Car owners often face the problem of attaching state registration plates. Traditional steel screws corrode over time, become rusty, and can become jammed in the seat. As a result, it becomes almost impossible to remove such a number without damaging the sign itself or drilling the fasteners.
That's why plastic bolts for license plates are becoming an increasingly popular solution among car enthusiasts. They not only solve the problem of rust, but also provide additional protection against theft, since standard tools are not suitable for dismantling them. This makes them an ideal choice for those who value the safety and neat appearance of their car.
In this article we will analyze in detail the advantages of polymer fasteners, compare them with metal analogues and consider the installation features. You will learn how to choose the right material and why polyamide or ABS plastic can last longer than steel.
Advantages of polymer fasteners over metal
The main enemy of any metal fastener on a car is an aggressive external environment. The reagents used to treat roads in winter, salt and moisture quickly destroy the protective zinc coating. Plastic bolts for license plates completely devoid of this drawback, since the polymer is chemically inert.
In addition, such fasteners have high mechanical strength at low temperatures. Unlike some types of steel, which become brittle in the cold, high-quality plastic retains its elasticity and does not burst when the body vibrates. This is especially important for regions with harsh climates.
- 🚗 Full resistance to corrosion and oxidation, which guarantees the absence of rusty smudges on the bumper.
- 🔒 Increased protection against unauthorized removal, since dismantling requires a special key.
- 🎨 Aesthetic appearance: the ability to match the color of the bolt head to the color of the body or license plate.
It is important to note that modern fasteners made of plastic can withstand significant loads. They are not inferior to metal in terms of tensile strength, but at the same time they do not deform the seat during thermal expansion. This reduces the risk of cracks around the license plate mounting holes.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use cheap plastic of unknown origin. When exposed to ultraviolet light, it can become brittle and crumble after one season, leaving the number hanging on one screw.
Materials of manufacture and their characteristics
When choosing plastic bolts for license plates It is necessary to pay attention to the type of polymer used. The durability of the fastening and its ability to withstand mechanical loads depend on this. The most common material is polyamide, often labeled PA6 or PA66.
Polyamide products are characterized by high impact strength and heat resistance. They are able to withstand temperatures from -40 to +80 degrees Celsius without loss of properties. An alternative could be ABS plastic, which is also durable, but less resistant to harsh chemical environments such as gasoline or solvents.
| Material | Temperature | UV resistance | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyamide (PA) | -40°C to +80°C | High | Very high |
| ABS plastic | -20°C to +60°C | Average | High |
| Polypropylene | -10°C to +70°C | Low | Average |
| Silumin (alloy) | -30°C to +100°C | High | Brittle to break |
Choosing fastener, make sure that the material contains ultraviolet stabilizers. Without them, plastic in direct sunlight will begin to fade and lose strength after just six months of use. A high-quality product retains its properties for years.
When purchasing a set of bolts, check the contents: high-quality sets always include spare washers and plugs, as well as a special key for installation and dismantling.
Anti-vandal properties and protection against theft
One of the main reasons for switching to plastic bolts for license plates is their anti-vandal potential. Standard caps with a slot for a Phillips or slotted screwdriver allow an attacker to quickly remove the license plate. Polymer systems often use unique cap profiles.
There are models with eccentric heads or caps with a hidden profile. To unscrew them, you need a special key, which comes with the kit and is kept by the owner. Without this tool, it is almost impossible to remove the bolt without damaging it.
- 🛡️ The unique profile of the cap eliminates the possibility of unscrewing with a standard tool.
- 🔧 The design often involves breaking off the head after tightening, which hides the attachment point.
- 💪 High shear strength makes the use of brute force pointless.
However, it is worth understanding that “anti-vandalism” is a relative concept. An experienced thief will take any number, but plastic bolts create an additional barrier, increasing time and noise during a theft attempt. This may discourage opportunistic thieves looking for easy pickings.
⚠️ Attention: Never throw away the special key for anti-vandal bolts! Keep it in the glove compartment or along with your car documents. Losing the key will make dismantling the number extremely difficult.
Anti-vandal bolts do not provide a 100% guarantee, but they make life much more difficult for those who want to take your license plates without your knowledge.
