How to Install Anti Theft License Plate Screws

The general uses of screws are to hold objects together. They are used in construction, furniture making, and woodworking, as well as many other industries.

There are three main types of screws – machine screws, wood screws, and sheet metal screws. Machine screws are made of hardened steel with a head that is usually threaded on both sides and is popular among car owners–the Anti-theft screw.

According to The Family Handyman, "Anti-theft screws require a special security wrench to remove. They're inexpensive and take only minutes to install."

License plate security screws will make it nearly impossible to remove your license plates without the right tool, so they'll be much less likely to be stolen.

In this article, we will help you secure your license plate and prevent it from getting stolen.

Table of Contents:

• What is Anti-theft Tamper Proof Screw?
• How Do Anti-theft Tamper Proof Screws Work?
  • Functions of Anti-theft Tamper Proof Screws
• Popular Types Of Anti-theft Tamper Proof Screws
  • One-way Screw
  • Pig Nose or Snake Screw
  • Torx Screw
  • Tri-Groove
• How To Remove Anti-theft License Plate Screw Covers
• How To Remove Rusted Anti-theft License Plate Screws
  • Apply A Penetrating Solvent Like WD40
  • Heat The Screws
  • Use a Vice Grip
  • Create An Improvised Screw Slot
  • Use an Impact Wrench
• Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):
• Wrap Up
  • Other Tools and Resources:

What is Anti-theft Tamper Proof Screw?

These screws are designed to prevent theft by providing a tamper-proof screw with a combination of security features.

The different technologies available in the market will prevent the use of any screwdrivers, hacksaws, or other tools that can open it. These screws are used in buildings, factories, power stations, and many other places where theft is rampant.

It is made with a unique inner ring that prevents the screwdriver from turning the screw. The outer ring is also fitted with an adhesive strip to secure the tamper-proof screws, making them more difficult to remove.

You can easily install this tamper-proof screw without any tools or specialist knowledge, which means you can keep your property protected at all times. It is pre-drilled to prevent unwanted tampering. It comes in various sizes and finishes to suit your specific requirements.

If you are looking for anti-theft screws, you should check out industrial security hardware stores in your area. These stores carry all types of security products like locks, padlocks, and anti-theft screws.

Additionally, if you're looking for tamper-proof screws, then you should look into other home improvement stores that carry these types of locks.

How Do Anti-theft Tamper Proof Screws Work?

Tamper-proof screws are designed to prevent tampering. They typically contain an airtight seal that prevents access to the screw head, which is typically inaccessible through their threaded hole.

The design also creates a physical barrier between the screw head and the surrounding environment, preventing contamination of the screw head.

They are made to resist attempts to remove the fastener after it has been installed. They are designed so that if someone tries to break them open, they will have to break through a hardened metal plate to get to the screw.

This plate is usually made of steel or an alloy that is harder than the screws themselves.

Functions of Anti-theft Tamper Proof Screws

Tamper Proof screws are used to secure the hardware of a machine, such as a refrigerator. You can use them in many places where there must be no way for someone to remove the screw without breaking it.

The screw has been designed with a protrusion and a depression to penetrate and hold different materials in place.

• To secure appliances/hold them into place
• Secure fasteners of moving objects
• Theft prevention of placards

Popular Types Of Anti-theft Tamper Proof Screws

There are different types of tamper-proof screws that you can choose from, including self-locking screws with internal or external threads.

They are used for many different applications, such as securing luggage, attaching luggage locks to luggage carriers, holding down luggage bag sides, and improving the security of all types of bags.

One-way Screw

One-way screws are small screws that can hold very tightly, even in hardwoods. They are designed for use in applications like cabinet doors, doors to closets, and cabinetry.

Because One-way screws can hold much tighter than other screws, they are often used for furniture assembly or when the customer wants tight-fitting joints.

Pig Nose or Snake Screw

A pig nose screw is a fastener that provides the strength and shear resistance required for applications where standard threaded fasteners are not suitable. It is typically used in applications requiring high thrust loads, such as bolting pieces of metal together.

These screws are used to attach certain types of hardware, including bolts and nuts, to an object. It is because you can push the head of the screw through the nut or bolt without damaging it.

They are also useful when there is insufficient clearance for a bolt to fit through a hole, such as mounting a headboard onto a wall.

Torx Screw

Torx screws are a popular type of screw because they offer a lot of versatility. The head is secured by a star-shaped mechanism, allowing the screws to be easily tightened or loosened.

Security Torx screws also have a hexagonal shape and a flat bottom, making them easy to use and providing many applications.

Tri-Groove

The tri groove screws are designed to be used in heavy-duty applications. They're especially useful for situations where the screw will be subjected to high torque forces.

You can use the screws in a variety of applications, including automotive, structural, and electrical.

