I am trying to remove the screws on the rear number plate which are rusted and a screwdriver can't be used. I have managed to get a decent grip on one of the screws with mole grips; but  the screw just turns round without unscrewing. Is there a nut on the end of the screw which is causing  the problem?

THANKS

It will be a plastic clip on the other side that just turns when you try to remove it  you need to get inside to hold it 

1 hour ago, kesher said:

I am trying to remove the screws on the rear number plate which are rusted and a screwdriver can't be used. I have managed to get a decent grip on one of the screws with mole grips; but  the screw just turns round without unscrewing. Is there a nut on the end of the screw which is causing  the problem?

THANKS

I've put loads of plates on over the years. I have never used a nut/bolt for that purpose. Always just a plain old self tapping screw. I fear your only solution is once you have the mole grips on the screw head, is to give it a sharp pull towards you. Obviously the thread has long gone. If they have used cheapo steel screws instead of stainless steel, they'll just rust away...

EDIT

Obviously a difference of opinion 🤣 Just choose whichever solution you feel is the best for you...

1 hour ago, kesher said:

I have managed to get a decent grip on one of the screws with mole grips; but  the screw just turns round without unscrewing. Is there a nut on the end of the screw which is causing  the problem?

I fear that you have the problem of a poor quality steel screw being rusted in to the factory fitted 'Nutsert' which is now just spinning round in the hole of the thin metal tailgate. They were never really intended to be used with a steel screw, but were designed to be used with the typical yellow M5 plastic number plate bolts.

You have only two options.

1. Cut/Grind the head off the bolts, and then fit the replacement plate using double sided sticky number plate pads. or you could refit using self tapping screws and drill the rear panel and screw direct in to the steel.
2. Alternative solution is to remove the inside tailgate trim and gain access to the rear of the nutsert fixings, You can then clamp them with mole grips to stop them spinning and the try and unscrew the bolt from the outside.

or possibly previous used anti tamper screws if so only option is to drill or grind them out

2 hours ago, unofix said:

I fear that you have the problem of a poor quality steel screw being rusted in to the factory fitted 'Nutsert' which is now just spinning round in the hole of the thin metal tailgate. They were never really intended to be used with a steel screw, but were designed to be used with the typical yellow M5 plastic number plate bolts.

You have only two options.

1. Cut/Grind the head off the bolts, and then fit the replacement plate using double sided sticky number plate pads. or you could refit using self tapping screws and drill the rear panel and screw direct in to the steel.
2. Alternative solution is to remove the inside tailgate trim and gain access to the rear of the nutsert fixings, You can then clamp them with mole grips to stop them spinning and the try and unscrew the bolt from the outside.

I'd prefer to try option 2; but how do I remove the inside tailgate trim (the main piece), I can't see any screws/bolts ?

9 minutes ago, kesher said:

I'd prefer to try option 2; but how do I remove the inside tailgate trim (the main piece), I can't see any screws/bolts ?

This may help...

 

Remove the inside grab handle fixings from the rear trim panel.

Starting at the bottom edge of the panel "PULL" and it will start to come away. The panel is only secured using push fit clips and just pulling the panel will release them.