deskthority

1. The holes in the metal plate are somewhat larger than the bolts, since you're not supposed to tighten the bolts to much, what keeps the plate from sliding around?

2. My metal plate is rusted. Should I sand the rust away or leave it? Will it rust more if I leave the rust that is already there or if I sand away any kind of coating there may be?

1. It won't slide, trust me. The trick is a clean hole in the center of the stud.
2. There isn't a coating. Sand away.

if you have a dremel or other "rotary tool", use the wire wheel to remove rust. after you have it all off, apply a coat of rust preventing paint.