Helpful Tips on How To Use a Dent Puller

No matter how small they are, dents can make any sleek vehicle look unsightly. They lower the resale value of your car, and they can also be pretty costly to repair. If you’re up for the challenge, however, you can always fix those ugly dents yourself by using a dent puller.

What Is a Dent Repair Kit?

A dent repair kit, or a dent puller, is a tool that can remove dents and dings from a vehicle’s body. There are different types of dent pullers, but most kits come with a suction cup puller, a metal rod, and a pulling mechanism.

Keep in mind that medium to large dents are hard to pull out, so dent repair kits won’t always work on them. Also, if there’s any chipped, cracked, or split paint, the kit isn’t going to work well.

Medium to large dents are hard to pull out. If there is also any chipped, cracked, or split paint, the dent removal kit is not going to work well.

–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

How To Use a Car Dent Repair Kit

Using a dent repair kit for the first time can be scary, but it’s actually a pretty fun DIY project once you get the hang of it. Here are some helpful tips on how to use a dent puller:

Clean the Area First

It’s always best to start with a clean surface, so go ahead and give your vehicle a good rinse. Then, go in with a microfiber towel and warm, soapy water. As you gently scrub the dirt away, make sure to rinse the cloth every now and then to get rid of particles that might scratch your car’s paint.

Use the Right Size Pulling Tab

Make sure you’re using a dent-pulling tab that’s close to the size of the dent. A small tab won’t work on a large dent, so compare the sizes before you stick it onto your car.

Apply the Adhesive

Using a glue gun, apply a thin layer of adhesive onto the suction pads. Warm up the glue first, but make sure it doesn’t get too hot. Using hot glue on your vehicle’s body can cause your paint to chip and pull off.

Let the Glue Set for a While

Five minutes should be enough for the glue to set, but don’t rush to pull the tab off just yet. Touch the glue to check if it’s ready. If it’s still soft to the touch, you’ll need to wait for a few more minutes until the glue is completely hard. Shielding the glue from direct sunlight can also help it set better.

Pull the Dent Out Slowly

Once the dent-pulling tab is secured over the area, slowly squeeze the handle. Keep going until the dent is no longer noticeable. You might have to use a smaller dent-pulling tab until the dent becomes flush.

Use Alcohol To Remove Leftover Glue

Dent-pulling tabs typically leave behind glue residue when you detach them from your vehicle. Whatever you do, do not scrape them off with your fingers. Just spray rubbing alcohol on the edge of the glue, and use a plastic scraper to peel it off.

Use a Dent Hammer on High Spots

You might end up with some high spots if you’re using a DIY dent puller kit. To fix this, use a dent hammer and a plastic tap-down tool to gently flatten them.

How Does a Dent Puller Work?

Most dent pullers work by sticking threaded studs and pulling tabs on the dented surface. Then, a pulling bar or bridge is attached to the pull tabs, while a metal rod is inserted through the pulling keys with a gripping tool. This gripping provides a reverse pulling force that allows you to pull the dent out.

What Are the Different Types of Dent Pullers?

You’ll find all kinds of dent puller tools on the market, but here are the most basic categories:

Pulling Style

This style is typically used to fix superficial dents that haven’t damaged the paint yet. It makes use of tools that attach to the dent, such as pulling tabs.

Tapping Style

Tapping style kits are most useful for cases where you can access the backside of the dented body panel This kit typically requires you to use a hammer to gently tap the dent from behind to push it out.

Rod Style

Rod-style kits are for more complex dents in tighter spaces where a hammer won’t fit. The kit comes with a long rod that you’ll have to slide behind the body panel to push the dent gently.

What Are the Advantages of Using a Dent Puller?

Hiring a professional to fix your vehicle is almost always the best option, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself. There are even some advantages to using a dent puller on your own, such as the following:

Quick Repair

By using a dent puller to fix your own vehicle, you don’t have to deal with long queues at repair shops anymore. It’s also a relatively quick process. You can buy a dent repair kit in the morning and repair your car on the same day.

Cost-Efficient

Hiring a professional to fix the dents on your car can be costly, especially if you’re dealing with a lot of damage. If you’re on a tight budget, a dent puller kit is a great way to fix your car that won’t break the bank.