The Latest Tools and Techniques in the Paintless Dent Repair Industry
Apr 28th 2023
Hail storms cause upwards of $15 billion in damage every year. For this reason, paintless dent repair is a booming industry. It has the advantage of restoring vehicles to their original form, which is good for quality and resale value.
But not all paintless dent repair (PDR) shops are created equal. There are many different tools and techniques available today to help produce the best possible outcomes, and to do so more efficiently.
Below are a few of the most innovative tools to consider for your repair shop, and the techniques to employ when using them. Keep reading to find out if they are the right fit for you.
Quality Prop Rods
One of the most important paintless dent repair tools is prop rods. You can use these to reach into tiny spaces between panels. This can help limit the prospect of having to remove panels, which can save your technicians tons of time and effort.
Carbon fiber rods are a great tool for repairing dents without damaging the paint. They are made from lightweight yet durable carbon fiber that will not bend or break under high pressure. The material also contributes to meticulous control of the repair process.
Carbon fiber rods come in different sizes and lengths. They are very versatile––you can use them on a variety of vehicles.
Collision-Grade Glue
Glue pulling has many advantages. It is one of the least invasive methods of paintless dent repair options. It also does not remove e-coatings or corrosion protection applied to the dented vehicle.
Glue pulling works by adhering specialty-designed taps to the dent. This allows technicians to manipulate the surface to its original form.
The operation relies on the quality of the tools you are using. Having high-quality, collision-grade glue tabs will guarantee success, producing a smooth contour and saving your team lots of time.
Quality Knock Downs
As their name suggests, knock downs, also known as “tap downs,” are used to knock down the edges of a dent. This relieves the tension on the edge of the dent, softening it for a better contour and repositioning. It also allows you to flatten the dent without damaging the paint.
Stainless steel is a good option for these components. It is durable and will not rust or corrode over time. Also, having a variety of tips will allow you to attack any PDR project you face.
Precision Hammers
PDR hammers are often used when a pulling system fails to achieve the results you need. These usually have special weights and contours to make banging out a dent seamless. They are often made of aluminum but coated with nickel or another sealant.
Quality hammers also usually come with machined-in grips and paddles. They can double as a precision knock down tool for some jobs. Having a quality one in your shop is essential for the most difficult dent repair challenges.
Find Quality Dent Repair Equipment Near You
Now that you know some of the latest tools and techniques in paintless dent repair, you can determine which ones are best for your business. For more information or advice particular to your repair shop, consult a reputable PDR retailer.
At Metalmedic Commando, we stock the latest PDR tools available, and they are all North American-made. We also have been working in the industry for more than 30 years, and have a wealth of knowledge about the latest, most innovative dent repair technology. Take a look at our extensive online inventory or reach out to us today with any questions.