License plate security bolts

[kulwen]

I head out this morning at 6:00 to go teach a MSF course and notice my license plate was missing. The stock plastic screws were laying on the ground. Does anyone have experience with some bolt that I can use to prevent this from happening again? If so, a link would be helpful.

Thank you,

 

[beerme]

The usual chain stores usually have something along those lines in the automotive section. Regular parts store may or may not have better selection, but the security screws you seek are out there. I bought some at Wally World and/or K-mart that use a special little wrench included in the package. Sorry for your loss. I know the feeling. :angry:

 

[tcfjr]

McMaster-Carr sells bolts with a special head pattern that work only with a matching driver bit, both only available from McMaster-Carr. Not exactly cheap, but much more secure than a pin-in-torx head:

Here's the blurb from their catalog:

High-Security 18-8 Stainless Steel Button Head Socket Screws
These tamper-resistant button head screws and installation bits have a unique configuration and are available only from our catalog. This limited availability prevents tampering that can occur with other more common security driven fasteners. Button heads provide a low profile head. Length is measured from under head. Class 3A thread fit. Made of 18-8 stainless steel, which offers excellent corrosion resistance. May be mildly magnetic. Rockwell hardness is B83. Minimum tensile strength is 80,000 psi.

The bolts are around $1 a piece, and the driver bit is $13. Search their site for "99355A623".

They sell pin-in-torx screws for around $7 per 25. Search their site for "Pin-in Torx Screws". Driver bits for these are widely available.

It's easy to waste an hour or two browsing the McMaster-Carr web site.

 

[jwilly]

Why not a 1/4" bolt with double nuts on it? I mean hell if they want it that bad let'em take it.

JW

 

[pawtracks]

Just about any auto parts store (Autozone, Schucks, Napa, etc...) sells a security screw for license plates.

BUT if you can buy it so can the low life thief who wants your plate.

I have several different security allen wrenches in my tool box from various kits over the years (nothing too special about them).

If you can't lock your bike in a garage I would think an allen bolt with a nylock nut on the back side will make them choose an easier target next time.

 

[BikerGeek99]

You could always rescue one of Michael Vick's pit bulls and leave it chained to your FJR.

I think that'd be a good deterrent.

Just a thought.

 

[Calimus]

This is where I treat my bike like my wifes convertable VW. I'll keep the nylon thumb screws because if someone wants the plate, they can have it. I can report it stolen and get another. Put something on there that a theif can't quickly deal with, I might come out to a pushed over bike. Same reason that when we take the convertable anywhere, we leave it unlocked. They can have the $40 radio and the $20 speakers. It will cost me $1k to replace the top they will normally just cut through or at least $300 for even the smallest peiece of glass they will shatter.

Then again, this is always why we don't take the vertable out much and nothing of value ever stays in the vertable or on the bike.

 

[zenwhipper]

I head out this morning at 6:00 to go teach a MSF course and notice my license plate was missing. The stock plastic screws were laying on the ground. Does anyone have experience with some bolt that I can use to prevent this from happening again? If so, a link would be helpful.
Thank you,

If you do the Helibar install... you could somehow re-appropriate the ignition tamper proof bolts that are neccessary to cut off. Nah, never mind stoopid idea.

 

[Geezer]

Or, you could just use a couple of pop rivets in addition to the normal bolts. I guess they could still rip the plate off if they don't mind damaging it but it would slow them down as much as special secure bolts.

 

[ngarider]

Gunny on 'just let 'em have it' -- why worry? DMV will reissue, and show yours as stolen. You might land some ******* a night in jail for dicking with your bike. No bike damage, no problem.

 

[dj bill]

park outside,what the hell is that,if it would fit down the hallway it would be at the foot of our bed at night.i feel for you,if you dont have aaa,people who dont live in cali dont understand,there are still folks missing from a trip to the dmv.sssssllllloooowwwwww as hell and lines like a prison.good luck

 

[Calimus]

Oh well, us southern folks have that figured out. We just get some carboard and write Tag Stolen and slap it on the bike. Cops won't bother ya.

Same works for a new-used car that there are no plates for. Just use Tag Applied for and some more carboard and you are good to go. Just don't try to recreate a dealer tag, for some reason, if you attempt to make it look official, they will nail your *** to the wall.

 

[Rob]

This is where I treat my bike like my wifes convertable VW. I'll keep the nylon thumb screws because if someone wants the plate, they can have it. I can report it stolen and get another. Put something on there that a theif can't quickly deal with, I might come out to a pushed over bike. Same reason that when we take the convertable anywhere, we leave it unlocked. They can have the $40 radio and the $20 speakers. It will cost me $1k to replace the top they will normally just cut through or at least $300 for even the smallest peiece of glass they will shatter.
Then again, this is always why we don't take the vertable out much and nothing of value ever stays in the vertable or on the bike.

And you are Assuming the the **** heads that are going to break in are smart enough to TRY the door handle before cutting into the top?

park outside,what the hell is that,if it would fit down the hallway it would be at the foot of our bed at night.i feel for you,if you dont have aaa,people who dont live in cali dont understand,there are still folks missing from a trip to the dmv.sssssllllloooowwwwww as hell and lines like a prison.good luck

You know there was a post the other day about a guy who parks out side and gets mice under his seat. Try chaining a Cat to the bike. May not save your plate but it will keep the mice away.

 

[kulwen]

Got some great ideas. Thanks everyone.

I will let you know how I attach my next plate.