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What size screws do I need for a license plate?

The typical size screws needed for a license plate are #8-32 x 1/2 inch screws. These screws are the most common and widely used for securing license plates to vehicles in the United States.


Choosing the Right Screws for Your License Plate


When it comes to mounting a license plate, the size of the screws you use is important. The screws need to be the right length and thread size to properly secure the plate without damaging the vehicle's surface. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting license plate screws:



  • Thread Size: The most common thread size for license plate screws is #8-32, which means the screws have a diameter of 0.164 inches and 32 threads per inch. This is the standard size used in most vehicle applications.

  • Screw Length: The typical length for license plate screws is 1/2 inch. This length provides enough thread engagement to securely hold the plate without protruding too far and potentially causing damage.

  • Screw Material: License plate screws are usually made of stainless steel or zinc-plated steel to resist corrosion and weathering.


It's important to use the correct size screws to avoid issues like the plate not fitting flush, the screws being too long and damaging the vehicle, or the plate not being securely mounted. Following the standard #8-32 x 1/2 inch size is the best way to ensure a proper fit and secure installation.


Additional Considerations


While #8-32 x 1/2 inch screws are the most common, there are a few other factors to keep in mind when mounting a license plate:



  • Vehicle Make and Model: Some vehicles may have specific screw size requirements, so it's a good idea to check your owner's manual or with the vehicle manufacturer to confirm the recommended size.

  • Plate Material: Thicker or heavier license plates may require slightly longer screws to ensure a secure fit.

  • Plate Mounting Location: The thickness of the vehicle's surface where the plate is mounted may also affect the ideal screw length.


If you're unsure about the best screws to use, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional or do some additional research to ensure you select the right size and type of screws for your specific vehicle and license plate.

What do you screw a wall plate into?


INSTALLING THE WALL PLATES
The simplest is just the plate itself, which can be mounted with screws directly into a solid supportive wall like wood or metal. For less structural surfaces, like plaster or drywall, a mounting bracket is recommended to strengthen the attachment points.



What size screws for number plates?


The license plate screws are the standard size of 6mm diameter and 18mm long, fit for most family cars and trucks using nylon/plastic screw holders, but not fit for metal threaded holes, please check your vehicle size before your ordering. This license plate fastener kit to be durable and easy to install.



What screws are best for number plate?


POLYTOPS® number plate screws are particularly popular for securing vehicle registration plates but are also commonly used in many general applications. The matching plastic tops give an aesthetically pleasing colour matching fixing.



What size screws do I need?


Pick the screw length: Ideally, you should choose a fastener that's about half as long as the material it's going into. If the screw is less than half the length of the receiving material, it won't anchor properly. If you pick a screw that's much longer than half, you may damage the other side of the material.



What size screws to use for a license plate?


MAXIMUM COMPATIBILITY: Our license plate fasteners are the standard size of 1/4" diameter x 3/4” long self tapping screws that will fit most vehicles that use nylon/plastic screw retainers.



What size is a #14 screw?


Screw Dimensions

"A" Flat Head"A" Pan Head
SizeMaxT max
100.3850.137
120.4380.153
140.5070.175



What size are numbered screws?


US Machine Screw Diameters

SizeNominal Thread Diameter
DecimalNearest Fractional
#00.060"1/16"
#10.073"5/64"
#20.086"3/32"



Do license plates come with screws?


Most license plates come with self-tapping screws that are specifically designed for use with plastic. However, if you're attaching your license plate to a metal plate bumper, you may need to use bolts and nuts instead.



What size screws do wall plates use?


Standard slotted screws are known as 6-32 oval head screws. They feature a slot in a slightly rounded top (except for specialty screws) and come in a wide variety of lengths. The two most common sizes of wall plate screws are 5/16” and 1/2”.



Should I stick or screw my number plate?


Screws are easy to remove in case you need to change plates again in the future, but they can be less secure against theft unless you use special security screws. The problem with those is that you lose the easy removability. Sticky pads are very secure and are the method recommended in number plate regulations.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.