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Post by Teachndad on Jan 9, 2016 21:10:51 GMT -8
Hi Friends,
I have a license plate frame that I need to remove from the license plate. The screws are heavily rusted. The screw heads on all four screws are rounded and need a flat head screw driver to loosen. The nut on the other side can be square or hexagonal. If I try to loosen the nut, the screwdriver just spins out of the screw head and I get no where. I have tried copious amounts of PB Blaster on them, but to no avail. I was lucky to be able to get two of the 4 screws loose, but I am still stuck with two stubborn ones.
I could take a grinder with a gutting blade or a flap disc to them but that makes it high risk for some destruction of the license plate, which I prefer doesn't happen.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Rod
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 9, 2016 21:32:32 GMT -8
I had to drill out a few rusted screws recently. Small bit, mid bit and then a bit the size of the screw. It becomes an problem if it spins.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Jan 10, 2016 5:10:00 GMT -8
If you need to cut them off, try using a Dremel with a cutting wheel. I'd soak them with WD40 or PB Blaster first. Slot the screw with your Dremel and put a wrench on the nut. If that doesn't work, just cut it off with the Dremel. Btw, I really prefer PB Blaster over WD40 when try to get something rusted to turn loose.
Another alternative would be the little bit for removing stripped screws. It kind of drills into the screw and gives you a good bite. Good luck.
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Jan 10, 2016 6:24:58 GMT -8
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 10, 2016 8:55:46 GMT -8
Kirk can you tell me how that works? Looks very interesting and there is nothing worse than a problem like Rod is having. |
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Jan 10, 2016 11:01:17 GMT -8
It's basically a cold chisel which tightens down against the nut which is trapped in the 'one-size-fits-all' circle part. The other end of the chisel is threaded and tightened with a box end wrench or the like. Usually takes attacking the rusted nut on two opposite sides, but if the nut is only stripped just once wlll do it. I got mine back in the 70s when I was a mechanic in a gas station, working my way through school. It still works like a charm. I got it from our Snap-on dealer. I doubt if a Chinese knock off would last as long so get an American brand.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Jan 10, 2016 11:05:21 GMT -8
These specialized tools are all well and good… but don't forget the main ingredient to removing rusted license plate bolts: cussing… lots o' cussing ! Just make sure the kids aren't around ;-)
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Jan 10, 2016 11:20:30 GMT -8
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