How to remove broken license plate screws?

Question

I had to remove my out of state license plates and the screws in the rear plate/frame broke! They had plastic heads which snapped right off. I finally got the plate off, but now there are broken screws barely sticking out of the holes in my rear bumper - not far enough to even get a grip on with a vise/pliers and twist out. It looks like the screws are plastic coverered with metal - very poorly made. They are rusted with lots of corrosion. It's so frustrating - I have no idea how I'm going to put my new plates on! Any ideas on how to remove???

Answer 1

metal plastic screws that are rusted.plastic don't rust.use a drill bit smaller than the s***w.or a self taping s***w that is smaller.careful not to mess the threads or you'll have to use over size to replace the old ones.

Answer 2

There are a few options.

First off, you could try getting a hacksaw, and a thin screwdriver.

Cut a slit into the top of the broken off s***w (if it sticks out far enough) so that the screwdriver blade fits into it. Spray lots of aerosol lubricant onto the s***w and push down hard onto the screwdriver, and try and wind it out.

If that wont work, you will need to get a drill and drill into the s***w with a smaller drillbit.

From there you can try and wind the s***w out again, or, buy what is called a 'ezy out' which screws into the hole you drilled, and lets you wind the s***w out.

I have also drilled a hole right through the s***w, with a similar sized drill bit, and then wound in what is called a tap to clean the thread up.

Answer 3

They actually make a special drill bit that you can buy at any auto parts store that drills into the s***w then you can remove it. But for a simpler way you could try and take a dremel tool and cut a  straight across notch in the center of it and take it out with a flat head screwdriver. But you risk damaging the paint.

Answer 4

Use an electric drill and drill them through.

Answer 5

Is there any where you can get them from the back of the bumper,maybe you can get your visescripts on the back of the s***w .If you bumper has those square plastic inserts just pop it out and replace them, you can get them at the auto parts store.

Answer 6

Drill them out. Get left handed bits and you might get lucky and they spin out with the bit. Meantime stick the plate in your back window.

autozone sells left handed bits.