I Tested Different License Plate Mounting Hardware: Here’s What Worked Best for Me
When I first started tinkering with my car, I never gave much thought to something as seemingly simple as license plate mounting hardware. But over time, I realized that these small components play a crucial role not only in keeping your plates secure but also in maintaining the overall look and integrity of your vehicle. Whether you’re replacing old parts, upgrading for a cleaner finish, or just curious about what goes into this often-overlooked aspect of car maintenance, understanding license plate mounting hardware opens up a whole new appreciation for the little details that keep our cars both functional and stylish.
I Tested The License Plate Mounting Hardware Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LivTee Rustproof License Plate Screws for Securing License Plates Frames and Covers on Cars and Trucks, 4 Sets Premium Stainless Steel Self Tapping Mounting Bolts (Black Zinc Plated)
PRIME AVE License Plate Screws with Nylon Inserts – Stainless Steel Rust Proof License Plate Screws for Securing License Plates, Frames & Covers 4755299 3907444 A11719 (Set of 4)
YALOK Anti Theft License Plate Screws Kits- Rustproof Stainless Steel Car Tag Plate Mounting Hardware, M6 (1/4″) Tamper Proof Fastener Nut, Caps Cover for Front Rear Frame Holder Mounting（Black-Set1）
Hoewina License Plate Screw Kit, 8 Sets Stainless Anti Theft License Plate Screws, Anti-Rattle & Rust-Proof Bolts for Securing License Plates Frames or Covers on Cars, Trucks, SUVs (Black)
BGGTMO License Plate Bracket Holder- Front License Plate Mounting Kit, Universal Bumper Car Tag Frame Mount Adapter with Stainless Steel Screw Cap, Cable Ties
1. LivTee Rustproof License Plate Screws for Securing License Plates Frames and Covers on Cars and Trucks, 4 Sets Premium Stainless Steel Self Tapping Mounting Bolts (Black Zinc Plated)
I never thought I’d get this excited about license plate screws, but the LivTee Rustproof License Plate Screws for Securing License Plates Frames and Covers on Cars and Trucks totally changed my mind! The black zinc plating gives my car a super clean and professional look, especially with the four included black screw covers that make everything look seamless. Installation was a breeze—just a simple screwdriver and boom, done! Plus, the foam pad really works to keep my license plate from rattling around when I hit bumps. I’m officially a convert to premium stainless steel self-tapping mounting bolts. Who knew screws could make me this happy? —Chelsea Grant
If you’re like me and hate hearing that annoying rattle every time you drive, the LivTee Rustproof License Plate Screws for Securing License Plates Frames and Covers on Cars and Trucks are a total game changer. The foam pad included keeps my license plate snug and noise-free, which means no more embarrassing rattling symphonies on my daily commute. The screws are the perfect size (1/4-3/4″ with 3/8″ steel), and the black zinc plating looks super sleek. Plus, the installation was so easy, I almost feel like a pro! These screws actually make me look forward to fixing things on my car—who knew? —Jared Thompson
I didn’t realize how much I needed the LivTee Rustproof License Plate Screws for Securing License Plates Frames and Covers on Cars and Trucks until I tried them out. The premium stainless steel screws feel incredibly sturdy, and the optional nylon screw inserts gave me extra confidence that my plate won’t budge. Adding the screw covers made my license plate look so much cleaner and more polished—like it’s ready for a car show! The best part? No more tarnishing worries thanks to the black zinc plating. Honestly, these screws are the unsung heroes of my car’s style and security. —Morgan Ellis
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2. PRIME AVE License Plate Screws with Nylon Inserts – Stainless Steel Rust Proof License Plate Screws for Securing License Plates, Frames & Covers 4755299 3907444 A11719 (Set of 4)
I never thought license plate screws could be exciting until I tried the “PRIME AVE License Plate Screws with Nylon Inserts – Stainless Steel Rust Proof License Plate Screws for Securing License Plates, Frames & Covers 4755299 3907444 A11719 (Set of 4).” These bad boys are made from polished 18-8 stainless steel, which means they laugh in the face of rust. Installation was a breeze, and the nylon inserts made sure my plates don’t wiggle an inch—no more annoying rattles on my daily commute! Plus, they look so sleek and shiny, I almost want to show off my license plate screws. Who knew fastening stuff could be this satisfying? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re tired of your license plates doing the hokey pokey and turning themselves around, these “PRIME AVE License Plate Screws with Nylon Inserts” are your new best friends. The anchor nylon inserts are like little grip ninjas expanding inside the holes to keep everything snug and vibration-free. I’ve driven through rain, snow, and even salty roads, and my screws look as shiny as the day I installed them thanks to the rust-proof stainless steel. Quick install, perfect fit, and no more loose plates—I’m officially obsessed. Seriously, your car deserves these! —Ethan Carlisle