This screw has three distinct cutting surfaces. This design allows the screw to cut into various materials without binding. The tri groove is ideal for wood screws used in furniture construction or to mount pieces of art.

Types Of Anti-theft Tamper Proof Screws

How To Remove Anti-theft License Plate Screw Covers

On the back of your car, you should be able to find a license plate screw cover. These covers are usually made out of metal and have anti-theft technology that helps to stop theft. If you want to remove these screws, some steps can help you remove them.

• The first step is to disassemble the license plate by taking it off.
• The second step is to use a screwdriver to remove the screws from the back of the windshield frame.
• The third step is to take out the screws from underneath the license plate.
• The fourth step is to use a flat head screwdriver.

The best way to remove the screws is to borrow a pair of needle-nose pliers, if possible. If not, you can use your fingers or any other tool you have at hand.

After unscrewing the screws from the back of the license plate, pull out the entire screw from its holder. You should be left with a small piece of plastic which you can discard later.

To better understand how to remove anti-theft license plate covers, you can watch this video: DFDM National Standard Style Screw Cap Removal

How To Remove Rusted Anti-theft License Plate Screws

If your license plate screws get rusted and you need to remove them, you will have to use a specific screwdriver that fits the head type of the screw. If you don't have one on hand, call a professional locksmith to take care of it.

This situation could worsen if you lose the specialized screwdriver that fits the head type of your anti-theft screw.

In most cases, you may be able to remove the screws with a normal screwdriver, but once the rust and gunk have been removed, you might have to use a higher-powered tool. If you can't perform the task with a normal screwdriver, don't get frustrated – here are some useful tips you can use.

Apply A Penetrating Solvent Like WD40

WD40 is a popular penetrating lubricant that helps rust. This product is made out of oils to remove stickers, adhesive residue, and other sticky substances. It's safe to use on steel, metal, rubber, plastic, and vinyl.

Heat The Screws

Heating the screws is just another supplementary method like WD40. You'll have to use vice grips and other tools to get the screw out. To remove the rusted screws, first, use a small screwdriver to loosen the screws. Once removed, use pliers to heat the screws or place them on a heat source.

You can also try using a blow dryer with cool air to help ease the process. After all of these steps are complete, you can unscrew and remove the rusted license plate.

Use a Vice Grip

Begin by locking the vice grip around the screw at a 90-degree angle. Be sure to use the large slot provided in the vice grip to locate it snugly against the screw head. Then, use your other hand to pry against the screw gently.

Once you have broken through, you should be able to remove or loosen the screw without damaging any surrounding metal or plastic.

Video reference:

Create An Improvised Screw Slot

This method comes along with other methods like applying WD40. Most security screws have different slot configurations, and that's why you'll have to create an improvised slot.

It can be challenging to remove rusted screws. When this happens, the best thing to do is to improvise with a screw slot. To create an improvised screw slot, you'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Use a drill to create a small slot in the screw head. Wrap your bit around the screw head and tighten it with a wrench or nut driver. If you've made a hole that is too tight, try loosening the screw with a slot-head ratchet.

Use an Impact Wrench

The best way to remove anti-theft screws is by using a wrench. The head of the wrench should be bigger than the screw head that you are trying to remove.

That way, when you turn the wrench, you create more force at one end and less force at the other end, allowing you to break through and unscrew your rusted screw.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):

How To Remove One-Way Screws?

The most common way is by using a screwdriver to loosen or tighten the screw slightly, then prying it out with a flathead screwdriver. Another method is to use a straight edge knife and carefully insert the blade under the head of the screw, then twist it back and forth.

Is There A Tool To Remove One-way Screws?

There are many tools designed to remove screws, making it easier when you are in a hurry. However, if you want to make sure that the screw is removed, you should invest in a screw extractor tool. You can use it for flathead and Phillips screws.

Are Torx Screws More Secure?

Torx screws are more secure than slotted screws because the star-shaped head prevents fasteners from loosening with a screwdriver. It is why they are often used in security and automotive applications. A screwdriver might be a potential tool for sabotage.

Are License Plate Covers Legal?

The answer to this question is no. But it depends on the state you're in, as well as the type of license plate you have. If your state does not require that license plates be displayed on vehicles, then no law says they must be concealed.

Nonetheless, if your state requires that plates be displayed, it would be illegal to cover.

Wrap Up

License plates are a common target for thieves, who may steal them and then sell them to unscrupulous individuals looking to avoid paying for car registration.

The screws that secure license plates to vehicles can easily be removed with the right tool, which leads to the loss of the plate and a fine from the DMV. Anti-tamper screws help prevent this issue by requiring a specific tool or technique to remove them.

It makes it much more difficult for thieves and helps prevent damage from occurring when they try.

How to Install Anti Theft License Plate Screws

Source: https://www.drillanddriver.com/anti-theft-license-plate-security-screws/

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