Sooner or later, you'll probably have to change the license plates on your car or motorcycle. Depending on the state of the screws, the process will be simple or more complicated. Either way, just use the right tools and techniques to get it all done at home in a matter of minutes!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Removing or Replacing Boards
Step 1. Take a look at the screws to see what tools you have to use
Depending on the type of screws that hold the boards, you may need a standard screwdriver, spanner, or other model. Also, take size into consideration as well.
You may be able to remove some screws using more than one method. For example: it may be that the screws are of the hex type, but have the normal slot in the head
Step 2. Turn the screws on the boards to the left
Install the wrench onto the screw head and turn it counterclockwise until the part comes loose. Do this with each one, but keep them all in the same place so you don't run the risk of them disappearing.
Hold the plate from underneath when removing the screws so it doesn't come loose and end up scratching the paint on the car or motorcycle
Step 3. Remove the board and set it aside
After removing the two (or more) screws, it remains to remove the board from its place. If you are going to change the part, contact the Traffic Department in your city and find out what to do.
How about you use the old board as a decoration? Search the internet for tutorials to make art with it
Step 4. Put the new board in place and reinstall the screws
It is possible that the new board has its own set of screws. If so, use them; if not, reinstall the old ones using the key. If necessary, ask someone for help at this stage of the process.
- Use stainless steel screws! The main advantage of the material is that it does not rust over time.
- Remember to change the license plate for another one that has the same characters (numbers and letters), in addition to doing everything with the approval of the local Department of Transit.
Method 2 of 2: Extracting Rusty Screws
Step 1. Spray penetration oil onto bolts and count for 15 minutes
Place the nozzle of the oil can very close to the screws and apply a generous amount of it to the parts. Then count 15 minutes before removing everything.
- If the screws do not loosen after 15 minutes, apply more of the oil and wait an hour.
- Buy the penetration oil can at any automotive supply store.
- Try to spray the oil behind the plate to make extracting the screws even easier.
Step 2. Apply white vinegar to the rusty screws
Pour a little vinegar on the rusty screws or apply it to a cloth and spread it on the pieces. The acidity of the product dissolves the rust, facilitating the rest of the extraction with a screwdriver or spanner.
After dissolving some of the rust using vinegar, you can try to remove as much of the remaining particles as possible with a wool or wire brush. Only then do the extraction
Step 3. Try to loosen the screws by hitting the hammer on the wrench
Fit the wrench onto the bolt and tap the hammer a few times to loosen the rust particles. Then adjust the tool as needed and try to extract the part.
Be careful not to accidentally tighten the screw. If this hammer tactic doesn't work the first time, don't insist
Step 4. Use an impact wrench if you need to force the bolt
The impact wrench is a power tool that comes in very handy in more extreme cases. Choose the correct size socket, secure it to the wrench, and squeeze the trigger to force the bolt.
- Wear protective goggles and gloves when operating the impact switch.
- Only use this method if no other tactic works, as it can end up breaking rusty screws and throwing shrapnel.
Step 5. Replace rusty screws with stainless steel parts
After removing the screws, replace them with stainless steel alternatives so you don't have any problems in the future. You can also apply a de-seize agent to the parts bodies, which will facilitate the extraction process in subsequent times.
