fuse things together over time. Hitting the screw gently can help move the screw.
Only do this if you are confident you will not damage the car or plate.
Next, get your screwdriver and undo the screw. Repeat with other stubborn screws.
Lubrication
Spray some WD-40 around the screw and try to work it with the above method to get the lube on the inside. Lube that is specifically made for this job might work better than using WD-40 if you have extra stubborn rusted screws.
Once you have sprayed the screw with the oil, let it sit for a few minutes, then try to get it undone again. If nothing happens, spray again and let it sit for half an hour. Then, try with some elbow grease, and the screw should come loose.
Impact Wrench for Stubborn Screw
An impact wrench is like a drill and uses a rotational force that can pull a screw out. It saves the quick power for when the screw is giving resistance. These tools are not always best for this job as they are more suited for long screws.
However, if other methods have failed, this might be an option to try. If you have trouble using a hammer, these might work for you as they are a lot lighter and easier to handle.
Using Vinegar to Remove Rust From Screws
If you have rusted screws you want to keep, you can try the vinegar method to remove most of the rust. Using distilled white vinegar, pour some into a cup and soak the screws overnight.
Now remove the screws and use a toothbrush to give them a good scrub, and the rust should come away. Rinse clean with fresh water and dry.
What If Screws Are too Rusted?
It is time to replace them if it takes a few tries to get the rusted screws out after trying different tactics.
If they get too rusted, they can become stuck and may need to be cut or pried out. This can cause damage to your car.
License plate screws are affordable and easy to obtain, which makes them easy to replace when needed.
How to Replace License Plate Screws?
You shouldn’t face too much resistance when removing the screws.
Make sure you are using a screwdriver that is the correct size and type for the screw you are dealing with.
Gently loosen the screw, and when you have a good grip, slowly turn until the screw is able to come out.
If you need to replace the screws or apply a new number plate, you might need to drill new holes.
How Do I Drill New Holes?
Drilling new holes for the screw is fairly simple and can be done with a 5mm drill bit.
The important part here is to drill from the rear.
If you drill from the front, you run the risk of damaging the film that your number plate is covered in.
Anti Theft Screws – Are They Worth It?
An anti-theft screw protects your license plate from being stolen. You can use a normal screwdriver to install the number plates with the special screws.
The plates and screws can only be removed by a tool that may come with the screws or can be obtained by authorized stockists.
What Type of Screws Are Used for Vehicle Plates?
Most commonly used are two types: the plate nut and the plate screw. The nut doesn’t have threads, unlike the screw, which has several threads cut into it.
There is a hex wrench or Allen-type slot in the middle of the screws.
You can use a wrench or screwdriver to tighten and undo the screws and then add the plate nut.
They can be screwed on with your hands as long as you can do it up tight enough.
Where to Buy License Plate Screws From?
Most vehicle part stores will carry license plate screws, or you can purchase them online. You can buy kits that come with the right screwdriver that you need.
Depending on where you you get them from, some places have workers who can install them for you if you have trouble.
If you are buying online without any help, ensure you take note of the screw lengths. The right size screw for your make and model of vehicle is most important.
The length for license plate screws rangers is from one inch to two inches in length. Newer vehicles have longer screws, and some are installed with other means like tape and special glue.
It will depend on the vehicle as to whether it has screwed on or adhesive plates.
FAQs
1. Can I install a license plate without screws?
Ans. If you use the right adhesive, they can be stuck on using adhesive pads or special glue. The pads and adhesive work great at attaching plates to your car. Make sure you follow the instructions properly.
2. What are m6 screws?
Ans. The M6 screws are metric. The M means metric, and the 6 is the diameter in milliliters. You will often see one following, which means the distance between the threads. These screws are commonly used for number plate attachment.
3. Can I buy custom coloured screws?
Ans. You can buy screws in a certain color if you wish. For example, if your number plates are custom, you might wish to use the same colored screws. These attach the same as the rest. They are just differently colored.
4. Will double-sided tape hold a license plate?
Ans. Normal household double-sided tape isn’t going to work for number plate attachments. It isn’t durable, doesn’t hold for long, and will eventually come loose from water.
Buying specially made vehicle plate attachment tape is great since it holds strong. Just cut to the right size, place it down, remove the protective tape, and press the number plate onto the tape. Hold for a few seconds to allow for a decent attachment.
Leave a Comment