License plate screw spins but won't come out...

[silver07b7]

Hey guys, anyone have advice for when a license plate screw spins but doesn't come out? The problem is I have an Audi Sport plate frame with those little caps that cover the screws, so I can't get vice grips on the screw. I've tried sticking a flathead under the screw and pushing it towards me while unscrewing it but it still won't come out. Worse case scenario I would have to break the cap that came with my plate frame, but does anyone have any ideas for a last ditch effort here?

[FatMongo]

Hey guys, anyone have advice for when a license plate screw spins but doesn't come out? The problem is I have an Audi Sport plate frame with those little caps that cover the screws, so I can't get vice grips on the screw. I've tried sticking a flathead under the screw and pushing it towards me while unscrewing it but it still won't come out. Worse case scenario I would have to break the cap that came with my plate frame, but does anyone have any ideas for a last ditch effort here?

Can you post a photo of what you're referring to?

[silver07b7]

Unfortunately I'm not too mechanically inclined so I'm probably gonna go my mechanic and ask him to remove the screw by whatever means and re-thread the hole. Unless someone here has an easy solution

[FatMongo]

Hit that bugger with a drill and the head will deteriorate allowing you to remove the frame and spin out the remainder of the screw with you fingers.

[silver07b7]

Any recommendation on drill bit size?

[FatMongo]

Any recommendation on drill bit size?

Start with a small one that fits in the middle of the screw and work your way up till the head of the screw separates from the shaft. Just go be patient and steady and it will come out in no time.

[silver07b7]

Thanks for the advice! Might give this a try tomorrow.

[Quattrological]

This happens with some fasteners on my motorcycle- here’s what I do. Now I’ve gotta say I’m not recalling if there’s a nylon insert that screw bites into, but if so….

Put a Phillips head in the drill chuck and spin that thing fast. That’ll heat up the plastic insert and there won’t be any meat left for the screw to bite onto. As you spin it grab the edge of the frame and pull towards you, which pulls the screw out. Quick and easy.

If it’s not a plastic insert the drill it out method is indeed best as you wanna preserve the threads the screw bites into (if those are good and it’s the screw itself that’s screwed- you’ll find out which soon enough.)

Good luck.

[Jayz691]

It has metal threads. Its a little square threaded insert, thats pushed into a plastic surround. So that insert is prob spinning in the,plastic. Drill the screws out, remove, and if needed, replace the plastic backing frame. It'll have a part # on it. I had a spare, but think I tossed it.

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