License Plate Screw Size: Find The Right Size For Your Car

There are many different types of screws used in License Plate Screws. There are machine screws, hex head cap screws, and socket head cap screws which all come with varying screw sizes. Machine screws have a larger diameter than hex cap screws and socket head cap screws.

License plates are a small but very important part of any vehicle’s appearance. Until recently, these plates were issued by the DMV and if you wanted to personalize your license plate, it required the services of a body shop (which often cost $1,000s). Nowadays, you can purchase personalized or novelty license plates from websites such as LicensePlates.com.

The license plate screws on your car can be too big or too small and when this happens, you risk breaking off a windshield wiper blade, getting water in the license plate holder, or even breaking off the front bumper. But don’t worry; these tips will help you identify and fix the issue without any further damage.

Introduction

First things first, you need to be aware of the size and type of screw that is holding your license plate on. Depending on what vehicle you drive, there are different screw types to look for; such as machine screws, hex head cap screws, and socket head cap screws.

However, the most common screw size for license plate screws is M8 x 1.25. These are the screws that hold most license plates onto the vehicle.

Close-up photo of M8 x1.25 screw.

License Plate Screw Size

The number of license plate screws can range from four to seven, and the holes in the license plate should be 1/2 inches apart. The proper size for license plate screws is three-eighths of an inch in diameter. If your existing screws are too big or too small, you will need to replace them.

You can get the proper size from a hardware store, or if they are still a little too large or small, you can file them down or get slightly bigger ones. Don’t worry, though, because you can always file them down if they’re too large.

If you have the proper size but the holes are spaced further apart than 1/2 inches, simply line up the holes in the license plate and make a mark. Then use a drill to put in new holes. This is a quick and easy fix to get rid of those ugly screws on your license plate that are often crooked or oxidized. All you need for this repair is white or silver nail polish.

Simply apply the nail polish to your license plate screws and watch them go back to their original straightness in a few minutes. This fix is best done when you are in a rush so that you don’t mess up the paint job.

BMW

If you have a BMW, this is an easy fix for those license plate screws that are too small. Just replace the screws with a larger one and drill the holes to make them bigger. Drill slowly, though, because if you go too fast, then the screws will fall off and get lost.

Ram Truck

The Ram truck makes it really easy for you to quickly fix the license plate screws issue. The screws that hold your license plate are attached using a large, flat head. Simply take a 1 /4-inch drill bit and place it in the flat head on the screw for a tight fit. If you’re not sure how big you need to make the holes, then just start with a larger size and keep adding smaller ones until they are all the same size.

Porsche

If you have a Porsche and are having issues with your license plate screws, then simply just use a flathead screwdriver to make the holes wider. This fix should work on any vehicle with screws on the top of your license plate.

Repairing car license plate.

Honda

If you are having issues with the screws on your license plate, then it is possible that the threads on your license plate have become oxidized. You can remove the screws and then get some anti-oxidant and polish the threads on both sides of the license plate so they look new again. You can find anti-oxidant at any auto parts store or even online if you prefer to use a different brand.

Nissan

If your license plate is hanging from the screws just by a thread or two, then you can fix it easily. This works on most cars and SUVs. All you have to do is take a nail and hammer it in the middle of your license plate so that it divides the two screws equally. Make sure that the nail hits the bottom of your vehicle and drives through the plate, otherwise, this will not work properly.

Once you have done this, take a pair of pliers to pull your license plate forward. This should allow the screws to come out of both sides. Then all you have to do is drill new holes in your license plate and you are good to go. This will save you a lot of money and keep a piece of your car intact.

Chevrolet

If you have a Chevy and are having issues with your license plate screws, then simply just use a flathead screwdriver to make the holes wider. This fix should work on any vehicle with screws on the top of your license plate.

Make sure that you don’t drill too many holes because then, it will mess up the paint job and make it look bad. If you have a Chevy van or truck, then go ahead and drill from both sides because there are only two screws.

Toyota

If you have a Toyota and are having issues with your license plate screws, then simply just use a flathead screwdriver to make the holes wider. This fix should work on any vehicle with screws on the top of your license plate.

Audi

If you have an Audi and are having issues with your license plate screws, then simply just use a flathead screwdriver to make the holes wider. This fix should work on any vehicle with screws on the top of your license plate.

Where to Buy Screws for License Plates?

There are many places that sell screws that you can use to fix your license plates. You can find them at Sears, Walmart, and even at Auto Zone. It is important that you pick a reputable place that sells the right kind of screws for your vehicle.

Drill Bit for License Plate Screws

A drill bit is a simple and inexpensive component that can be found at any hardware store. It is very easy to use because all you need to do is screw it on top of your drill and then tighten the screws from underneath.

You will want to make sure that a drill bit sticks out the side of the threaded hole so that you can use it to tighten your screws. A drill bit is an easy tool for anyone to use, however, not everyone has one in their homes.

Drill bit on wooden desk.

How To Replace License Plate Screws

Replacing your license plate screws is a common issue that affects many people across the country. If your screws have become rusted or have corroded then you may need to replace them.

The first step in this process is to remove the screws from both the front and back of your license plate. Make sure that you use the proper size screwdriver and do not overtighten them because this can cause damage to your car.

If you plan on replacing your license plate screws, then you should consider getting a set of license plate screw accessories. These accessories will allow you to get your license plate off and on in no time and make it easier to get the screws out.

They come with a special tool that has a hook on the end so that it can fit over the threaded hole of your vehicle. When you are using this tool, simply stick it into the threaded hole and pull it back out while pulling your license plate off.

Expert Tip: Replacing your license plate screws at home is a great way to save some money. It requires minimal tools and can be done in just a few minutes. However, you should make sure that you use the proper size screwdriver so that you do not damage your car in any way.

Conclusion

The license plate screws are important to your vehicle because they hold your license plate in place, and that means that you need them to be in great condition.

So next time when you step into the auto parts store to get screws and pins, make sure that you get the right ones for your car. You will want to buy them at a place that sells auto parts so that they are the right fit.

We hope this information was helpful. Thank you for reading.

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About Brock Rangel

Hi, I am Brock, and I am the lead editor/photographer for TheCarColony. I have been a mechanic for over 14 years now, and I am here to spread my car knowledge across the web!

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