Can I Drill My Number Plate?

10 Feb

As a leading supplier of customised number plates, our customers often ask us questions about how they should attach their number plate onto their vehicle.

Have you ever wondered; can I drill my number plate?

We will outline everything you need to know in this article, which we hope provides more clarity on the topic.

Contents

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Can I drill my number plate?

Private plates can be expensive, so you need to take care when you are handling and attaching them to your vehicles.

So, can I drill my number plates?

No, we do not recommend drilling your number plate yourself, if you are not confident about DIY.

If you drill the number plate incorrectly, you could crack the plate or break the sealant.

Avoid drilling your number plate from front to back, as this will damage your plate.

We highly recommend consulting a professional (such as ourselves at Bespoke Plates) to minimise the risk of damaging your private plate.

Can you drill through gel number plates?

No, we strongly advise against drilling through gel number plates, as this could cause serious damage to the letters and numbers.

If you need advice on how to stick on your gel number plate, we at Bespoke Plates offer a full installation service and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Are number plates self-tapping?

Yes, number plates can be attached using drill fixings known as self-tapping screws.

Self-tapping screws drill their own holes when they are screwed into materials such as wood, plastic and metal.

A self-tapping screw features a drill point, which drills a hole and form the mating threads in a single operation.

They are ideal for combining two different types of materials or for screwing in areas where access is only one-sided.

How do I stick my number plate onto my vehicle?

At Bespoke Plates, we offer a full fitting service, so our experts can support you with the installation of your number plate and answer any questions you may have. We also sell the accessories you need to stick a number plate onto your vehicle.

Can I stick number plates on without using screws?

Yes, it is possible to stick number plates onto your vehicle without screws. Using a self-adhesive to stick a number plate on will keep out dirt, water and chemicals. Now, let’s discuss some of these methods.

Using adhesive sticky pads

At Bespoke Plates, we sell double-sided sticky pads which you can use to stick your number plate on to your vehicle.

Opt for double-sided sticky pads which are water resistant.
Sanitise the plate and your vehicle surface with rubbing alcohol.
Remove the backing of the sticky pads.
Apply these sticky pads to the rear of the plate, making sure the positioning is correct.
Press down firmly for at least 10 seconds.
Position the number plate in the correct place.
Check that the number plate is secured properly and won’t fall off when driving.

Using heavy-duty VELCRO® to stick the number plate on

Alternatively, you can also use heavy-duty VELCRO® to stick your number plate onto your vehicle.

Follow the steps below:

Sanitise the number plate and your vehicle surface with rubbing alcohol
Stick the Velcro onto the number plate, making sure no debris gets caught on the Velcro.
Press down firmly for at least 10 seconds.
Position the number plate in the correct place.
Check that the number plate is secured properly and won’t fall off when driving.
Using adhesive glue.
Choose a strong adhesive glue which is water resistant.
Santise the plate and your vehicle surface with rubbing alcohol.
You can use a heat gun to warm up the adhesive glue.
Add a few drops of glue to the corners of the number plate, taking care not to burn yourself with the hot glue.
Position the number plate in the correct place.
Check that the number plate is secured properly and won’t fall off when driving.

Screwing your Number Plate on with Screws

If you prefer, you can secure your number plate using screws. You will need an electric drill for this, as well as screw fixings.

At Bespoke Plates, we sell a screw pack, which will help you stick your number plate onto your vehicle.

If you no longer need your old plate, you can use it as a template to attach your new number plate.

To screw on your number plate using screws, follow these steps below:

Place the new number plate flat on a surface, on top of the old number plate. Make sure both registrations are facing upwards.
Then tape the plates together with masking tape, making sure the edges match up.
Put the plates face down on the surface.
Grab an electric drill and hold the plate firmly.
Drill a hole in each corner of the plate. The drill should go through all the way.
Remove the masking tape and protective film of the plates.
Using a screwdriver, screw your new number plate onto your vehicle, using either your old screws or new ones.
Make sure the screws are tightly in place, but not overly tightened.
If you can’t use your old number plate, you need to calculate the positions of the holes by yourself. Use a ruler to measure where the holes are in your old plate. Use this measurement to replicate this on your new number plate.

How do I remove my old number plate?

Remove the plastic screw covers (if applicable) with a screwdriver.
Unscrew the number plate.
Loosen and remove the adhesive pads underneath the plate.
Polish the new number plate with a soft, clean cloth, to remove fingerprints and any acrylic residue.

What NOT to do when sticking number plates onto a vehicle

Do not use sticky pads or adhesive glues that are not water-resistant. The sealant needs to withstand all weather conditions.
Take care not to scratch your car’s paintwork when you stick on the number plate.
Do not attach the number plate with weak materials such as Blu Tack or Sellotape, as these are not secure enough to keep the plate from falling off.
Do not stick a number plate on if the vehicle (or the plate itself) is dirty, cracked or broken. Wipe away any debris from the car and the plate before you attach it on.
Do not yank the old number plate off with force. You will have to remove it carefully, especially if it is broken or damaged.
If you feel your number plate has loosened, try your best to secure it immediately or consult a professional if you are not sure what to do.
Do not stick a new number plate on your vehicle if it is a particularly hot day. Wait until the temperature has cooled, and then you can stick on the new plate.

What is a number plate holder?

A number plate holder offers protection for your number plate, while allowing it to be screwed onto the bumper without drilling through the plate and potentially damaging it.

At Bespoke Plates, we sell a number plate holder for only £13.00, which will protect your 3D or 4D plate from damage and offers fantastic security against criminals who steal number plates.

Purchasing a Number Plate from Bespoke Plates

At Bespoke Plates, our process is very straightforward:

Head to our website, and choose between 3D or 4D plates under the ‘build your plate’ tab.
Enter your registration for a preview of the plate.
Specify whether this will be a legal plate or a show plate.
Choose your style.
Select whether your plate will be for the front and back of your car or just one of them.
Select your size.
Select additional customizable options.
Have it delivered to your home.

What documents do I need to purchase a number plate?

When purchasing a number plate, you must prove that you are the registered vehicle owner. Hence, you will have to provide us with either:

the V5C logbook
the V5CNI logbook
V5C/2 or V5C/2NI new keeper slip
the V778 certificate

You must also bring a document to confirm your name and identity. These could be your:

driving license
current passport
National identity card
utility bill/Council Tax bill from the last 6 months
bank statement from the last 6 months
bank card/ credit card
financial statement from the last 6 months

About Bespoke Plates

As one of the established number plate makers in the UK, we at Bespoke Plates have all the options you can ask for. From 3D plates, 4D plates, standard number plates, and gel plates, we offer outstanding craftsmanship with every plate we produce.

We are an approved license vendor, so we can guarantee that your modification abides by the DVLA rules, whilst offering same-day collections and a full fitting service.

So, what are you waiting for? Browse our options today to get the plate that speaks to you, and speaks for you, with Bespoke Plates.

Want to read more about all things custom number plates? Check out our blog here.

To get in touch and discuss the full fitting service we offer with our plates, you can talk to one of our friendly team members by:

Email – info@bespoke-plates.co.uk

Phone – 0333 006 7878

Visit us in-store at 36A Broughton Street, Manchester, England, M8 8NN.

Follow Bespoke Plates on Facebook and on Instagram here.

We hope to have provided valuable information, whilst also answering the question ‘can I drill my number plate?’