How to remove a stripped license plate screw

4 Expert Tips to Remove a Stripped License Plate Screw Without Damaging Your Car

As a professional mechanic, I’ve dealt with my fair share of frustrating fasteners—but few are as irritating as a **stripped license plate screw**. When that tiny screw head rounds off or rusts in place, it can turn a two-minute job into a real headache. Fortunately, I’ve learned a few proven methods over the years to get even the most stubborn **stripped license plate screw** out—without damaging the paint or the bumper.

Here are four techniques that work every time, plus a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

Step 1: Clean the Screw Head and Soak It with Rust Penetrant

Before you touch a screwdriver, take a close look at that stripped license plate screw. If there’s corrosion, dirt, or paint filling the screw head, your driver will never seat properly—and you’ll make things worse.

1. Spray the screw liberally with a real rust penetrant such as PB

Remove the rust from the screw head or the screwdriver will never fit properly

Blaster. (WD-40 isn’t a penetrant—it’s a light lubricant.)
2. Let the penetrant soak for 5–10 minutes.
3. Insert a smaller Phillips screwdriver into the head and tap it lightly with a hammer to loosen rust and debris.
4. Switch to the correct #2 Phillips driver, press firmly, and try again.

In many cases, that soak and tap trick is enough to loosen a stripped license plate screw without any extra effort.

Step 2: Use Kitchen Cleanser Powder for Extra Grip

If your screwdriver keeps slipping, don’t give up yet. A simple household hack can make a big difference. Dip the tip of your screwdriver into kitchen cleanser powder (like Comet or Bar Keepers Friend). The fine grit adds just enough friction to help the bit bite into the metal.

Push the screwdriver firmly into the screw head and twist slowly while maintaining downward pressure. You’d be surprised how often this gritty trick will grab a stripped license plate screw that refused to budge moments earlier.

Step 3: Apply More Torque with a Bolster or Impact Screwdriver

When the screwdriver fits but the stripped license plate screw still won’t turn, it’s time to up your leverage.

Try a Hex Bolster Screwdriver—A hex bolster screwdriver has a hex-shaped collar under the handle designed to accept a wrench. Slide a wrench over it to gain more torque while keeping steady pressure on the screwdriver with your other hand. This combination of torque and downward force can break loose even badly corroded screws.

Try an Impact Screwdriver— If that doesn’t work, move to an **impact screwdriver**—a hand tool that converts a hammer strike into rotational force. Place the bit into the screw head, hold it steady, and strike it firmly with a hammer. Each hit drives the bit deeper while twisting at the same time.
Caution: The sheet metal behind your license plate is thin. Don’t go overboard—you just want to jar the screw loose, not dent your trunk lid or bumper.

Step 4: Cut a New Slot or Drill It Out

If the screw head is completely rounded off and nothing else works, it’s time to cut a new groove.

Cut a Slot for a Flat-Blade Screwdriver— Use a rotary tool with a cut-off wheel or a fine hacksaw blade to cut a deep, straight slot across the screw head. Then insert a wide flat-blade screwdriver and twist carefully. This method gives the tool a fresh edge to bite into the stripped license plate screw.

I recommend the Dremel cut off wheel and mandrel kit

This Dremel cut-off wheel kit is one of the best for this project

Buy the kit from Amazon for $20. Use it for all stripped screws around your house.
NOTE: Ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com makes a small commission on purchases made through the Amazon link

Drill It Out (The Last Resort)— If the screw still won’t budge, start drilling:

Yeah, sometimes it comes to this. Start with a small bit and increase the bit size until you’ve drilled through most of the screw. Then try the slotted screwdriver again. If it still won’t budge, break off the screw head and use a vice grip to remove the rest of the screw.

1. Use a small drill bit and make a centered pilot hole.
2. Step up to a slightly larger bit until the head separates from the screw shaft.
3. Once the license plate comes off, grab the remaining screw shank with locking pliers and twist it out.

It’s tedious, but it works every time when nothing else will.

What NOT to do to remove a stuck license plate screw

Do NOT use heat— Most license plate screws are screwed into a plastic insert. Heat will melt the plastic. Even if the screws are mounted into metal, using heat can discolor the paint and melt the surrounding plastic.
If you’re using an impact screwdriver, keep in mind that the sheet metal is very thin and easily dented. Don’t go overboard.
Don’t waste your time using a screw extractor tool. They never work.

My Professional Takeaway

Removing a stripped license plate screw doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Start with rust penetrant, add grip with cleanser, increase torque with the right tools, and only resort to cutting or drilling when necessary. With patience and the right approach, you can handle it like a pro—and save your paint, your plate, and your sanity.

©, 2023 Rick Muscoplat