Stuck numberplate screw - just turning in it's mounting

[JulianHJ]

I bought my Focus just over 7 years ago, and the number plates were delaminating so I bought a new set. The front one came off fine and went back on without any drama, the rear however is being a nuisance. The left screw was a little rusted but came out without too much protest. The right screw is fairly rusty and has been rounded off. After a number of unsuccessful attempts to get it moving, I resorted to cutting a couple of notches in to it in order to get enough purchase. This did the trick, and allowed me to start moving it, however I'm not turning the screw, but the whole fitting. Below is a picture of the left side:



It seems (from lifting up the plate whilst turning the screw) that the silver/white mounting is turning freely instead. How do I sort this?

[J4CKO]

Pair of pliers and get medieval on it ? junior hacksaw blade behind it and carefully cut it off ?

[SimesJH]

Buy yourself some sticky pads and forget about the screw issue.

[steveo3002]

bust it off and use sticky tape would be the easiest way out

thats a nutsert if you want to buy the bits to replace it

[rallycross]

if you put a flat head screwdriver or chisel behind it and put some pressure between the no' plate and the tailagate the screw should unscrew.

or as above just pull it off (without damaging the paint).

[anonymous-user]

SimesJH said:

Buy yourself some sticky pads and forget about the screw issue.

This.

There is a special place in hell reserved for people who put plates on with screws or bolts.

It looks crap.

[davamer23]

You almost certainly now need to scrap the car.

[t400ble]

NinjaPower said:

This.

There is a special place in hell reserved for people who put plates on with screws or bolts.

It looks crap.

Pads are good, but, after a few years and a good hot day I have seen a few on the floor.

[CO2000]

NinjaPower said:

SimesJH said:

Buy yourself some sticky pads and forget about the screw issue.

This.

There is a special place in hell reserved for people who put plates on with screws or bolts.

It looks crap.

& it delaminates the plates in the first place!

[JulianHJ]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll get some pads/tape.