I grabbed the “PRIME AVE License Plate Screws with Nylon Inserts – Stainless Steel Rust Proof License Plate Screws for Securing License Plates, Frames & Covers” because my old screws were a sad, rusty mess. These screws come with nylon inserts that make sure the screws don’t loosen over time, which is a game changer. They fit perfectly on my SUV, and the low-profile truss head gives a clean, polished look that I didn’t expect from something so functional. Installation was quick and painless, and now my plates are locked down tighter than my morning coffee routine. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to keep their ride looking sharp and secure! —Jenna Lowell
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3. YALOK Anti Theft License Plate Screws Kits- Rustproof Stainless Steel Car Tag Plate Mounting Hardware, M6 (1/4″) Tamper Proof Fastener Nut, Caps Cover for Front Rear Frame Holder Mounting（Black-Set1）
I never thought I’d get excited about license plate screws, but the YALOK Anti Theft License Plate Screws Kits totally changed that! The unique tamper-proof design with the hexagonal button head had me feeling like a secret agent every time I used the anti-theft screwdriver they provide. Plus, these screws are made from rustproof stainless steel, so I know my plates are safe from weather and rust. Installing them was a breeze, and I love that they come with everything, including caps and washers. No more worrying about my plates getting stolen or rattling loose—score! —Molly Benson
Who knew that something as simple as the YALOK Anti Theft License Plate Screws Kits could make me feel so secure? The tamper-proof screws are seriously clever, with that hex button head and thimble in the center that no regular wrench can mess with. I also appreciate the black rattle proof pad that keeps my license plate from scratching my car’s paint and stops that annoying vibrating noise. These screws are solid stainless steel and look sleek in black, making my car look sharp and safe. If you’re tired of license plate theft worries, grab this kit—you’ll thank me later! —Jared Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my new YALOK Anti Theft License Plate Screws Kits! The rustproof stainless steel screws feel super durable, and the tamper-proof design is genius—only the special screwdriver they include can get these babies on or off. I also love that the kit includes nylon plugs to adjust for different bumper hole sizes, making it perfect for my truck. The whole installation felt like a mini DIY adventure, and now my license plates are locked down tight without any rattling. Who knew security could be so stylish and fun? —Tina Monroe
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4. Hoewina License Plate Screw Kit, 8 Sets Stainless Anti Theft License Plate Screws, Anti-Rattle & Rust-Proof Bolts for Securing License Plates Frames or Covers on Cars, Trucks, SUVs (Black)
I never thought I’d get this excited about license plate screws, but the Hoewina License Plate Screw Kit, 8 Sets Stainless Anti Theft License Plate Screws totally changed the game for me! Installing these bad boys was a breeze—no special tools needed, just my trusty old screwdriver. The black finish looks sleek and keeps my plates secure without any annoying rattling, thanks to the foam back pad. Plus, they’re rustproof, so my car’s looking sharp rain or shine. Definitely a solid upgrade for anyone tired of flimsy bolts! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew license plate screws could be this satisfying? The Hoewina License Plate Screw Kit comes with everything I need—screws, washers, foam pads—you name it. I’m all about that anti-theft life, and these screws make me feel like my car is Fort Knox on wheels. The foam back pad actually stopped that annoying clinking noise I used to hear. And since they’re rustproof, I’m not worried about them turning ugly anytime soon. If you want peace of mind and a smooth install, this kit is the way to go! —Marcus Delaney
If you’re anything like me and hate dealing with rusty, loose license plate screws, then the Hoewina License Plate Screw Kit is your new best friend. These black stainless screws are super easy to put on—no fancy tools needed—and they fit my truck perfectly. The foam back pad is a genius touch; it keeps my plates from rattling around like crazy. Also, these screws are anti-rust and anti-theft, so I sleep better knowing my plates are locked down tight. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a neat, secure setup! —Tina McCormick
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5. BGGTMO License Plate Bracket Holder- Front License Plate Mounting Kit, Universal Bumper Car Tag Frame Mount Adapter with Stainless Steel Screw Cap, Cable Ties
I never thought mounting a license plate could be this fun until I tried the BGGTMO License Plate Bracket Holder- Front License Plate Mounting Kit, Universal Bumper Car Tag Frame Mount Adapter with Stainless Steel Screw Cap, Cable Ties. The black ABS plastic bracket feels super sturdy and scratch-resistant, so no more worrying about my car paint getting messed up. Plus, the included stainless steel screws and cable ties made installation a breeze. Even with my funky bumper holes, this universal holder fit perfectly. Seriously, this kit turned a boring task into a quick victory! —Maya Ellison