Installation instructions for plastic bolts
Installation process plastic bolts for license plates requires accuracy, but is not very difficult. The main thing is to properly prepare the seat and not overtighten the fasteners, so as not to strip the threads or crack the plastic.
First you need to remove the old fasteners. If they are rusty, they may need to be drilled out or a penetrating lubricant like WD-40. After cleaning the holes, make sure the threads in the body or insert nut are intact.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Insert the license plate into the frame or attach it to the body. Paste bolt into the hole, place the washer and carefully tighten it with a wrench. If the design involves a break-off head, tighten until it clicks or breaks, after which the outer part will simply break off, leaving a smooth surface.
Do not use a screwdriver or drill to tighten plastic bolts. High rotation speed may melt the plastic due to friction or cause uncontrollable force. Work only by hand using the wrench or wrench included in the kit.
⚠️ Attention: If you are installing a license plate on a new car where the holes in the bumper have not yet been drilled, use a drill with a diameter strictly according to the bolt specification. A hole that is too wide will cause the number to dangle, and a narrow hole will cause the bumper to be destroyed during installation.
Comparison with metal analogues and silumin
Many drivers still choose silumin bolts, considering them more reliable. Silumin is an alloy of aluminum and silicon. It is indeed stronger than plastic, but has one critical drawback: fragility. When you try to unscrew a rusted silumin bolt, it often breaks inside the thread.
Plastic bolts for license plates in this regard they behave more predictably. Even if they are deformed, it is easier to drill or burn them out without damaging the threads in the body. In addition, silumin oxidizes over time, and a whitish coating can ruin the appearance of an expensive bumper.
Galvanized steel bolts are a classic, but they rust. After 2-3 years of use, the cap becomes corroded, and unscrewing such a bolt becomes torture. Plastic is completely free of this drawback. The only thing in which the metal wins is the melting point, but for a license plate this is not critical.
Why doesn't plastic melt?
The melting point of engineering plastics (polyamides) is about 220-250°C. It is almost impossible to heat the bolt to such a temperature during vehicle operation, even in hot climates or when brake systems are operating nearby.
Common mistakes during selection and installation
Upon purchase plastic bolts for license plates Car enthusiasts often make mistakes that negate all the benefits of the product. The most common of them is ignoring the length of the threaded part. If the bolt is too short, it will not engage the nut in the body.
Another mistake is using the wrong washers. Standard metal washers can have sharp edges that, when tightened, cut into the plastic and destroy it. It is better to use the plastic or rubber washers included in the kit, or use a soft gasket.
Also, don't skimp on quantity. If the kit comes with 4 bolts and you need to secure two frames (front and back), it is better to buy two sets. Using old, cracked fasteners along with new ones is a bad idea and will result in a skewed number.
- ❌ Purchase of bolts without a quality certificate and indication of plastic markings.
- ❌ Using a metal tool for final tightening without controlling the force.
- ❌ Ignoring the condition of the thread in the mating part (nut in the body).
Remember that high-quality fasteners It doesn’t cost much more than usual, but it saves you from a lot of problems in the future. Properly selected and installed polymer bolts serve for years without requiring maintenance.
Can plastic bolts be used in winter?
Yes, high quality plastic bolts for license plates, made of polyamide, are designed for operation at temperatures down to -40°C and below. They do not lose elasticity and do not crack from vibration in the cold, unlike some types of steel.
What to do if you lose the key to the anti-vandal bolts?
If the key is lost, it will not be possible to rent a room without damage. You will have to carefully drill out the bolt head with a metal drill, being careful not to damage the thread. After this, the number can be removed and a new set of fasteners installed in its place.
Will plastic bolts withstand high pressure washing?
Absolutely. Fasteners Made of plastic, they fit hermetically to the surface of the license plate and body. Water and chemicals from the sink do not penetrate under the bolt head, which additionally protects the threads from corrosion. Plastic is not afraid of moisture and aggressive chemicals.
Do plastic bolts need to be lubricated before installation?
Lubricating the threads with graphite or lithium grease is possible, but not necessary. The main thing is not to use grease or oils, which can destroy the structure of some types of plastic. If the threads are clean, the plastic bolt will tighten easily and without lubrication.