How to remove an immoble, rusty, stripped-headed screw?

[FTL_Ian]

So I was inspired by Kurt's freedom to travel arrest to remove the NH plates from my crappy car and put on a Shire plate.  When I attempted to remove the old plates, I discovered that the screws holding them on are rusted and not budging.  Every time I try to turn them, shavings from the heads are removed, making it more difficult. 

I'm not sure what to do.

[JJ]

Lube and vice grips.  Turn slowly and stop if it is slipping.  For lube use WD40 or similar penetrating oil.

[Jim Johnson]

So many choices.

1.  JJ's penetrating oil is a good start.  Twist the screw back and forth until it loosens.
2.  I have a hand impact screw driver that works well... it's fun cause you get to wack it with a hammer. 
3.  Many times the license plate screw is screwed into four replaceable plastic mounts.
4.  Grind off the screw heads and deal with what is left.
5.  Chisel off the screw heads... because you don't have a grinder.
6.  Put the new plates over the old plates with two sided foam tape.

[Coconut]

  When I attempted to remove the old plates, I discovered that the screws holding them on are rusted and not budging. 

Maybe it's God (Or the law of attraction) telling you not to drive around without license plates 

[violence]

kroil is the best, but anything will work

if that doesn't work, get the screw hot, like with a torch... get it nice and red and it'll come out.

if that doesn't work get a drill and drill it out.

[CJS]

 
  Chances are you have plastic mounts / molly's holdingthe screws/plate to the car . If so bust the screw head off and chisel the plastic mounts out ... they are pocket change to buy at any parts shop.

 

[Toadstool]

PB BLASTA!

Then get a screw driver which fits the screw HELLA good, maybe a bit over sized.  then grab said trusty hamma. and tap your screw driver while turning it and PUSHING in toward car, screw... hitting it hard is key and making sure not to slip the driver.

if you can get it.  Im in merrimack nh.  lmk  I;ll do it for you. I got welder and plasma cutter... lol we can hook up RIGHT up...
Maybe leave with a turbo? and stuph.
Peace and GL!

[Puke]

Dynamite.

[Recumbent ReCycler]

I would soak it in PB Blaster, then use one of those screw-out tools or a reverse drill bit.  I have both at home, but I'm not sure how I could gett  them to you, unless you don't mind waiting  a while.

[Russell Kanning]

is Ian "Free to Travel"? we shall see

[cathleeninnh]

I saw this on an infomercial back when I had tv. The tool possibly is marketed "as seen on tv". Worked like a charm on the tube there. No matter how rusted or stripped or whatever.

Good luck.

Cathleen

[Lloyd Danforth]

I replace the car at the first sign of a likely to brake screw.

[JonM]

An easy-out or grabit (http://www.aldn.com/grabit/) at the hardware store, or a vise grip if you can get it around the head of the screw easily.

[liftsboxes]

Jaws of Life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYs2eP2iGBY

[anthonybpugh]

flame thrower