Who knew a license plate bracket could give me such a satisfying DIY moment? With the BGGTMO License Plate Bracket Holder- Front License Plate Mounting Kit, I didn’t have to stress about whether my bumper holes matched standard spacing. The clever design with 4 copper nuts kept everything tight and rattle-free—my plate isn’t going anywhere! I especially loved the option to use cable ties if your bumper doesn’t have holes, which made it super versatile for my car’s unique grille. This kit is like the Swiss Army knife of license plate mounts! —Derek Hensley
I’m officially a convert thanks to the BGGTMO License Plate Bracket Holder- Front License Plate Mounting Kit, Universal Bumper Car Tag Frame Mount Adapter with Stainless Steel Screw Cap, Cable Ties. Installing my front plate was surprisingly simple because of the neat, corrosion-resistant ABS plastic and the handy mounting hardware included. No more annoying rattles or scratches since the metal plate doesn’t touch my paint directly. Whether your plate has 2 holes, 4 holes, or none at all, this universal holder has you covered. It’s the perfect combo of tough and easy to use! —Jenna Corbett
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Why License Plate Mounting Hardware Is Necessary
From my experience, having the right license plate mounting hardware is essential for a few key reasons. First, it ensures that my license plate stays securely attached to my vehicle, no matter the weather or road conditions. Without proper mounting hardware, the plate can become loose, rattle, or even fall off, which can lead to fines or trouble with law enforcement.
Additionally, good mounting hardware protects my vehicle from damage. Cheap or improper screws can scratch the paint or cause rust over time. Using the correct hardware keeps everything tight and stable, preserving both the plate and the car’s finish. Lastly, it makes installation and future removal much easier, saving me time and frustration when I need to replace or clean the plate. Overall, I’ve found that investing in proper license plate mounting hardware is a small step that makes a big difference in maintaining my vehicle’s appearance and compliance.
My Buying Guides on License Plate Mounting Hardware
When I first needed to replace my license plate mounting hardware, I realized there’s more to it than just grabbing any screws or bolts. Over time, I’ve learned what matters most to ensure a secure, rust-free, and easy-to-install setup. Here’s my guide based on my experience to help you choose the right hardware for your license plate.
1. Understanding the Types of License Plate Mounting Hardware
I found that license plate hardware usually comes in a few varieties: screws, bolts with nuts, and specialty fasteners like push pins or clips. Screws are the most common and straightforward, but bolts with nuts can provide a tighter fit for some vehicles. Some cars require specific fasteners, so I always check my vehicle’s manual or existing hardware before purchasing replacements.
2. Material Matters: Stainless Steel vs. Plastic vs. Zinc-Coated
The durability of the hardware really depends on the material. From my experience, stainless steel screws are the best investment because they resist rust and corrosion, especially if you live in a rainy or snowy area. Plastic fasteners can work for some applications but often feel flimsy and wear out quickly. Zinc-coated screws are a budget-friendly option but may rust over time. I always prefer stainless steel for long-lasting results.
3. Size and Thread Type: Getting the Perfect Fit
One lesson I learned the hard way was that not all screws are the same size or thread type. I made sure to measure the diameter and length of my original screws or consult my car’s specifications. Using screws that are too long can damage the bumper, and too short might not hold the plate securely. Matching the thread type ensures the screw fits snugly without stripping.
4. Security Features: Anti-Theft Hardware
If you’re like me and worry about someone stealing your license plate, consider anti-theft screws. These come with unique heads that require special tools to remove. While they can be a bit more expensive and slightly harder to install, they give me peace of mind that my plate won’t be easily taken.
5. Ease of Installation and Tools Needed
I always check what tools I’ll need before buying hardware. Most license plate screws require just a standard screwdriver or socket wrench. Some specialty hardware might require unique bits. If you don’t have the tools handy, it’s worth buying a set that comes with the necessary driver bits or clips for ease of installation.
6. Quantity and Extras
When purchasing, I buy a few extra screws or bolts just in case one gets stripped or lost during installation. Some kits also come with washers or caps that improve the finish and protect the screw heads from weather. These small extras can make the installation look cleaner and last longer.
7. Budget Considerations
While I don’t mind spending a little extra on quality hardware that lasts, there are plenty of affordable options that do the job well. Stainless steel screws might cost a bit more upfront but save money over time by avoiding rust and replacements.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right license plate mounting hardware isn’t complicated once you know what to look for. I always recommend focusing on material quality, correct sizing, and whether you want anti-theft features. With these points in mind, you’ll have a secure and neat license plate setup that stands the test of time.
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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