Securing a license plate properly is essential to ensure it stays affixed to your vehicle.
Many of us might not give much thought to the type of screws needed for mounting a license plate until we’re faced with the task.
Fortunately, there’s a standard screw size that fits most vehicles, which simplifies the process.
The commonly used size for license plate screws is 1/4-14-3/4 inch.
This screw size is versatile due to its self-tapping design, meaning it doesn’t require a pre-drilled hole, making it a good choice for a wide range of cars and models.
While this size is compatible with numerous vehicles, especially those with nylon or plastic screw retainers, it’s important to know that variations do exist.
Some car manufacturers have specific requirements for standard screw sizes.
For instance, European car models may use metric sizes such as M6 or M8 screws, which differ from the more traditional inch-based sizes.
Knowledge of your vehicle’s make and the license plate’s design will guide you in obtaining the correct screws, ensuring a secure fit.
We should always verify our vehicle’s manual or reach out to the manufacturer if there’s any doubt about the standard screw sizes needed.
Incorrectly sized screws can result in a loose license plate or damage to the mounting area, which could lead to further complications down the road.
The small task of selecting the right screws is a crucial step in maintaining your vehicle and complying with regulations.
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License Plate Basics
When it comes to securing license plates, it’s essential to understand the specific hardware that ensures they stay affixed to a vehicle.
We’ll explore the intricacies of license plate screws and highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate type and size for both practical and aesthetic considerations.
Understanding License Plate Screws
License plate screws are specialized fasteners designed to secure the license plate to the rear and sometimes the front of a vehicle.
It’s crucial to choose the right screw to prevent damage to the license plate or the vehicle itself.
The standard screw size is often 1/4″ in diameter, with a thread count of 14 per inch, and a length of 3/4″. However, these dimensions can vary depending on the vehicle make and model.
License plate screws usually come in two materials: stainless steel and nylon. The choice depends on factors such as climate and vehicle type.
Stainless steel screws are durable and resistant to rust, making them ideal for most environments.
Nylon screws are less common but offer the advantage of not corroding and being less likely to damage the license plate or vehicle.
Types of License Plate Screws and Their Uses
| Screw Type | Material | Typical Use |
| Standard Screws | Stainless Steel | General Purpose |
| Nylon Screws | Nylon | Corrosion Resistance |
| Retainers | Plastic | Enhanced Stability |
In addition to the standard screws, some vehicles use plastic screw retainers to ensure a more secure fit.
These retainers can help to prevent rattling and provide additional support for the license plate frame.
Depending on the vehicle, one may also encounter various proprietary screw types that are designed with anti-theft features or a specific aesthetic to complement the design of the license plate frame.
It’s important to use the correct type to maintain compatibility with the vehicle and to ensure that the license plate is securely attached.
Selecting the Right Screw for Your Vehicle
When securing a license plate to your vehicle, the correct screw size is vital for a proper fit.
There are both vehicle-specific and universal screw sizes; knowing which applies to your car model ensures a secure mount.
Vehicle-Specific Screw Sizes
Make and Model Specifics:
In our experience, most automotive brands have preferred screw sizes for their license plates.
For example, Ford and Chevrolet generally use screws that are 1/4″-14 x 3/4″.
When you have a Tesla, you would need M5-0.8 X 8mm screws, while Honda typically uses screws that are 6mm in diameter.
It’s best to consult your vehicle’s manual or a dealership to get the exact measurements, especially for models like BMW, Lexus, or Subaru, where custom sizes might vary.
For a Ram truck, particularly, the standard size is often 1/4″-14 x 3/4″, the same size that is widely used across different models like the Ford F-150.
Universal Screw Sizes and When to Use Them
Universal screw sizes are great when you’re looking for a hassle-free installation as they can fit a range of vehicles.
Generally, a screw of 1/4″-14 x 3/4″ can be considered a universal size and often works for vehicles such as trucks and SUVs from Ram, Honda, and Chevrolet.
| Universal Size | Typical Use Cases | Notes |
| 1/4″-14 x 3/4″ | Ram Trucks, Ford F-150, Chevy | Widely used, often readily available |
However, if your vehicle requires a unique length or thread pitch, such as those manufactured by Audi, BMW, or Porsche, then a universal screw may not be appropriate.
Always verify the required specifications of your specific vehicle model before making a purchase.
Installation Techniques and Tools
Before we begin, it’s important to collect the right tools and understand the types of screws that best fit your vehicle’s license plate.
Ensuring you have everything at hand will make the replacement process seamless and efficient.
Preparing for Installation
Gather all necessary tools and materials:
- Screwdrivers: Flathead and/or Phillips head depending on screw types.
- Correct screws: Common sizes include 1/4-14-3/4 inch, M6-1.0 x 16mm, or M4.8 x 16mm. OEM screws are often used.
- Screw retainers and washers: If necessary for your vehicle model.
- New license plate: If you’re also replacing the plate.
Ensure the selected screws have the correct threaded diameter to fit your vehicle’s license plate holes or retainers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing License Plate Screws
-
Remove the old screws:
Use the appropriate screwdriver to carefully remove the current screws. If they’re rusted or stripped, you might need special tools like pliers or a screw extractor. -
Choose your new screws:
Identify the correct screw type—self-tapping screws are useful if your car has plastic retainers. Options include:- Hex head
- Truss head
- Slotted truss
- Slotted hex
-
Align the license plate and prepare to screw it in:
Position your license plate or frame against the retainers or directly on the surface where it will be attached. -
Attach the new screws:
Hand-tighten the new screws to ensure they’re aligned properly, and then secure them firmly with the screwdriver—avoid over-tightening, as this may damage the screws or your vehicle.
Preserving Your License Plate Screws
Maintaining the durability of your license plate screws is essential to ensure they securely hold your plates in place and resist corrosion over time.
We recommend considering stainless steel screws, particularly those like the Revolution rustproof license plate screws or Ottospeed rustproof license plate screws, which offer increased longevity due to their rust-resistant properties.
Choosing the Right Material:
- Stainless Steel: Opt for 316 stainless steel for maximum rust resistance.
- Coating: Screws like the Revolution rustproof or Ottospeed rustproof are specifically designed to prevent corrosion.
Screws come in various sizes, with 1/4″ x 3/4″ and 6mm x 12mm being common license plate screw sizes, including the typical BMW license plate screw size.
Make sure to match the screw size to your vehicle’s requirements, like the M6 x 1.0 x 16-25mm or M6 x 1.0 x 10mm for General Motors, ensuring a snug fit.
| Common Sizes | Examples | Vehicle Fit |
| M6 Screws | **M6 x 16mm**, **M6 14-20mm** | Various models |
| Standard Screws | **1/4-14×3/4** | Most vehicles |
| Thread Count | Check the **number of threads** per screw type | Ensures compatibility |
To preserve the threaded metal holes on your vehicle, it’s crucial to select screws like the Snug Fastener stainless steel screw that match not only in size but also in thread count.
This detail is vital for a secure fit without causing damage to the vehicle’s body.
For vehicles using nylon or plastic screw retainers, screws should be self-tapping and of the correct size, such as M6 x 1.0 x 16-25mm, to ensure they do not loosen over time.
Lastly, be aware of the head type that fits your vehicle – whether that’s slotted, hex, or Philips.
Slotted hex heads, often found in screws like the Snug Fastener, provide convenience for easy installation and removal while maintaining a firm grip.
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